State Sen.

Bob Robbins, R-50th, recently introduced legislation that would preserve benefits for Pennsylvania's National Guard members disabled in the line of duty.Under current law, members disabled in the line of duty, and no longer able to perform their duties in the Guard, are disqualified from participating in the Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program, even if they were taking classes prior to being deployed."This legislation will correct an oversight to the law and will ensure that disabled Guardsmen and women are provided an opportunity to receive an education and become productive members of their community," said Robbins. "It is my pleasure to introduce this legislation on behalf of the many men and women who are serving in harm's way to ensure our freedom."Robbins said the Educational Assistance Program provides a free college education for up to five years in exchange for six years of service in the Pennsylvania National Guard. This program has become the Guard's biggest recruitment tool, Robbins noted.Under the National Guard Educational Assistance Program, guard members can attend any university in Pennsylvania, public or private. However, tuition assistance cannot exceed tuition charged by State System of Higher Education schools.Robbins' measure has been referred to the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.State Sen.

Mary Jo White, R-21st, announced that the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on Tuesday will conduct a public hearing on mine safety beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Harrisburg.Scheduled to testify at the hearing are Secretary of Environmental Protection

Kathleen McGinty, former Secretary of Environmental Protection

Dave Hess, as well as representatives of the United Mine Workers of America and the Pennsylvania Coal Association.White noted that state Sen.

Richard Kasunic, D-Fayette, has introduced Senate Bill 949, which would amend the Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Mine Act. The legislation was drafted in response to the Quecreek Mine accident.A hearing agenda, witness testimony and transcript will be posted on White's Web site at www.senatormjwhite.com/environmental.html as it becomes available.State Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, at a Tuesday news conference announced his support for including a line item in the 2006-07 state budget to help fund Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies throughout the commonwealth."Being on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County for the past few years, I have had the chance to see first hand the types of benefits this organization brings to Butler-area youths," Ellis said."By providing Big Brothers Big Sisters with state funding through next year's budget, we can ensure that all of those children who need the support and influence of responsible adults in their community — many kids who just need a friend they can count on — will get the chance to benefit from the Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring Initiative."Several other states offer funding to Big Brothers Big Sisters programs in their state budgets, Ellis noted.Ellis was joined at the capitol news conference by state Reps.

Doug Reichley, R-Berks, and

Craig Dally, R-Northampton, as well members of the organization.For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit the national Web site at www.bbbsa.org.U.S. Rep.

John Murtha, D-Johnstown, and state Auditor General

Jack Wagner on Tuesday announced their endorsement of

Jason Altmire, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 4th District.Altmire, of Allegheny County, a former UPMC executive, is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Rep.

Melissa Hart in November.

Georgia Berner, a business owner from Zelienople, is also seeking the Democratic nomination.