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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Amy
Giancoli Hartman |
State Rep. Edward
Wojnaroski Sr. |
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Wojnaroski introduces two bills to help military members and their families
HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 -- State Rep. Edward Wojnaroski Sr. has introduced two pieces of legislation designed to help Pennsylvanians serving in the military and their families.
The first bill (H.B. 571) would require employers to extend health insurance and other benefits for six months to employees called to active military duty. The second bill (H.B. 572) would exempt from the state's inheritance tax any property inherited from military personnel who died in combat since Sept. 11, 2001.
”The men and women of the armed forces selflessly put themselves in great danger to protect our country," Wojnaroski said. "These pieces of legislation would help demonstrate the high regard in which we hold them for their service."
Wojnaroski said he introduced the first bill because of concerns that members of the military and their families may lose health benefits when called to active duty.
"Current law only requires employers to continue providing benefits for 30 days when an employee is called or ordered to active duty. My legislation would cover that individual and, as a result, his or her family, for an additional 150 days, which gives them one less thing to worry about," he said.
The other bill would grant an inheritance tax exemption to families who inherit property from military personnel who die in combat. It is similar to a 1971 state law that granted tax exemptions on pay and allowances owed to military personnel during the Vietnam Conflict.
“As the proud father of a serviceman, I commend the brave heroes willing to fight, and perhaps die, to protect the United States and make our world a safer place,” Wojnaroski said. “As a legislator, it is my duty and my honor to protect the families of our fallen soldiers.”
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