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For Immediate
Release
10/3/07
Contact:
Brian Grove
(717) 787-7428
Sen. Baker Floor Remarks
 Sen. Baker
Sen. Robbins
Senate Unanimously Endorses Baker Bill to
Improve Veterans' Outreach Programs
HARRISBURG – The State Senate today unanimously approved legislation to
improve outreach assistance and support programs for Pennsylvania's large
veteran population. Senate Bill 915 was sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker
(R-Luzerne), who serves as chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency
Preparedness Committee.
"This legislation was drafted with input from many veterans' groups and
represents a tremendous starting point for providing more coordinated and
proactive veterans' outreach and services," Baker said. "Our goal is to better
manage the continuum of services across state, county, and independent programs,
so that the men and women who have given so much to our country and
Commonwealth, can receive the support they need to regain their mental, physical
and economic health, to reconnect with themselves and their community and resume
productive lives."
Baker's legislation will provide financial assistance to the Veterans
Administration accredited service officer programs offered by nationally
chartered veteran service organizations. These include the American Legion,
AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and the Disabled American
Veterans.
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will coordinate
the program and work to enhance the availability of veterans' assistance
throughout the state, to measure performance and program outcomes, and most
importantly, ensure the continual improvement of services to Pennsylvania's
veterans' community.
"Historically, Pennsylvanians have answered the call to defend freedom in
astounding numbers. Our Commonwealth is home to one of the largest veteran
populations in the nation," Baker said. "I believe we have an obligation to all
veterans to ensure they have the care and resources they need to lead healthy,
productive lives."
Since August 1990, Pennsylvania has ranked fourth in the nation for the
number of armed service members serving on active duty with at least one in four
of today's soldiers returning from combat seeking federal Veterans
Administration compensation for service-connected injuries or illnesses.
"Given the complexity of the federal claims process, our large veterans
community, and the demonstrated success of similar efforts, the need for a more
effective veterans outreach program here in Pennsylvania is great," Baker said.
"I am pleased that this legislation received such tremendous support in the
Senate."
Senate Bill 915 now goes to the House of Representative for consideration.
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