In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to support Pennsylvania’s National Guard families by allowing a Guard member’s state education benefits to be applied toward repayment of a spouse’s existing student loans.
 
Pennsylvania has long led the nation in our support for those who serve.  Through programs like the Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP) and the Military Family Education Program (MFEP), our Commonwealth helps National Guard Members and their dependents pursue higher education.  However, these programs currently stop short of addressing one of the most pressing financial challenges military families face -- student debt.  Many spouses of our Guard Members entered marriage with existing education loans, yet current law doesn’t permit those loans from being paid off using their spouse’s (Guard Member’s) education benefits.
 
My bill aims to close this gap by creating a Spouse Student Loan Repayment Program administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).   Unused PA National Guard education benefits would be eligible to pay down a spouse’s student loans.  Payments would go directly to the loan servicer – ensuring proper accountability and fiscal integrity.  This legislation, which is a result of a hearing with the PA National Guard Association, would require no new entitlement and would operate within existing appropriations and benefit structures -- allowing DMVA to use already-authorized program funds.  Ultimately, it would help strengthen recruitment, retention, and morale across the Pennsylvania National Guard and recognize that strong families build strong service members.
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this commonsense, family-focused legislation for our service members and their loved ones.