Committee Approves Robbins' Bill to Provide Loan
Forgiveness to Veterans Home Nurses
Harrisburg – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Bob Robbins
(R-50) that would help state veterans homes in their efforts to
recruit and retain nurses was approved by a Senate committee today.
Senate Bill 911 would provide student loan forgiveness to nurses
who become employed at Pennsylvania's six state veterans homes.
"Care facilities across Pennsylvania are having trouble attracting
and retaining qualified nurses, and this problem is being particularly
felt by those who served their nation in the military," said Robbins,
a Vietnam War veteran. "Nursing is a fulfilling, noble profession, and
caring for those who defended our freedom is a special calling. This
bill will encourage more nurses to consider long-term employment at
state veterans homes."
Senate Bill 911 would provide newly hired nurses at state veterans
homes with reimbursement equal to the cost of tuition at the State
System of Higher Education. Nurses, in turn, would be required to work
in a state veterans home for at least five years. The legislation is
based on Pennsylvania's highly successful National Guard Educational
Assistance Program.
"This bill sends the message that Pennsylvania is committed to
nurses who make a commitment to Pennsylvania. The truth is, we're
encouraging them to stay in Pennsylvania and do their important work
here, where it is greatly needed," said Robbins.
Pennsylvania's six state veterans homes are:
- Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home (Erie County) Opened
1886; 175 beds
- Hollidaysburg Veterans Home (Blair County) Opened 1977; 514 beds
- Southeastern Veterans Center (Chester County) Opened 1986; 304
beds
- Gino J. Merli Northeastern Veterans Center (Lackawanna County)
Opened 1994; 200 beds
- Southwestern Veterans Center (Allegheny County) Opened 1997; 236
beds
- Delaware Valley Veterans Home (Philadelphia County) Opened 2003;
170 beds
Senate Bill 911 will head next to the Senate Appropriations
Committee before it is considered by the full Senate.
CONTACT: Nate Silcox (717) 787-1322
