May. 23, 2017
HARRISBURG – The Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and its chairman, Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), unanimously supported a bill that would support military families by permanently offering an option for Commonwealth residents to contribute all or a portion of their tax refund to the Military Family Relief Fund.
“Pennsylvanians have indicated their support of this critical program; out of the many tax refund check-offs available, this one brings in the most money,” Barrar said. “I thank each person who has given to it and support this bill for making it convenient for taxpayers.”
The committee also supported a bill that would update medical assistance rates for both basic and advanced life support ambulance services. The Medicaid reimbursement rate has remained the same since 2004, and the increases would more appropriately compensate the ambulance companies. Basic life support would be increased from $120 to $180, and advanced life support would increase from $200 to $300.
The final bill would protect military pensions for the men and women who are disabled. Currently, veterans are forced to forfeit their retirement pay to receive a disability benefit – forcing them to continually fight to sustain their disability.
As all bills received unanimous support in committee, they will now face a vote in the House.
To view footage of the House Veterans’ Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee’s meeting, click here.
Representative Stephen E. Barrar
160th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
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