South Central PA News

HARRISBURG – The state Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, chaired by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), recently approved several measures aimed at benefiting veterans and their families.

Mastriano expressed the importance of looking after veterans' families, stating, “Our veterans took care of us and our country while they were alive, so we want to take care of their families when they pass away.”

One of the approved bills, Senate Bill 1139, focuses on ensuring that deceased veterans' families are informed about federal burial benefits. Mastriano emphasized the significance of this bill, saying, “Our veterans earned their burial benefits by serving our nation... ensuring the family gains access to the veteran’s records and the veteran receives a proper farewell.”

Another approved measure, Senate Bill 973, involves creating the Pennsylvania Korean VALOR Act to provide rights and benefits to Pennsylvania residents who are Vietnam War veterans of the Korean armed forces and naturalized citizens of the United States. Reflecting on the federal Korean American VALOR Act, Mastriano highlighted the importance of extending benefits to allies who served alongside American veterans.

Additionally, the committee approved Senate Resolution 263, introduced by Mastriano, to encourage the Pennsylvania National Guard to partner with Sweden through the U.S. State Partnership Program. Mastriano believes that this partnership could enhance the training and growth opportunities for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard.

All three measures will now move to the full Senate for further consideration.

Those interested in learning more about Sen. Doug Mastriano can visit his website at SenatorMastriano.com or follow him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.