House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Veterans’ service organizations, nonprofits, and local governments have all felt the economic impact of the novel coronavirus. These entities provide important programs and services to Pennsylvania’s veterans, who suffer from high rates of mental health conditions, substance abuse, and homelessness – issues that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The veteran experience is unique, and their brave service does not go without a cost.  

 

Pennsylvania’s Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) provides grants to charitable organizations, veterans’ service organizations, and county directors of veterans affairs to support veterans and their families. Recent VTF grants have funded important projects to provide housing services to veterans, improve transportation services for veterans, and expand outreach services to veterans. My legislation would appropriate $1,000,000 to the VTF from the money Pennsylvania receives from the American Rescue Plan, so that more projects can be funded, and more veterans can be helped.  

 

Funding for the Veteran’s Trust Fund typically comes from charitable donations and certain license plate fees. The American Rescue Plan has given us a special opportunity to provide a significant boost to the VTF, support the organizations doing important work in our communities, and help veterans in a time of need. Please join me in supporting the programs and organizations that are helping Pennsylvania’s veterans.