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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Richard Grucela |
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Grucela bill to prevent tuition, credit loss for military students passes House unanimously
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – The state House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation today that would ensure members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and other United States reservists would not be penalized academically if they are deployed before the end of a semester.
The bill (H.B. 1324), introduced by Rep. Richard Grucela, D-Northampton, now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Grucela introduced the legislation after learning of a situation where a reservist was faced with the possibility of re-deployment while in his senior semester in college and he would lose credit and tuition paid for the semester.
“Today we have many more young men and women getting called to serve their country at a time when they normally would be completing higher education,” Grucela said. “Their service is admirable and it should not interfere with their right to an education.
“Educational institutions should accommodate students who selflessly balance a military career and school. These young Americans are under enough pressure knowing they may not see their loved ones for long periods of time. Deployment should not come with the additional stress of losing out on tuition money or credits.”
The measure would allow any member of the Pennsylvania National Guard or other reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces to take an educational leave of absence.
If a Guard member or reservist was called to active duty, other than active duty for training, the educational institution in which the service member is enrolled would grant the member or their spouse a military leave of absence from their education without the loss of academic credits earned or forfeiture of scholarships or grants awarded prior to the commencement of the military duty.
Under the bill, educational institutions also would be required to refund tuition or fees paid, or to credit the tuition and fees to the next semester or term when the service member returns.
Grucela serves on the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and is chairman of the Subcommittee on Military and Veterans Facilities.
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CONTACT: Ann Collis |