Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Venkat, Williams introduce bipartisan legislation to help put military family members through college

Venkat, Williams introduce bipartisan legislation to help put military family members through college

Rep. Arvind Venkat    March 13, 2025 | 4:34 PM

HARRISBURG, March 13 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Craig Williams have introduced a bipartisan bill that would award an additional college education grant to family members of Pennsylvanians serving in the state National Guard upon reenlistment or renewal of their service obligation.

The legislation (H.B. 865) would amend the Military and Veterans Code of the Commonwealth so that each time a guard member reenlists or renews their service obligation for an additional six-year term, the Military Family Education Program would again cover the cost of attending a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education school for a military family dependent.

“Pennsylvania National Guard members exemplify the best of our Commonwealth, and they and their loved ones deserve the kind of support available through the MFEP,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’m proud to partner with Representative Williams on this bill that helps young people receive a higher education and recognizes the service of those who protect all Pennsylvanians.”

"Those of us who have served, especially on deployment, know with our whole heart that military service is a full family commitment. Anything we can do to recognize, acknowledge and value that family sacrifice must be pursued. House Bill 865 extends education benefits to the families of those who continue their service in the Pennsylvania National Guard,” added Williams, R-Delaware/Chester. “I want our military families to know how much we cherish them. I’m proud to join Representative Venkat in this bipartisan effort to support our service members and their loved ones.”

The MFEP, known as the PA GI Bill, was signed into law in July 2019 and provides 10 semesters of tuition-free education for military family members. In its original form, it was unclear if that benefit could be renewed. House Bill 865 would make that benefit renewable with re-enlistment or renewal of a service obligation in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Williams is a United States Marine Corps veteran, having retired as a colonel after 28 years of service.