May is
Military Appreciation Month
Declared by Congress in 1999, May was selected National Military Appreciation Month as a month-long observance honoring the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces. Pennsylvania has a long and proud military history. Today, we are home to nearly one million veterans and we have a 19,000-member Pennsylvania National Guard. Our military men and women have made a tremendous commitment to this commonwealth and this nation, and we are honored to provide active duty members and veterans with the information and resources they need.
Legislation
Senate Bill 253 −Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax
This legislation would amend the Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption law relating to calculation of income and the determination of “need.” The legislation is aimed at providing property tax exemption to an expanded population of veterans who have incurred significant and permanent disability as a result of their military service and now suffer from financial hardship.
Senate Bill 742 − Veterans' Disability Payments Exemptions under Commonwealth Programs
This legislation would exempt veterans’ disability benefits as eligible income under the following acts: Senior Citizen Property Tax and Rent Rebate Assistance (Act 1), PACE/PACENET and Section 1901 of the Vehicle Code.
Senate Resolution 66
A Resolution designating the week of April 18 through 24, 2021, as “Time to Acknowledge Military Sexual Assault Survivors Week” in Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 486 −Veteran Job Training Preference for Work Training Programs
This legislation would amend the Workforce Development Act to provide members of the PA National Guard and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces who serve on active duty, as well as their spouses, preference for placement into job training programs for one year after discharge. Under current law, the Workforce Development Act provides no preference for veterans or their spouses.
Senate Bill 853 − Recent Veterans Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
This legislation would establish a veteran property tax and rent rebate program 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.
Senate Resolution 126
A Resolution designating June 12, 2021, as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day” in Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill677 − Veterans' Homelessness
This legislation would bring the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) together to provide assistance to veterans who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness. Under this legislation, eligible applicants would receive a maximum of $1,000 per month in the form of a rental voucher for a period of 12 months. The DMVA would be authorized to require veterans to participate in mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, job training, or other supportive programs as a condition of participation in its program.
Senate Bill 900 − Updating the Procurement and Military and Veterans Affairs Codes to improve participation of small, diverse, and veteran businesses
This legislation would update the small and disadvantaged business and veteran-owned business provisions of the Procurement and Military and Veteran Affairs Codes to increase and enhance participation of small, diverse, and veteran businesses in state and local procurement opportunities.
Senate Resolution 265
A Resolution recognizing the month of May 2022 as “Blue Star Mothers of America Month” in Pennsylvania.
Resources
American Legion – Department of Pennsylvania
AMVETS – Department of Pennsylvania
Honoring Our Veterans Special Fund Registration Plate
Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the U.S.
Military Officers Association of America
National Guard Association of the U.S.