FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
03/15/2005
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Pippy: Lawmakers Unveil Legislation to Help Servicemen and Women
Proposals address education, jobs, tax relief 

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Legislature is poised to consider a collection of bills providing new benefits for Pennsylvania's soldiers and veterans, according to state Sen. John Pippy (R-37).

The measures range from assistance in employment and paying for an education to tax exemptions and additional days of paid leave, Pippy said.

            "Our servicemen and women have been asked to do more and more in recent years, but the support they receive for their sacrifices has not kept up the same pace," said Pippy. "This comprehensive package of assistance will not make their jobs any less dangerous, and it won't shorten an arduous tour of duty. But it will provide some practical help as they face their challenges as citizen-soldiers."  

            The package includes: 

·        Senate Bill 880 -- Employer Tax Credit for Guard members.

·        Senate Bill 262 -- Education loan forgiveness for nurses at veterans homes.

·        Senate Bill 358 -- Allowing National Guard members participating in the Educational Assistance Program additional time to complete their education if called to active state or federal duty.

·        Senate Bill 869 -- Extending eligibility for health coverage of deployed soldiers who are full time students and return to school following release from active duty.

·        Senate Bill 871 -- Exempting military personnel on duty outside the Commonwealth from occupational assessment, per capita, poll and similar taxes.

·        House Bill 1069 -- Adding an additional 15 days of annual paid leave for PA National Guard members who are employed by the Commonwealth and its instrumentalities after returning from active duty.

·        House Bill 1261 -- Clarifying that PA National Guard members who are returning from active duty may not be penalized for renewing or reinstating vehicle insurance coverage.

Additional bills would provide education assistance and new health care support to service members. 

            "The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee have already acted on several of these bills, and I expect action on the rest to follow shortly," said Pippy. "It was an honor to serve in the military, and now it is an honor to work on behalf of those in uniform. We can never repay them for the sacrifice and the risk, but we can do our best to help out where we can." 

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CONTACT: Matt Campion (412) 571-3822

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