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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 6, 2019 02:16 PM
From:	Senator James R. Brewster
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Exemption of Fishing License Costs for Therapeutic Recreation

In the near future, I plan on introducing legislation that would exempt the cost of fishing licenses in Pennsylvania for veterans and other individuals taking steps towards physical or mental recovery as part of therapeutic recreation events or programs. This legislation would provide for a dedicated exemption for individuals participating in therapeutic angling programs sponsored by various established service groups, such as Project Healing Waters and Wounded Warriors. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission states that in 2018, more than 60 different service organizations and hundreds of unique one-day fishing opportunity events across the Commonwealth would have qualified for exemption under my bill. As Democratic chair of the Game and Fisheries Committee, I know firsthand that outdoor recreation and fishing is not only important to our state’s tourism and economy, but it can also serve as a successful rehabilitative activity. Fishing provides time connecting with the outdoors and nature and has been recommended by health care professionals to aid those with a wide range of diagnoses. Including mental and physical disabilities, cancer or other chronic diseases, recovery from addiction, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Please consider cosponsoring this legislation.

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