Jun. 28, 2016
HARRISBURG – Led by majority chairman Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee approved legislation to strengthen an important state program that assists veterans and their families in their time of need.
“This bill would provide greater opportunities to further address the needs of our dedicated veterans by funding important programs,” Barrar said. “It would allow the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to solicit and receive contributions from foundations, tax-exempt organizations, estates and veterans’ service organizations.”
Senate Bill 1226, sponsored by Sen. Randy Vulakovich (R-38), would streamline and improve both the Veterans’ Emergency Assistance Program and the Pennsylvania Veterans Trust Fund. It would:
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Ensure uniformity with the administration of grants from the Veterans Trust Fund and the Veterans Temporary Assistance Program.
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Clarify that any charitable organization with the primary mission of serving veterans is eligible for grants.
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Provide that the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs administer the funding.
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Allow the department to use funds to sponsor training or informational programs for veterans with the limitation that only up to 10 percent of the balance remaining in the fund on Oct. 1 of the previous year can be used for this purpose. |
Established in 2012, the Veterans Trust Fund provides grants to statewide charitable organizations that assist veterans, veterans’ service organizations and county directors of veterans’ affairs to support their efforts to assist veterans in need of shelter and other necessities of living.
The bill is now awaiting 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
SteveBarrar.com /
Facebook.com/RepBarrar