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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Senate approves educational support to military families The state Senate recently approved legislation which would ensure that families of Pennsylvania National Guardsmen and reservists called to active duty can also take educational leaves of absence. Current law already provides for such leaves for those serving on active duty. However, that same provision is not offered to spouses who must also relocate while their loved ones serve their country. Senate Bill 1199, however, would ensure that if an individual is required to leave an educational institution because of a spouse's deployment, he or she would not lose academic credits, scholarships, grants or other fees paid. In addition, the legislation would require educational institutions to refund tuition or fees paid or credit the costs to the next semester after the termination of the leave of absence at the option of the student. Because being called to active duty can disrupt a spouse's education and be a financial hardship for the family, the provisions of Senate Bill 1199 are common-sense measures that will help to ease those burdens on everyone. I strongly support the members of our armed forces and the sacrifices they and their families are making for their state and their country. I was proud to vote for this legislation, which now goes to the state House of Representatives for consideration. Regulatory Commission unveils new web site The state Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has revealed its new web site, designed to make it easier for the public to access to government regulations and related documents. IRRC reviews all Commonwealth agency regulations, excluding the Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission, to ensure the agency has the statutory authority to enact the regulation and that regulations are consistent with legislative intent and in the public interest. The Commission also gathers comments and input from the General Assembly and the public throughout the review process. All regulatory documents, including proposed and final regulations, public comments, legislative comments and the Commission comment and publications, are now available at www.irrc.state.pa.us, and are also keyword searchable. Individuals can also sign up through the web site for user-specific automatic email notifications of new regulations or new documents related to regulations. I am very pleased that so many positive changes are taking place to make all levels of government more open and accessible to the people and encourage everyone to stay informed and involved. Marketplace for the Mind The state departments of Agriculture and Education have created a unique resource for agricultural education materials and other information on agriculture and agribusiness. With just two percent of Americans engaged in farming today, each new generation is becoming more removed from the industry while teachers have a limited understanding of modern agriculture as well as a lack of current teaching materials. Despite the fact that agriculture remains Pennsylvania's number one industry, students are receiving limited teaching about the processes, business and value of agriculture. Marketplace for the Mind is an agricultural education initiative geared toward school-aged children to help them understand agriculture's importance to the state and community. The web site also contains links to information about education, special events, careers and local government organizations, as well as searchable curriculum materials. Brochures about Marketplace for the Mind are available at the Lititz District Office at 301 E. Main Street, 627-0036, or you can go online to www.marketplaceforthemind.state.pa.us for more information.
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