State Senator Doug Mastriano | Pennsylvania
State Senator Doug Mastriano | Pennsylvania
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, led by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), unanimously moved forward five legislative measures aimed at supporting the Pennsylvania National Guard and honoring the state’s veterans. Mastriano noted, “Today’s committee action reaffirms our support for our military and veterans.”
Among the measures is Senate Bill 511, introduced by Mastriano, which seeks to designate July 27 as “Korean War Veterans Armistice Day” in state law. “The Korean War, fought from 1950 to 1953, has been overshadowed in history, labeled the ‘Forgotten War,’” Mastriano remarked. He emphasized the need to honor the sacrifices made by servicemembers, including the 36,000 Americans who lost their lives, 2,401 of whom were Pennsylvanians.
Senate Bill 64, put forward by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46), aims to create a Pennsylvania veterans business logo to promote veteran-owned businesses. Mastriano commented, “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.”
A third proposal, Senate Bill 308 by Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21), is designed to increase financial assistance for medical personnel, attorneys, and chaplains who serve in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Mastriano explained, “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.”
Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) introduced Senate Bill 417 to establish a public-private partnership within the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, facilitating a new Service Members, Veterans and Families Fund. Mastriano praised the innovative approach, stating, “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, proposed by Sen. Judy Ward (R-30), intends to 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,” Mastriano said. “We can and must do better for these veterans.”
These bills will now move to the full Senate for further debate and consideration.
Alerts Sign-up