Mastriano Shepherds Pro-Veteran Measures Through Committee

HARRISBURG - The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee yesterday approved three measures aimed at supporting Pennsylvania's 650,000 veterans, according to Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), who chairs the committee.

"Yesterday, we stood in support of those who served in uniform by protecting them from individuals or companies that charge to obtain veterans benefits, supporting federal efforts to fund traumatic brain injury therapies and establishing a veterans business logo," Mastriano said.

Senate Bill 1209, sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), would require individuals and organizations charging veterans for assisting with veterans benefits to register with the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

"First and foremost, Pennsylvania has 67 county directors of veterans affairs as well as hundreds of accredited veterans service officers that assist veterans in obtaining veterans benefits for free," Mastriano said. "I would urge veterans to utilize these services. If they choose to pay an individual or company for their services, this legislation sets important safeguards to protect them from exploitation."

Senate Resolution 245, sponsored by Mastriano, urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act, which would establish a three-year pilot program dedicated to developing and evaluating new neurorehabilitation treatments specifically for veterans with chronic mild traumatic brain injury.

"I'd like to thank U.S. Senator Dave McCormick for introducing this important bipartisan legislation," Mastriano said. "I am hopeful we can replicate this effort in Pennsylvania to support organizations like Aurelius in Harrisburg that are having great success in treating veterans with traumatic brain injuries."

House Bill 993, sponsored by Rep. John Inglis (D-38), would require the state DMVA to establish an official veterans business logo.

"Many service members become entrepreneurs when they return to civilian life," Mastriano said. "This measure provides a method for veteran business owners to display their military pride as well as an opportunity for their customers to thank them for their service."

Click HERE for the video from the voting meeting.

All three measures now proceed to the full Senate for consideration.

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