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For Immediate
Release
11/21/07
Contact:
Brian Grove
(717) 787-7428
Baker Bill to Improve Veterans' Outreach
Programs Headed to Governor
HARRISBURG – Legislation that would enhance outreach assistance and support
programs for Pennsylvania's veterans has passed the House of Representatives and
is on its way to the governor, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), who
sponsored the measure.
Baker, who serves as chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency
Preparedness Committee, said Senate Bill 915 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.
"Many veterans' groups helped to provide input on this legislation, and I
believe it 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."
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
Legislature and is headed to the governor for his signature."
Additional Information:
Veterans
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