For Immediate Release
September 21, 2005
Contact:
Joe Pittman
(724) 357-0151
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Legislation to Help Military/Vets Unveiled

Proposals address education, jobs, tax relief

The Legislature is poised to consider a collection of bills providing new benefits for Pennsylvania's soldiers and veterans, according to the Senators who introduced the legislation.

The legislation, unveiled at a Capitol news conference on Wednesday (September 21), includes a bill by Senator Don White to extend medical coverage for students called to active duty; a bill by Senator Bob Robbins to provide tax credits to employers who hire members of the National Guard or Reserves; and a bill by Senator James Rhoades to exempt military personnel from some taxes.

Senator White, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, said the legislation is intended to show Pennsylvania's deep appreciation for its military personnel and veterans.

"We are here today to detail legislation that is now – or soon will be – before the General Assembly to help our military personnel and veterans, as well as their families," Senator White said. "We are marshalling our forces and moving several bills intended to help our soldiers and our veterans by providing for their education and their well being."

Senator White is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 869, a measure that would extend the period that parents could keep students on their health insurance policies. Currently, most policies allow parents to include coverage for their children until age 23 as long as they are full-time students.

However, some members of our National Guard and Air Guard are being called out of the classroom to active duty for assignments that can last a year or longer. That active duty time means that many of those students will be unable to complete their studies before reaching age 23.

"My legislation would require insurance companies to allow these families to let the coverage lapse while the young person is on active duty and have it start back up when the student returns to school with an extension in coverage equal to that of the term of duty," Senator White said. "Families should not be penalized for military service and my bill would ensure that students can complete their studies without the added worry of losing their medical coverage. This legislation reaffirms our long-standing and heartfelt commitment to our veterans."

Senator Robbins is the prime sponsor of a bill that would provide a one-time $1,000 tax credit for hiring a member of the National Guard or Reserves, or for each current employee who re-enlists in the service.

"It is important that we provide for our citizen-soldiers by working with employers to encourage service in the National Guard and Reserves," Senator Robbins said. "Serving in the military requires a commitment from soldiers, their families and from employers, so it is only fitting that we reward those businesses that support the troops and their service to our Commonwealth and our nation."

Senator Rhoades is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 871, which would exempt military personnel on duty outside the Commonwealth from occupational assessment, per capita, poll or other similar taxes.

"This is a matter of fairness," Senator Rhoades said. "When our men and women are serving in important operations around the world, the last thing they should be worrying about is paying these taxes. They are doing more than their share by serving away from home and family. They shouldn't be asked to pay these taxes as well."

The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee reported out SB 869 at its Tuesday meeting, along with measures sponsored by Senator Robert Mellow and Senator Shirley Kitchen that would provide education assistance and new health care support to service members.