Robbins: Senate Addresses Health Savings Accounts, Home Schooling and Military Assistance

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Senate last week passed several important pieces of legislation, including enhancing Health Savings Accounts, supporting home schooled students and assisting families in the military, Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) said today.

"The Senate has taken action on several issues that are important to my constituents and me. I was pleased we were able to move these bills along and closer to becoming law," said Robbins.

Health Savings Accounts

Act 48 of 2005 allows employers and individuals to set up Health Savings Accounts -- accounts designed to give Pennsylvanians more control of their health care. Health Savings Accounts apply to high-deductible policies designed to cover big expenses, freeing up regular health insurance to cover more routine expenses at lower cost. Currently, only interest and withdrawals are tax-exempt.

The Senate last week passed legislation expanding the tax-saving benefits of Health Savings Accounts. Senate Bill 854 would allow Pennsylvanians to set up Health Savings Accounts exempt from state Personal Income Tax -- in other words, contributions would be tax-free.

"Health Savings Accounts put consumers in charge of their health care, and this bill would give Pennsylvanians one more incentive to choose to establish an account," said Robbins.

Support for Home School Students

A bill that would open extracurricular activities to home educated students is now headed to the Governor for final approval. Senate Bill 361 would give home schooled students the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities such as clubs, music ensembles, sports and theatrical productions.

According to the Department of Education, 24,415 students were enrolled in home education programs in 499 districts in the 2002-03 school year. Currently, 236 districts do not permit home schooled students to participate in any extracurricular activity, and 260 do not allow home schooled children to participate in curricular programs.

"This is about what's best for children and what is fair for parents," said Sen. Robbins. "The parents of home schoolers pay school taxes just like everyone else and their children should be able to take part in programs that allow them to expand their life experiences."

Military Family Relief

Earlier this year, legislation was passed (now Act 40 of 2005) that will place a check-off box on state income tax returns to write in voluntary contributions for needy military members and their family.

Sen. Robbins was instrumental in Senate passage of the legislation that would establish the administration of the program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. House Bill 1179, the Military and Family Relief Act, would give the Department direct authority to handle and distribute the funding to eligible veterans.

"It is my hope that this bill will provide the Department with the proper authority and flexibility to help provide for the needs of truly needy members of the military and their families," said Robbins.

Senate Bill 361 now heads to the Governor for his approval. Senate Bill 854 and House Bill 1179 now head to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

CONTACT: Nate Silcox (717) 787-1322