South Central PA News

HARRISBURG – The state Senate today approved legislation introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) to help the grieving families of deceased U.S. military veterans access their federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial benefits.

"The men and women who served our country in the military deserve to be laid to rest with dignity and respect," Mastriano said. "Many families are unaware of the VA burial benefits for veterans. My goal is to ensure more veterans and their families can access these benefits, which the veterans earned through service to our country."

Mastriano’s Senate Bill 1139 would require funeral directors, funeral parlors, or cemetery companies to notify the director of the county veterans assistance office when a veteran living in the county dies. They also would have to provide the deceased veteran’s family with contact information for the county director.

"This bill would promote communication between funeral parlors and the county veterans affairs offices so the grieving family can access the veteran’s burial benefits," Mastriano said. "A little bit of communication can make a big difference for these families during a difficult time."

Senate Bill 1139 now heads to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

Constituents of the 33rd District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.

Media contact: Josh Herman

717-787-9603