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In this Update:

Senate Working to Protect Veterans’ Benefits

Earlier this week, my bill with Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), and Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) aimed at safeguarding against the exploitation of our veterans was approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee with strong bipartisan support!

Veterans often face challenges when applying for and receiving the benefits they deserve. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals and organizations seek to exploit these individuals by charging excessive fees and engaging in predatory practices, taking advantage of our veterans’ trust and need for assistance and causing undue financial burden. Our bill will cap fees, ensure proper contract transparency, and ban predatory practices.

Learn more about the bill here.

Invest In Veterans Week

The commonwealth recognized March 1-7, 2026, as Invest in Veterans Week in Pennsylvania through a resolution introduced in the state Senate.

Following the annually recognized National Invest in Veterans Week, this resolution will commemorate the contributions made by veteran entrepreneurs, and will challenge Pennsylvanians to transform appreciation into actionable support for veteran business owners. 

Even after March 7, individuals can show their support for our veterans simply by buying from veteran-owned businesses and leaving positive reviews on internet platforms.

Find a local veteran-owned business to support in Allegheny County here.

VA VITAL to Host Disability Claims Clinic at Robert Morris University

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership – or VITAL – is hosting a disability claims clinic at the Robert Morris University (RMU) Center for Veterans & Military Families on March 25, from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. Federal Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) representatives will be on site to assist with claims and answer any benefit-related questions.

More details about the event are available here.

Touring Wexford-Based Veteran Non-Profit, Aurelius

I had a great tour of Aurelius’s Harrisburg location this month. Their mission to help heal PTSD and other psychological symptoms in veterans and first responders is producing impressive and transformative results for our nation’s heroes. Thank you for all you do!

Learn more about this Wexford non-profit here. Check out more photos from my tour here.

Veterans Temporary Assistance Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Veterans Affairs (DMVA) administers the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program, which provides temporary financial assistance up to $1,600 for necessities including food, shelter, fuel, and clothing within a 12-month period to eligible veterans and their beneficiaries who reside in Pennsylvania.

To be eligible, veterans must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, been honorably discharged after a period of active duty other than active duty for training, died in service, or suffered a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Veterans’ Administration.

The DMVA website lists the financial circumstances that qualify veterans for help via the VTA program. Veterans interested in applying for a VTA grant should contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs within the county they reside. Information for the Allegheny County Veterans Affairs office can be found here.

Free and Reduced Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

Last year, I voted in favor of passing a bill to make it easier for disabled veterans to obtain a free or reduced cost fishing license by removing the requirement that their disability be the result of a war or armed conflict to qualify them for the discount. This bill was signed into law as Act 21 of 2025. Under the new law, veterans with a 100% service-connected disability can obtain a free lifetime fishing license, and those with a service-connected disability rating between 60% and 99% can obtain a resident fishing license for $1.

As warmer weather approaches, you can find more information on free and reduced cost disabled veteran fishing licenses on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s website.

Veteran Therapeutic Equine Riding Program Receives Grant

Slippery Rock University’s (SRU) Storm Harbor Equestrian Center received a $76,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for their Veteran Therapeutic Riding Program. Veterans have been going to SRU to work with horses since 2006, just after the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center opened. The center has been able to offer free equine-assisted programs to veterans through various grants and donor support.

Before this grant, the equestrian center was only able to host about 50 to 60 veterans each month. Now, they will be able to host more than 80 each month. This grant will also help Slippery Rock enhance programs that promote independence, well-being, and quality of life for veterans, with a focus on their mental health.

If you are a veteran and would like more information about the program offered at Storm Harbor, reach out via email at stormharbor@sru.edu or phone at (724) 738-4010.

VA Increases In-Home and Community-Based Services Expenditure Cap

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced an increase in the expenditure cap for in-home and community-based services for veterans with certain complex medical conditions, including spinal cord injuries, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and other complex medical conditions at 100% of the cost of similar care in a VA Community Living Center. The previous rate of coverage was 65%.

These changes come from the federal Senator Elizabeth Dole 21^st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.

This will significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible veterans for in-home and community-based services including home health aides, home respite, community adult day health care, Veteran Directed Care, and skilled home health.

The increased cap will allow eligible veterans to continue to reside in their home and receive care at a lower out-of-pocket cost.

Veteran Directed Care gives veterans access to personal care services and help with daily living activities. For more information and to see if you’re eligible for Veteran Directed Care, check here on the VA’s website.

Honoring Persian Gulf War Veterans

The above photo features the beautiful veterans memorial in Collier Township which honors veterans from the Persian Gulf War and many others.

March 6 was Persian Gulf War Veterans Day in Pennsylvania, a day devoted to thanking all who served and sacrificed for our country during this conflict. I was proud to vote in favor of passing legislation designating this important day of recognition in the Commonwealth in 2021.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

The above photo is from my annual veterans breakfast with Rep. Natalie Mihalek where, in November 2025, we highlighted Vietnam veterans.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day will be observed on March 29 to honor the millions of Americans who served and the thousands who did not return home. This day marks when the last U.S. combat troops withdrew from South Vietnam in 1973.

March 29 was officially established annually as Vietnam War Veterans Day in Pennsylvania through Act 124 of 2024, which I was proud to support.

There will be events across Pennsylvania to remember and honor Vietnam veterans, including a gathering at the Veterans Breakfast Club to remember the Vietnam War and those who fought in it. The event will include storytelling and take place on Sunday, March 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Senator John Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St., Pittsburgh. Interested individuals can RSVP by email to betty@veteransbreakfastclub.org or call (412) 623-9029.

Last year, Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-40) and I were proud to spotlight Vietnam veterans at our annual veterans breakfast. Several veterans spoke about their service in our armed forces during the Vietnam War, including Patrick Keally, Eric Thomas, Jack Wagner, and Tony Accamando, who shared stories of bravery, courage, and resilience.

Check out more photos from the breakfast here.

Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of Valor Induction Ceremony

The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc., will be inducting the next group of veterans into the Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of Valor. The new inductees will join more than 750 veterans inducted into the Hall of Valor since 1963.

Soldiers & Sailors recognizes and pays tribute to the Pennsylvania veterans who have received the military’s highest awards for valor: the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldiers Medal, Airman’s Medal,  Coast Guard Medal, or Navy and  Marine Corps Medal (for bravery and heroism during times of military conflict).

• The induction ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. on March 28, and is free and open to the public at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc., 4141 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh.
• The event will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
• The museum will be open, and admission will be free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 28.

The Hall of Valor inducts veterans annually. If you know a Pennsylvania veteran you think should be inducted, nominate them here.

Spring Refresh Discounts

Veterans can take advantage of discounts to help refresh your home for spring. Whether it’s new patio furniture, a paint update, or cleaning supplies, there are discounts for all your spring refresh and cleaning needs!

• Sherwin-Williams offers a 15% discount for veterans and their spouses on paints, stains, and painting supplies.
• Home Depot offers a 10% discount for veterans and their spouses on eligible purchases. A Home Depot account is required to receive the discount. Veteran status will be verified through a third-party vendor.
• Lowe’s offers a 10% discount to veterans and their spouses on eligible purchases. A MyLowe’s Rewards Personal Account is required to receive the discount, as well as veteran status verification through ID.me.

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