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If you know a veteran, please forward this issue to them (you can sign up for my mission reports here). There are some important updates, resources and information they can use. In this Update:
Program Connecting Veterans with Benefits Becomes Law
Last month, legislation to establish in law the PA VETConnect program to help Pennsylvania veterans access programs, services and benefits in their communities was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law. Senate Bill 447, now Act 70 of 2024, established in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access services in their communities. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth. New Law Benefits Veterans in Need of Replacement PA Military Registration License Plates
Senate Bill 916, now Act 51 of 2024, requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to reissue military registration plates at no cost to veterans when it is determined by an authorized PennDOT representative or member of law enforcement that the plate is illegible from a reasonable distance. A reissued personalized military registration plate must have the same registration plate number as the initial personalized plate unless waived in writing by the registrant. This would apply to 30 registration plates outlined in this statute as well as any special plates honoring military service authorized by law. I’m proud to have supported this legislation that removes unnecessary barriers for our veterans. Measure to Waive Titling and Registration Fees for Some PA Veterans Becomes Law
Signed into law last month, Act 60 of 2024 includes provisions to waive vehicle title and registration fees for veterans who were captured, injured or received the Congressional Medal of Honor. The new exemption takes effect five months after the enactment of the law. Our military heroes deserve our compassion and gratitude for the service they have given to our nation. By permanently removing registration fees for veterans who were injured, captured or received our highest military decoration, we show our unwavering appreciation for their sacrifices. Prior to the change in law, recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, seriously injured veterans and former POWs paid a $10 vehicle registration processing fee. When the new law goes into effect, it removes this fee, and these individuals will no longer be subject to titling fees. For recipients of the Purple Heart, who currently must pay titling and registration fees in full, they will no longer be subject to paying either fee when the law takes effect. Bill Honoring PA Veterans with Specialty License Plate Signed into Law
The new Act 60 of 2024 also will soon allow recipients of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOT-EM) to apply for a specialty license plate. The plate honors Pennsylvania veterans who have earned the distinguished medal through their service overseas in the War on Terror. The GWOT-EM license plate is a visible symbol of our community’s deep gratitude and respect to these veterans, ensuring these heroes receive the acknowledgment they deserve for their invaluable contributions to our nation’s defense. The GWOT-EM was established by President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003, to recognize members of the Armed Forces who were deployed in direct service to the War on Terror following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The award symbolizes the bravery and dedication of those who have served in the ongoing fight against terrorism. When this plate becomes available, it will join a host of other currently available military registration plates. Prepare for the VA’s Secure Sign-In Changes
Responding to veterans’ feedback to offer fewer sign-in account options and help reduce confusion and sign-in complexity, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be transitioning to two modern, secure, sign-in options in 2025: a Login.gov or ID.me account. After this transition, veterans, beneficiaries and caregivers looking to access the VA’s online services (VA.gov, the VA: Health and Benefits mobile app, and other VA online services) will need to sign in with either a Login.gov or ID.me account. Veterans and other beneficiaries will no longer be able to use usernames and passwords for My HealtheVet after Jan. 31, 2025, or DS Logon after Sept. 30, 2025. The VA intends to provide information and support throughout this transition. Veterans can begin this transition now by visiting this website to learn how to create a verified Login.gov or ID.me account. According to the VA, the process takes about 10 minutes. Importantly, veterans who do not transition before these deadlines will be able to resume accessing their data, benefits and services online as soon as they create a Login.gov or ID.me account. This transition only impacts account-based online services. Many VA webpages are accessible without signing in—such as finding information about VA locations, downloading VA forms, learning more about the PACT Act, how to file claims, and more. Legislation to Provide Support to Military Community Awaits PA House Consideration
The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve the quality of life for service members, veterans and their families by creating and operating the Service Member Veterans and Their Families Fund (SMVF Fund). The bill awaits consideration in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Senate Bill 1192 would allow the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to lease real estate at Fort Indiantown Gap and use the proceeds to support the SMVF Fund. To ensure transparency and accountability in the fund’s operations, the bill also includes provisions for annual reporting on the revenues, expenditures and activities financed by the SMVF Fund. The fund would be dedicated to paying for quality-of-life programs – including physical fitness, personal growth, social interaction and recreational activities – for the military community. The programs would be designed to support the readiness and well-being of the service members, veterans and their families. The Pennsylvania Veterans Registry is an online application that allows veterans, family members and people who work with veterans to connect with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to request information related to the valuable state benefits, programs and services offered. If you haven’t yet registered, you can register here. Veterans Job Listing
Every week, the Pennsylvania Nation Guard Associations updates its free job board with good openings for National Guard members, veterans and their families across Pennsylvania and in nearby states. The board features nearly 10,000 employment and internship postings. What are Vet Centers?
I’ve been asked this question by several of my fellow vets and feel it’s important to provide an answer to those who haven’t reached out yet. VA Vet Centers provide free and confidential readjustment counseling for War-Zone Veterans and their families, World War II to the current Global War on Terror. Vet Centers are small, non-medical, counseling centers conveniently located in our region. They’re staffed by highly trained counselors and team members dedicated to seeing you through the challenges that come with managing life during and after the military. Our region is served by the DuBois Vet Center, which is one of 12 Vet Centers in Pennsylvania and over 300 across the country. Whether you come in for one-on-one counseling or to participate in a group session, at Vet Centers you can form social connections, try new things, and build a support system with people who understand you and want to help you succeed. The Dubois Vet Center’ website is designed to provide veterans, family members, and community partners the ability to see what services the center offers, as well as the center’s Community Access Points with a picture of the entrance so first time visitors have a frame of reference to help guide them in. From my time in the State House through my current position, I’ve had a strong relationship with the Dubois Vet Center. They have helped me help many of my fellow vets. Two Recreational Therapy Groups Available at the Dubois Vet Center As part of a national competition, the DuBois Vet Center was approved for initial funding for two recreational therapy groups. One of the groups is an introduction to fly tying for fly fishing, with one of the center’s counselors being an avid fly tyer and fisherman. The other group is a no sew blanket group, which the center hopes will generate interest from women veterans, but the group is open to anyone who would like to join. The groups will be held at the Vet Center with approximately 4 cohorts to run quarterly with 6 vets in each cohort. The center says it hopes to grow these groups and potentially be able to have them at the center’s Community Access Points (CAPs) in McKean, Centre and Blair counties, with the possibility of adding more recreational therapy groups in the future. The center noted the initial funding will help them launch the groups, but they will be actively trying to obtain additional funding they can expand on them. Who is eligible to receive services at Vet Centers? Vet Center services are available to Veterans at no cost, regardless of discharge character, and without the need to be enrolled in VA health care or having a service-connected disability. If you are a Veteran or service member, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, you can access Vet Center services if you:
Contacting your local Vet Center Even if you are unsure if you meet the criteria to receive services from a Vet Center, please contact a center. From personal experience I can tell you that, if the center can’t help you, they’ll find someone who will. Center services are also available to family members when their participation would support the growth and goals of the Veteran or active-duty service member. If you consider them family, so does your local center. Bereavement services are also available to family members of Veterans who were receiving Vet Center services at the time of the Veteran’s death, and to the families of service members who died while serving on active duty. The DuBois Vet Center, located at 100 Meadow Lane, Suite 8, DuBois, PA 15801, can be contacted at 814-372-2095 or toll free 24/7 at 1-877-WAR-VETS (927-8387). The DuBois Vet Center recently announced counseling and referral services are now being provided at the State College American Legion Post 245, in addition to the many services they offer at their locations in DuBois, Altoona, Bradford, Penn State-DuBois, Smethport and their mobile Vet Center. The other Vet Center locations in Pennsylvania are:
For more information, please visit www.vetcenter.va.gov |
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