Legislation to Help Military, Vets and
Families Enacted
New Laws Increase Benefits, Provide Assistance, Help
In Education
The General Assembly has passed and the
Governor has signed into law several measures that
significantly upgrade the benefits for veterans, members of
the Pennsylvania National Guard and reserves and their
families, according to of the Senate Veterans Affairs and
Emergency Preparedness Committee Chairman Don White (R-41st)
and Vice Chairman Bob Robbins (R-50th).
-
Act 83 of 2005 provides that military
reservists -- who had their education interrupted because of
military duty and are now again enrolled in college -- can
continue to use their parents health insurance beyond the
maximum age set in their parents' insurance policy.
-
Act 82 of 2005 extends eligibility
requirements for the National Guard Educational Assistance
Program for up to one year for members of the Guard who are
activated.
-
Act 65 of 2005 provides for the
administration of the Military Family Relief Assistance Fund
by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Applicants must show an immediate financial need as a result
of the military service of the service member.
-
Act 62 of 2005 adds an additional 15 days of
annual paid leave for National Guard and reserve members who
are employed by the Commonwealth and its instrumentalities,
when engaged in training or other military duty under orders
by federal or state law.
-
Act 60 of 2005 prohibits insurance companies
from penalizing deployed soldiers who elect to defer their
motor vehicle insurance while deployed out of state.
-
Act 59 of 2005 increases the death benefits
for personnel who die as a result of performance of state
active duty from $50,000 to $100,000, and includes heart
attacks as a compensable line of duty death during state
active duty.
-
Act 40 of 2005 established a check-off box
on state tax returns for donating to the Military Family
Relief Assistance Fund.
-
Acts 20 and 21 of 2005 allow certain
deployed National Guard members and reserves to purchase for
$1 hunting and fishing licenses, respectively.
-
Act 19 of 2005 allows prisoners of war
(POWs) to purchase hunting licenses for $1.
"We must never forget all of the
Pennsylvanians who have served our nation in the past and
the thousands now serving around the world. It is not easy
for them to put aside their civilian lives and leave their
families, yet they do, and they serve with honor. These new
benefits are our way of showing our deepest appreciation for
their service," Senator White said.
"These new laws will not make their jobs any
less dangerous, but will provide some practical help as they
face their challenges as citizen-soldiers," said Senator
Robbins. "As long as our service men and women are in
harm's way, I am looking forward to assisting them in any
way possible."
