Venkat, Williams: House passes bipartisan bill to extend Military Family Education benefits
Rep. Arvind Venkat May 14, 2025 | 3:50 PM
HARRISBURG, May 14 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation that would allow family of members of the Pennsylvania National Guard to claim additional education benefits each time the Guard member reenlists or renews their service commitment, the bill’s co-prime sponsors, state Reps. Arvind Venkat and Craig Williams, announced.
House Bill 865 would amend the state’s Military Family Education Program – also known as the Pennsylvania GI Bill – to clarify that the program’s education benefit is renewable each time a Guard member reenlists or renews their service obligation for an additional six-year term.
“Our military men and women sacrifice so much when they commit to serve, and their families also sacrifice each time they say goodbye to a loved one leaving for duty,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “The Military Family Education Program is an excellent way of giving back to these families while also boosting Guard recruitment and retention.
“As written, the existing law leaves some uncertainty regarding whether the education benefit is renewable. By making clear that the benefit is available each time a Guard member reenlists or renews their service commitment, our bill would give greater effect to this powerful program.”
“House Bill 865 honors the full scope of service that Guard members and their families provide,” said Williams, R-Delaware/Chester, who is a veteran and retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel. “By renewing education benefits with each reenlistment and allowing greater flexibility in how families use them, we’re delivering meaningful support to those who sacrifice for our Commonwealth and our country.”
The Military Family Education Program was signed into law in July 2019 and provides 10 semesters of tuition-free education for military family members. The benefit must be used at a Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency approved educational institution, and at the tuition rate set by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.