HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) today announced he has been reappointed by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) to serve as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee for the 2025-26 legislative session.
“I am honored to continue serving as chairman of this important committee,” Mastriano said. “Ensuring that we take care of our commonwealth’s veterans, national guard and active-duty military who have and continue to serve our nation will be a top priority. I look forward to working with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and veterans organizations across Pennsylvania to ensure those who fight for our freedoms are receiving the utmost care, benefits and services they have rightfully earned.”
Mastriano served 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a colonel in 2017. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army in 1986 and served on the Iron Curtain with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in West Germany. He’s also a combat veteran who was deployed to Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
“With more than 30 years of military experience in the U.S. Army and his proven track record for addressing emergency matters, I am pleased to reappoint Sen. Mastriano to serve as chair of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee,” said Ward. “Sen. Mastriano’s unwavering support for individuals who put themselves first for our country and cause make him an excellent choice to lead this committee.”
As chair of the committee, Mastriano will additionally oversee legislation dealing with the commonwealth’s efforts to prepare for disasters and respond to emergencies.
“Our brave first responders have faced significant challenges in recent years,” Mastriano said. “From mounting public safety calls to issues of recruitment and retention, it has never been more important to ensure the General Assembly is passing legislation to give our first responders the tools and support they need. Under my chairmanship, this committee will always have the backs of our police, fire and EMS personnel.”
The committee oversees the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Office of State Fire Commissioner.
During the 2023-24 Session, the committee advanced 42 measures – 11 of which became law:
|
Bill |
Sponsor |
Summary |
Law |
|
Watro |
Conversion of Military Credentials to Professional Licensure |
Act 13 of 2023 |
|
|
Burns |
Guarantees In-State Tuition for Deployed Military Families |
Act 14 of 2023 |
|
|
Mastriano |
Permits the awarding of Pennsylvania Medals to Allied Countries |
Act 16 of 2023 |
|
|
MacKenzie |
Creates a “Keystone Award” for First Responders |
Act 11 of 2024 |
|
|
Mastriano |
Excludes Veterans Compensation from being included in the calculation of income |
Act 27 of 2024 |
|
|
Mastriano |
Codifies the PA Vet Connect Program into law |
Act 70 of 2024 |
|
|
Takac |
Provides for coordination between the State Veterans Registry and PA Vet Connect |
Act 71 of 2024 |
|
|
Webster |
Protects Veterans Records of Discharge |
Act 97 of 2024 |
|
|
D. Miller |
Establishes a 2nd Urban Search & Rescue Team in Western PA |
Act 113 of 2024 |
|
|
Mastriano |
Codifies into law Vietnam Veterans Day into state law – March 29th |
Act 124 of 2024 |
|
|
Solomon |
Modernizes the 911 Law |
Act 147 of 2024 |
“I am proud of the work we accomplished in the prior session, but more needs to be done and I’ll give my all to our firefighters, EMS providers, emergency management personnel, military and veterans,” said. Sen. Mastriano.
Residents can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at www.SenatorMastriano.com, following him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano and on Twitter @SenMastriano
CONTACT: Nate Silcox
nsilcox@pasen.gov