Apr. 08, 2019
HARRISBURG – The House today passed legislation authored by Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon) that would equalize the pay received by members of the Pennsylvania National Guard to that which is received by their U.S. Army counterparts.
Ryan’s bill would require that pay for deputy adjutant generals and general officers in command positions permanently employed by the Commonwealth are to be equivalent to the federal military base pay. In addition to specifying the eligibility requirements and conditions for the pay increase, this measure also determines how the cost-of-living adjustment is to be calculated.
“This legislation is important because the Pennsylvania National Guard adjutant general and uniformed deputy adjutant generals earn significantly less than their active duty counterparts though they maintain the same military standards and comparable senior executive responsibilities,” Ryan said. “As a matter of fact, they can earn less than other soldiers two to three ranks their junior – depending on time in service.
“I would also point out that the deputy adjutant general position for the U. S. Army has been vacant for nearly three years and in today’s National Guard, relevant professionals are needed as many of the top candidates are unable to take large pay cuts to serve in the Pennsylvania National Guard. This legislation ensures the ability to attract and retain the best-qualified candidates for these positions.”
Representative Frank Ryan
101st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives