HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today unanimously reported five measures that support the Pennsylvania National Guard and honor Pennsylvania veterans, according to Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), committee chairman.
“Today’s committee action reaffirms our support for our military and veterans,” said Mastriano, who served for 30 years in the United States Army.
Senate Bill 511, sponsored by Mastriano, would place July 27 into state law as “Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.”
“The Korean War, fought from 1950 to 1953, has been overshadowed in history, labeled the ‘Forgotten War,’” said Mastriano. “But we must never forget the extraordinary bravery, sacrifice and heroism of those who fought to defend freedom on the Korean Peninsula and halt the spread of communism. Today, we recognize their service and make this recognition permanent in state law.”
As a result of the Korean War, 36,000 American servicemembers lost their lives, including 2,401 Pennsylvanians. More than 92,000 were wounded, and more than 8,000 were declared missing in action, leaving their families without closure.
Senate Bill 64, sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46), would create a Pennsylvania veterans business logo to help promote veteran-owned businesses in the commonwealth.
“Many service members become entrepreneurs when they return to civilian life,” said Mastriano. “This measure provides a method for these veteran business owners to display their military pride as well as an opportunity for their customers to thank them for their service.”
Senate Bill 308, sponsored by Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21), would increase the financial assistance for medical personnel, attorneys and chaplains to enlist and serve in the Pennsylvania National Guard.
“The Medical Officer Incentive Program has been successful throughout the years, but as the National Guard experiences shortages in certain fields, it is imperative that we adjust,” said Mastriano. “Under the bill, reimbursement tiers would be based on educational attainment, allowing participants to receive higher reimbursements to help manage their student debt.”
Senate Bill 417, sponsored by Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48), would enact a public-private partnership within the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to finance a new Service Members, Veterans and Families Fund.
“I applaud the department for thinking creatively,” said Mastriano. “This legislation would permit the department to lease land to a private business. The proceeds would go toward financing valuable programming to benefit the Pennsylvania National Guard, their families and our veterans.”
Senate Bill 534, sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward (R-30), would increase funding for Pennsylvania’s Blind and Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension programs.
“It has been since 1999 that Pennsylvania last increased funding for this program that aids our disabled veterans,” said Mastriano. “We can and must do better for these veterans.”
The five bills now advance to the full Senate for further consideration.
Click HERE to view the video of the committee meeting.
CONTACT: Nate Silcox