Senate Approves Sen. White's Military Survivors' Bill

Provides tuition-free education for families, enhances insurance coverage

The Senate today approved and sent to the Governor Senate Bill 1043, legislation introduced by Senator Don White, R-41st District and Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, which would provide tuition credits to spouses and children of Pennsylvania National Guard members who die while on active military duty.

SB 1043 was amended by the House of Representatives to include the language of House Bill 1068 to require the Commonwealth to cover all or a portion of the life insurance premiums for Pennsylvania National Guard members called to active duty to serve in a combat zone as well as those killed in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.

"This is a solid piece of legislation for Pennsylvanians serving in the military as well as their families. I am extremely pleased that the General Assembly acted to provide these important benefits to those serving and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," Senator White said.

Currently, only the children of members of the Pennsylvania National Guard who are killed or die as a result of injuries received while on State active duty shall be entitled to a 50 percent tuition credit at all Pennsylvania State-owned colleges or universities or approved trade schools.

SB 1043 would benefit the spouses of deceased Pennsylvania National Guard members who are killed while serving on Federal or State active duty. This legislation will increase the current benefit for children from a 50 percent tuition credit to a 100 percent tuition credit, while creating a 100 percent tuition credit for spouses to attend any Pennsylvania State-owned college or university, or approved trade school.

"We, as a nation and a Commonwealth, hold our service members and veterans in high esteem. We especially honor those who have given their lives in the call of duty. However, we also have a hallowed responsibility to care for those who are left behind," said Senator White. "This legislation will not end the pain that comes with the death of a loved one, but it is a way to help ease the emotional and financial burdens that families face after a tragic loss."

The new language amended into SB 1043 by the House amends Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated statutes to:

Increase the maximum coverage amount that may be purchased by Pennsylvania National Guard members under the voluntary group life insurance program from $100,000 to $400,000 for a National Guard member and from $25,000 to $100,000 for a spouse or dependent.
Require the Commonwealth to make payment to Pennsylvania National Guard members ordered to federal active duty in a zone of combat, or called to state active duty in response to a state emergency to cover any portion of a life insurance premium under the federal "Servicemen's Group Life Insurance" program (SGLI), that is not otherwise paid for by the federal government.
In the case of any Pennsylvania National Guard member killed in line of duty between September 11, 2001 and the effective date of this act, require the Commonwealth to pay the designated beneficiary an amount equal to premiums paid for Servicemen's Group Life Insurance for coverage up to the maximum allowable amount in effect at the time of death.

"It is essential that we assist our service members where we can and that we remember that the families of service members also share in those sacrifices," Senator White said. "This legislation provides important benefits to the families of Pennsylvanians make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country