Pennsylvania became a national leader in educational benefits for National Guard members when it launched the Military Family Education Program (MFEP) in 2019. The MFEP, similar to the well-known GI Bill, covers the cost of a state-system college education for a dependent of a member of the National Guard as a benefit for a six-year enlistment.
 
Now, six years on, many Guard members who benefited from the MFEP right out of the gate are deciding whether to enlist for another six years. There is a need to clarify that a Guard member is eligible for an additional MFEP assistance grant for additional dependents each time the member re-enlists. To that end, we are introducing a bill that will codify this MFEP benefit in the Military and Veterans Code of the Commonwealth.
 
Our National Guard is, without doubt, the best in the nation. We must continue to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of our Guard members and their families and incentivize their continued service to ensure we can keep the most talented men and women in our Guard ranks. Please join us in co-sponsoring this important effort.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0890: 51-3210.1