Oct. 10, 2018
HARRISBURG – The Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness (VAEP) Committee and its chairman, Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), unanimously voted in favor of legislation that would allow soldiers to transfer their college education benefits to either a spouse or child.
House Bill 2696 would amend the Pennsylvania National Guard’s College Education Assistance Program under Title 51 (Military Affairs) to allow the spouse or child of an eligible guardsman to use the soldier’s college tuition assistance program funds for a college education instead of the soldier. The bill would mirror changes made to the federal post-9/11 GI bill program.
“This bill makes the college education benefit a more effective recruitment and retention tool for our Pennsylvania National Guard, but also as great benefit to a family member of a Pennsylvania National Guardsman if the guardsman chooses not to use this education benefit,” Barrar explained.
House Resolution 1112, which Barrar drafted, also received unanimous support. It would beseech the federal government to recognize the importance of durable, flood-resilient infrastructure. It would help to reduce the risks and damage caused by disasters.
After receiving support from the VAEP Committee, both pieces of legislation move to the full House for consideration.
Also today, the House unanimously concurred on
House Bill 1414, which Barrar drafted to better protect tow truck operators by authorizing the use of emergency lights to increase other drivers’ visibility. The bill now advances to the governor for his signature.
To view footage of the House Veterans’ Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee’s meeting, click here.
Representative Stephen E. Barrar
160th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
SteveBarrar.com /
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