Nov. 03, 2016
HARRISBURG –
House Bill 2078, legislation authored by state Rep. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township) that would accelerate the process veterans, military members and their spouses must follow when attempting to maintain state teaching certification due to frequent moves, has been signed into law. Gov. Tom Wolf’s signature today advanced the bill to become Act 143 of 2016.
“I greatly appreciate the governor enacting this legislation that will allow qualified teachers to more quickly return to the classroom in Pennsylvania and be a tremendous benefit to their students,” said Phillips-Hill. “This is a great example of what is possible when someone chooses to get involved in the legislative process.”
Earlier this year, Marie Hyson of Red Lion reached out to Phillips-Hill at a memorial luncheon to discuss frustration with her effort to resume teaching after moving home to Pennsylvania following her husband’s retirement from the United States Marine Corps.
“Marie was facing what we both considered unnecessary roadblocks, even though she had been certified to teach in the state where they previously lived and just left teaching overseas in a Department of Defense school,” Phillips-Hill added.
House Bill 2078 would expedite processing of completed applications for permanent teaching certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and reduce fees associated with recertification for the following individuals:
• Member of the United States Armed Forces, including a reserve component or National Guard.
• Veteran.
• Spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces.
• Spouse of a veteran.
“I’d also like to thank state Rep. Pam DeLissio of Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, the bill’s prime co-sponsor, and the majority chairmen of the House and Senate’s Education committees, state Rep. Stan Saylor of Red Lion and Sen. Lloyd Smucker of Lancaster,” Phillips-Hill said. “House Bill 2078 wouldn’t have made it across the finish line without their help.”
Questions about this legislation or any state government issue should be directed to Phillips-Hill’s district office at (717) 428-9889 or 1-877-207-2272.
Representative Kristin Phillips-Hill
93rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com
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