The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously passed a bill expanding the educational program offered to Guard members.

The proposed improvements have already moved through the House with broad bipartisan support, co-sponsored by Democrat Arvind Venkat of Pittsburgh and Republican Craig Williams of Chadds Ford. The companion Senate bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Pittsburgh and Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-Red Hill.

The PA GI Bill, or the Military Family Education Plan, was passed in 2019 and signed by Gov. Tom Wolf.

The Military Family Education Plan currently covers a service member or dependent for up to 10 semesters, or five years of schooling at school’s within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. That benefit can also be split between multiple family members designated by the Guard member.

Senate Bill 870/House Bill 865 would allow each six-year term to support an additional dependent, assisting Guard members in providing education for themselves if they choose and more family members, including a spouse or children. This is a clarification of existing legislation which does not state whether the benefit is renewable.

It also provides proportional benefits to members who were honorably discharged and allows for the benefit to be used toward refresher, remedial, and preparatory classes that serve as stepping stones toward other educational pursuits.

“As a U.S. Army veteran, I know how important education benefits are to service members,” said Sen. Pennycuick. “Expanding these benefits to encourage continuing education will further help our military personnel as they continue their career in the Armed Forces or return to civilian life.”