08/24/2026
The children of our service members sacrifice so much so that we can continue enjoying the freedoms we've been blessed with. I'm proud to work with Rep. Arvind Venkat to expand state support for these kids as a thank you for that sacrifice.
Here's the press release regarding our legislation:
Venkat, Grimm Krupa, to Introduce Legislation to Support Children of Military Service Members
Will expand tuition assistance for children of those who were injured or died in service
HARRISBURG – To recognize the extraordinary service of service members who have sacrificed for the nation, state Reps. Arvind Venkat and Charity Grimm Krupa have announced their intention to introduce bipartisan legislation that would expand tuition assistance for the children of military service members with extraordinary service records.
Current law, which has not been updated for nearly 40 years, allows the children of veterans with extraordinary service records to receive $500 in tuition assistance for higher education per semester. This new proposal would triple that support to $1,500 per semester and cover gaps in eligibility for federal or state tuition assistance.
“Our military service members and their families have made some of the most difficult sacrifices anyone can, including risking their own lives for the future of our nation,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “This legislation will help ease the financial burden on military families and expand access to education while also recognizing the service and sacrifice that protect our freedoms.”
Eligible children for this assistance include those of combat veterans who were killed in action or died subsequently from their injuries in the line of service, declared missing in action, taken prisoner of war, awarded the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart, or certified as 100% disabled due to combat.
Grimm Krupa has a rich family history of military service. Her father served in the Army, and two of her brothers served in the armed forces -- the Army and the Marine Corps, respectively.
“Freedom has never been free, and the families of our military heroes know that better than most,” said Grimm Krupa, R-Fayette. “When a parent makes the extraordinary sacrifice of serving our nation, that sacrifice is intimately felt by their children as well. I am proud to support this legislation because expanding this educational benefit is a meaningful way to honor that sacrifice and tell these families that Pennsylvania remembers, appreciates and stands with them. We can never fully repay those who have sacrificed to protect our freedom, but we can help give their children the opportunity to build a bright future.”
This legislation, upon introduction, will mark the second bill Venkat has introduced this legislative session to support the education of military families. Act 32 of 2025, legislation proposed in collaboration with state Rep. Craig Williams, R-Chester/Delaware, was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro in July of 2025.
Venkat and Grimm Krupa are currently circulating the proposal among their colleagues to seek support for the measure. They intend to introduce the legislation in the near future.
