HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to reduce the educational challenges faced by children of National Guard and Reserve members was unanimously approved today by the Senate Education Committee.
Military families face frequent reassignments, posing educational challenges for children transitioning between schools in different states. Senate Bill 209 will give children of National Guard and Reserve members the same help provided to those of active-duty military families through the Military Interstate Children’s Compact. The compact provides a consistent set of policies that make getting started in a new school, joining extracurricular activities and meeting graduation requirements as easy as possible for military children.
“Having had young children during my military service, I know firsthand the challenges military families can face,” Pennycuick said. “Children of National Guard and Reserve members are burdened with challenges similar to those faced by children of active-duty parents, especially when their families are required to move because of service requirements. Expanding the same benefits of this interstate cooperation to more families will be a great help to these students.”
Pennycuick, a U.S. Army Combat veteran, was appointed to the State Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children earlier this year.
Senate Bill 209 now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Lidia DiFiore