HARRISBURG – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32), along with Sen. Katie Muth (D-44), Rep. Karen Boback (R-117), and Rep. Chris Sainato (D-9) – the chairs of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees – highlighted the incredible work done for the benefit of veterans.
Veterans service officers (VSOs) provide free services to connect Pennsylvania veterans with the benefits owed to them for their service. The $3.2 million investment in the state budget to pay VSOs generates approximately $2.9 billion in additional federal funding for veterans that qualify for VA programs and disability pensions.
“Our veterans put their lives on the line to defend the American ideals we hold dear. For that, we owe them so much. Through veterans service officers, we are connecting veterans to the benefits and services they have earned,” Sen. Stefano, Sen. Muth, Rep. Boback and Rep. Sainato said.
All five major veterans service organizations – the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America – along with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs were represented.
The five organizations made VSOs available to discuss the work they do, at no cost, for veterans and their families as a part of Veterans Service Officers Day at the Capitol.
Video of Sen. Stefano’s remarks
Video of full press conference
CONTACT: Nathan Silcox, 717-787-7175, nsilcox@pasen.gov