Northhampton News

Pennsylvania state officials recently celebrated the success of the PA GI Bill, which was signed into law on July 1, 2019.

The bill was designed to help Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) members earn benefits so their spouses and children can receive low-cost or free higher education, according to a news release from the governor's office. The PA GI Bill authorized the Military Family Education Program (MFEP). More than 3,300 dependents of Pennsylvania Army and Air Guard members are registered in the program – the first of its kind in the United States. 

Rep. Scott Conklin (D-Centre County) spoke about the MFEP in the news release. 

"Two years ago, the legislature worked together in a bipartisan effort to pass the PA GI Bill, part of our commitment to the men and women who serve in the PA National Guard," he said. "The federal GI Bill has produced generations of leaders, including three presidents. Over time, I believe we will see similar benefits with our state program – which will not only help our veterans get the education they need but also in that the investments we make today in them will produce the leaders our state needs tomorrow. This is a wonderful program, and I am proud to have supported it."

The MFEP provides for 10 semesters of education for family members, to be used at a Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency-approved educational institution, the news release noted. The program "provides an education benefit that National Guard members can earn to transfer to their spouse or children if the service member reenlists for an additional six years of service." Spouses can use the benefit immediately or up to six years after the PNG member completes their service. Tuition rates are set by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

"The PA National Guard is one of the largest, hardest-working national guards in the nation," Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) said in the news release. "Whether it is foreign or domestic – peacekeeping missions or a pandemic – these dedicated service members never fail when it comes to serving our commonwealth and this nation. The backbone of the Pennsylvania National Guard is their families. It was imperative that Pennsylvania reward these soldiers and airmen by securing the future of their spouses and children, adding to a better quality of life for everyone."

State Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny County) spoke highly of the bill and said it is the type of legislation that made her want to serve in the Senate. 

"I've heard from National Guard members who have taken advantage of this program over the last few years, and this educational investment is helping their families achieve their dreams," she said in the news release. "I'm so proud to have been the prime co-sponsor of the legislation that created the Pennsylvania GI Bill, and I cannot wait to see the legacy of amazing work that these students create come to life. By honoring the commitment and service of our National Guard members and their families today with an investment in their education, we're creating the next generation of amazing Pennsylvanians."

 Nearly 2,900 Pennsylvania Army and Air Guard members have enrolled in the program since its inception.

"Our military families support their soldiers and airmen during many times of absence," Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the state's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said in the news release. "Thanks to the PA GI Bill, they are now able to plan for a higher education without wondering if they will be able to afford the tuition. Through this one-of-a-kind program, we have improved retention, strengthened our readiness, and improved the quality of life for our National Guard family members."

Staff Sgt. Kiara Rivera-Coia said in the news release that both she and her wife are enlisted in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and it was an easy decision to reenlist for another six years so they could provide educational benefits for their one-year-old son for the future.

"This education benefit has helped give both of us peace of mind, knowing our son will have options available to him when the time comes for him to attend college,” she said.