Improving veterans’ outreach and services

By PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR LISA BAKER

My first ten months in the Senate have been very busy but also very productive and rewarding. As chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I have been devoting a great deal of time to legislation to help our veterans and active military personnel.

Historically, Pennsylvanians have answered the call to defend freedom in astounding numbers. Currently, more than 1.5 million veterans—roughly 10 percent of the state’s population—call Pennsylvania home. This represents one of the largest veterans’ populations in the nation, and I am extremely proud of these extraordinary men and women.

I believe we have an obligation to all veterans to honor their service and contributions both in peace and war. I have always been a steadfast supporter of veterans’ programs and organizations, and in my new role, I want to make sure we are doing all we can to meet the needs of the men and women who have given so much to our Commonwealth and our country.

That’s why I authored and introduced Senate Bill 915—which recently passed the Senate unanimously—to improve veterans’ outreach and assistance throughout Pennsylvania.

Now being considered by the House of Representatives, this initiative will provide financial assistance to nationally accredited veteran service organizations such as the American Legion, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the Disabled American Veterans.

The program will be coordinated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to enhance the numbers of veterans service officers that are available to help returning veterans deal with federal, state and local benefits claims processes. It will also require the department to measure performance and program outcomes, and most importantly, ensure the continual improvement of services to Pennsylvania’s veterans’ community.

Senate Bill 915 is a tremendous starting point for improvement, but it is by no means an end. In order to best meet the needs of our veterans community, we will continue our work to enhance and better coordinate the continuum of services that exist across state, county and independent veterans’ programs so that veterans in need can get the proper supports to regain their mental, physical and economic health, to reconnect with their families and communities and to resume productive lives.

Of all the matters that come before the general assembly, few are as important as meeting the needs of those who risked their lives for their nation and returned home, or preserving the memory of those who gave their lives and did not. It is an honor to serve as chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and I will continue to advance legislation and programs to better serve our veterans.

As we observe Veterans Day, I would like to thank those who are keeping the memories of service and sacrifice alive. We are grateful to gather as a free people in a free nation and to freely offer our respect to those who have demonstrated the most extraordinary form of duty and devotion.