Mrvan Introduces Gold Star Family Education Parity Act
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced the introduction of H.R. 7549, the Gold Star Family Education Parity Act.
As a long-time supporter of Gold Star families, Congressman Mrvan introduced this legislation to improve the education benefits provided to veterans’ dependents and survivors in paying for educational expenses, including tuition, housing, and books. Specifically, the Gold Star Family Education Parity Act would make survivors and dependents eligible for superior education benefits, equivalent to those currently provided to veterans under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Benefits through the VA Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) (Chapter 35) program would still be available until 2028 as families transition to the new benefit program.
A Gold Star Family is defined as a parent, spouse, sibling or child of a service member who became missing in action or died as a result of their service during a period of war. Veterans’ dependents and survivors are eligible for benefits under the Gold Star Families Education Parity Act.
Congressman Mrvan stated, “This legislation honors our promise to Gold Star families by ensuring dependents and survivors receive the educational benefits that they deserve to obtain the degree, certification, or job training they desire. I am grateful to serve on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and look forward to continuing to advocate for educational opportunities for Gold Star Families and honoring their sacrifice and commitment to the strength of our nation.”
Robert Carnagey, past State Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Department of Indiana, stated, “It is the duty of all American citizens to band together and surround Gold Star Families with love, compassion and assistance as they work to move forward with their lives and support their family. I appreciate this initiative by Congressman Mrvan to continue support these families with educational opportunities during their time of need.”
Patti Nowaczyk, a Gold Star mother originally from Dyer, Indiana, stated, “I am the proud Gold Star mother of SSG David Nowaczyk, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on April 15, 2012. Gold Star families have lost so much, not to mention a parent and loved one but a person who contributed to the family both physically and financially. Without assistance, most of these gold star children will not be able to afford to go to college or obtain job trainings, so I support Congressman Mrvan’s legislation that will continue to help these families.”
Bonnie Carroll, Founder and President of Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS), stated, "TAPS is grateful to Rep. Mrvan for introducing the Gold Star Family Education Parity Act. Chapter 35 education benefits have been around before the Vietnam War and are significantly lower than all modern GI Bill benefits. The Gold Star Family Education Parity Act will sunset Chapter 35 and expand eligibility for the Marine Gunnery Sgt. John Fry Scholarship for all surviving spouses and children, which has been a long term legislative priority for TAPS."
The full bill text of the Gold Star Family Education Parity Act is available here.
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