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For Immediate Release
November 21, 2007
Contact: Brian Grove
bgrove@pasen.gov
(570) 675-3931
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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."
PLEASE NOTE – to hear Senator Baker's audio remarks on Senate
Bill 915, please go to
www.pasenategop.com.
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