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Health & Fitness

Legislation Supporting Veterans

The term “veteran” is derived from the Latin and often meant a person of long experience or skill.  After the American Revolution, the word came to be associated specifically with former soldiers of old age who had fought for independence.  As time has gone on, “veteran” has been used to describe any former member of the armed forces or a person who has served in the military. 

With the United States’ history of war, Congress originally passed a law in 1968 that Veterans Day would be nationally commemorated on the fourth Monday in October.  It soon became apparent that November 11th was a date of historical significance for many Americans due to the ending of World War I on this date, and Congress officially changed this national holiday back to November 11th in 1978.  Today, Veterans Day is still observed on November 11th as a national holiday to honor all veterans of the United States Armed Forces through participation in parades, ceremonies, and events that pay respect and honor our current and former servicemen and women. 

The Pennsylvania Legislature continues to look for ways to recognize our servicemen and servicewomen by passing legislation to help assist and distinguish the sacrifices so many individuals make on a daily basis.  I have highlighted some of the bills that may benefit many of the veterans in the Commonwealth: 

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·         House Bill 88 (HB 88) - This bill attempts to fix the loophole that certain entities have used to charge members of the Pennsylvania National Guard with multiple leave days for a single 24-hour period by requiring that the 15-day leave of absence for active duty military personnel working in civilian jobs to be applied to 15 individual 24-hour days.  The legislation passed the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously. 

·         House Bill 107 (HB 107) – This legislation would require that a veteran's military education, training and service experience be taken into consideration by certain Commonwealth agencies to determine whether a licensing or certification requirement has been met or can be waived due to the veteran's military education, training and service experience.  The bill unanimously passed the House of Representatives and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

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·         House Bill 972 (HB 972) – The bill provides that a veteran may obtain a fee waiver certificate for a peddler's license if they provide required documentation to their County Director of Veterans' Affairs.  The bill passed the House of Representatives unanimously and now awaiting consideration by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. 

·         Senate Bill 302 (SB 302) - The legislation attempts to professionalize, standardize, and expand the current tasks and duties of a county director of veterans’ affairs.  It would bring uniformity and expectations to a position that has only a broad overview as it is currently in law.  Directors will be required to maintain U.S. VA accreditation with either the DMVA or one of the veterans’ organizations.  This bill will also address training and certification requirements for the position.  SB 302 became law as Act 5 of 2013. 

·         Senate Bill 373 (SB 373) and Senate Bill 374 (SB 374) – These bills would allow the children and spouse of a Pennsylvania National Guard member killed in action to qualify for the state’s tuition waiver, even if the fallen soldier was not a Pennsylvania resident at the time of his or her death as long as the fallen soldier was a Commonwealth resident at any time during their service in the Guard.  The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously passed these bills. 

·         Senate Bill 403 (SB 403) – The legislation would assist the Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) in their efforts to recruit and retain military resident physicians by establishing the Military Physician Incentive Program.  This program would leverage current and anticipated Educational Assistance Program (EAP) funding to support this plan while maintaining full participation in EAP. The bill passed the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously. 

·         Senate Bill 586 (SB 586) – This bill requires the Commonwealth to recognize the wishes of a service member by making the DD Form 93 as the formal determination of who has the right to make the decision regarding the disposal of the service member’s remains if that person dies during service. This legislation became law under Act 45 of 2013. 

·         Senate Bill 886 (SB 886) – This legislation would protect the Medal of Honor against its diminution by those who falsely claim to be recipients of our nation’s highest military honor by having the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs create a database of Medal of Honor recipients. This bill passed the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously. 

·         Senate Bill 923 (SB 923) – This bill would preserve and expand the Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP), which will lose its primary source of funding at the end of 2013.  The MFRAP program, created in 2005, gives grants of up to $3,500 to Pennsylvania service members in need and their families and would be extended until June 30, 2020.  In addition, the program’s eligibility criteria would be expanded because the current guidelines are so narrowly drawn that participation is limited.  The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously passed the bill. 

·         Senate Bill 1115 (SB 1115) – The legislation clarifies that grants under the Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP) will be applied after the utilization of federal assistance programs such as the GI Bill and Federal Tuition Assistance. After federal programs have been applied, EAP grants will be awarded to eligible members for the remaining approved documented expenses up to the maximum amount provided by law. In addition, the bill will provide that EAP funds are to be used only for tuition/fees, room/board and books as long as such costs are documented by the educational institution.  The legislation unanimously passed the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. 

 

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