The Legislature is poised to consider a package of bills providing new benefits for Pennsylvania's soldiers and veterans.

The legislation, unveiled Wednesday, includes a bill by state Sen.

Don White, R-41st, that would extend medical coverage for students called to active duty.Additionally, a bill by state Sen.

Bob Robbins, R-50th, would provide tax credits to employers who hire members of the National Guard or Reserves.Another measure would exempt military personnel from some taxes.White, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, said the legislation is intended to show Pennsylvania's appreciation for its military personnel and veterans.State Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th, announced he is looking forward to working with members of the House of Representatives and Senate during a special legislative session slated to begin Wednesday to find ways to curb rising school property taxes."There are several tax reform plans on the table and this special session will allow all of us to give the problem of rising school property taxes the consideration it deserves," he said.Gov. Ed Rendell last week declared the special session."The goal of the special session will be to determine the property tax reform plan that meets the needs and best interests of the residents of the commonwealth," Ellis said. "I encourage all of my constituents to call me with any concerns or questions they have about any of the plans, including Act 72 and all of the other options out there."U.S. Sen.

Rick Santorum, R-Pa., this week introduced legislation prohibiting United States businesses and entities from buying nuclear fuel assemblies from any person, company or government that also sells nuclear fuel assemblies to Iran."Iran's support for terrorist organizations, its past record of nuclear enrichment deceit and its opposition to U.S. foreign policy objectives in the Middle East make Iran one of the most pressing national security issues facing the U.S. and the democratic countries of the world," Santorum said."The U.S. must take this important step towards eliminating nuclear activity in Iran. I believe that countries of the world should choose between trading with terrorist countries like Iran or maintaining good trade relations with the United States."The Pennsylvania Health Care Association this week praised U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, for introducing the bipartisan Medicare Nursing Facility Pay-for-Performance Act of 2005 in the House of Representatives.The measure seeks to tie Medicare payments made to nursing homes to the quality of care provided to patients."Just as we have championed the Nursing Home Quality Initiative, which is now being praised by the federal government for its effectiveness, we support Rep. English's legislation designed to ensure every Pennsylvania senior receives the best possible nursing home care," said Alan Rosenbloom, president and CEO of PHCA."Nursing homes that provide the best care should be publicly identified and deserve special financial status from the federal government."The legislation would phase in over two years the Medicare reimbursement incentive mechanism and give a 1 percent bonus above the market basket increase to nursing home facilities that perform in the top 10 percent in the first year.In the second year, facilities performing in the top 20 percent will receive a 1 percent bonus, with those in the top 10 percent receiving a total of a 2 percent bonus.After two years, facilities performing at the bottom percentiles would receive a 1 percent cut in total payments.The PHCA is a statewide organization representing about 300 long-term care and senior service providers.

Steven Porter and other Democratic congressional candidates last week completed three days of Washington meetings with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee leadership.Attendees discussed the congressional campaign next year and met with officials of political action committees representing leading organized labor unions.Porter is seeking the Democratic nomination in the 2006 primary, and hopes to again challenge U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, in next year's general election.The DCCC is the national Democratic campaign committee charged with recruiting, assisting, funding, and electing Democrats to the House of Representatives.U.S. Sen.

Rick Santorum, R-Pa., last week applauded his Senate colleagues for approving a resolution criticizing a federal court decision that ruled the Pledge of Allegiance in school is unconstitutional because it includes the phrase "under God.""The Pledge of Allegiance is a unifying force in this nation," Santorum said. "It draws all of us, regardless of race, religion, gender or national origin together in support of the common good."This decision is a prime example of why we need to put judges on the bench that will strictly interpret the law and not legislate from the bench."State Rep.

Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, will host a town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Penn Township Municipal Building, 157 E. Airport Road.For information, call Metcalfe's office at 724-772-3110.