Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future, I  will be introducing legislation to establish the recent veteran property tax and rent rebate program. This program will be modeled after the Pennsylvania property tax and rent rebate program for seniors and it would be for service members ending active status and entering civilian life or honorably discharged within the past three years. 

By participating in the SR170 task force, I have seen data illustrating the unique difficulties new veterans can face in the first months and years after leaving the service. Transitioning from active duty to civilian status often results in loss of access and eligibility to significant financial support programs, such as subsidized child care and affordable housing, which are available only to those who actively serve in our armed forces. 

This rebate program, modeled after the property tax and rent rebate program for seniors, would help recent veterans with household incomes up to $35,000, when they transition out of active duty. This request was brought to my office by the Veterans Leadership Program, an organization that has served veterans in Pennsylvania since 1982. Through their incredible work providing supportive services and employment resources, this organization identified affordable housing as a real need for recent veterans. 

These types of programs can help recent veterans avoid homelessness and preempt financial struggles down the line. It builds upon the work of previous efforts in the past decade to reduce the number of veterans experiencing homelessness. This program can also help attract recent veterans to stay in or move to Pennsylvania. This legislation deserves to receive bipartisan support for our courageous Veterans.  

Please join me in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation and giving our honored Veterans the financial assistance they deserve for a successul transition into civilian life.