House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Nearly one million Pennsylvanians have served in the armed forces, making our state home to the fourth largest veteran population in the nation.1 There are also close to 5,000 veterans currently incarcerated in correctional facilities and under probationary or parole supervision across our state.2 Veterans, especially incarcerated veterans, have unique needs that state agencies work to address in partnership with federal and local authorities. 

  

However, more can still be done to aid our veterans, including fostering civic engagement. This is why I plan to introduce legislation to require the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to encourage individuals with veteran status to register to vote upon their release from a correctional facility. Under my legislation, the Department of Corrections will be required to maintain a list of incarcerated individuals with veteran status and forward it on to DMVA to allow them to contact the individuals upon release. In addition, the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans’ Affairs will also be given the responsibility to encourage voter registration among veterans. 

  

This legislation will ensure that our veterans are provided additional opportunities to register to vote and remain civically active members of society. It will further guarantee that our incarcerated veterans are given special attention when reentering their communities and allow them to vote.  

  

Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation and give a voice to those who risked their lives for our freedoms. Your consideration is greatly appreciated