South Central PA News

Senator Doug Mastriano has been reappointed as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee for the 2025-26 legislative session. The announcement was made by Mastriano himself, following his appointment by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward.

“I am honored to continue serving as chairman of this important committee,” Mastriano stated. He emphasized that taking care of veterans, national guard, and active-duty military personnel in Pennsylvania would be a top priority. He expressed his intention to collaborate with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and veterans organizations across the state to ensure proper care and benefits for those who have served.

Mastriano brings extensive experience from his 30-year service in the U.S. Army, where he retired as a colonel in 2017. His military career began in 1986, including service on the Iron Curtain with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in West Germany. He is also a combat veteran with deployments to Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

“With more than 30 years of military experience in the U.S. Army and his proven track record for addressing emergency matters, I am pleased to reappoint Sen. Mastriano to serve as chair of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee,” said Ward.

As committee chair, Mastriano will oversee legislation related to disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts within Pennsylvania. He acknowledged recent challenges faced by first responders due to increasing public safety demands and recruitment issues.

“Our brave first responders have faced significant challenges in recent years,” Mastriano noted. “From mounting public safety calls to issues of recruitment and retention, it has never been more important to ensure the General Assembly is passing legislation to give our first responders the tools and support they need.”

The committee supervises several agencies including the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and Office of State Fire Commissioner. During its previous session (2023-24), it advanced 42 measures with 11 becoming law.

“I am proud of the work we accomplished in the prior session, but more needs to be done," added Mastriano.

For further information about Senator Mastriano's initiatives or updates on his work, residents can visit his website or follow him on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter.