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In this Update:

• Expanding Eligibility for Free and Reduced Disabled Veterans Hunting Licenses
• Ensuring Access to Veterans Assistance Programs Across Pennsylvania
• More Disabled Pennsylvanians Now Eligible for PA ABLE Savings Accounts
• Assisting Veterans with Financial Literacy
• 2026 Military Veterans & Families Day at the Pennsylvania Farm Show
• YMCA Veterans Pathway Program

Expanding Eligibility for Free and Reduced Disabled Veterans Hunting Licenses

My legislation that was passed unanimously by the Senate in November would make Pennsylvania veterans with a 100% service-connected disability eligible for a free regular hunting or furtaking license, regardless of whether their disability occurred during war or armed conflict. 

Senate Bill 1020 would allow veterans with a 60-99% disability rating from active-duty service to purchase regular hunting or furtaking licenses at a reduced cost of $1.

Currently, free and reduced fee hunting licenses are only available to resident veterans whose disabilities were incurred during war or armed conflict. My bill would expand eligibility to include veterans whose disabilities were incurred during other times of military service such as training exercises, non-combat military operations and peacetime service activities.

The bill is now in the House of Representatives, awaiting a vote by the Game and Fisheries Committee.

Ensuring Access to Veterans Assistance Programs Across Pennsylvania

Legislation to improve the distribution of funding for veterans’ programs across the commonwealth is awaiting a vote in the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 146, introduced by Sen. Lisa Baker and unanimously passed by the Senate in March, would increase assistance and support provided by statewide charitable organizations to veterans and their families in underserved regions of the commonwealth through the Veterans’ Trust Fund.

The Veterans’ Trust Fund provides grants to veterans’ service and non-profit organizations that assist veterans with issues including housing, financial matters, food, training, recovery assistance, transportation and health.

Senate Bill 146 also raises awareness about the programs and resources supported by the Veterans’ Trust Fund.

More Disabled Pennsylvanians Now Eligible for PA ABLE Savings Accounts

More Pennsylvanians – including veterans – are eligible to participate in the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program in 2026.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Pennsylvanians with a qualifying disability occurring prior to age 46 are eligible to open a PA ABLE account. Previously, eligibility required the disability to occur before age 26.

PA ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save up to $19,000 per year tax-free without impacting important benefits. For veterans, savings and investments in PA ABLE accounts do not impact VA benefits.

PA ABLE offers several saving options, including an interest-bearing checking account or investment options. Funds can be used for qualified expenses such as housing, health care, transportation and assistive technology. Contributions are deductible on state income taxes, and qualified withdrawals are exempt from state and federal income taxes.

PA ABLE is administered by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. Treasurer Stacy Garrity, herself a veteran, said, “This significant expansion of eligibility to save with PA ABLE will usher in an era of greater financial independence and security for more of our friends and family members living with disabilities.”

Assisting Veterans with Financial Literacy

If your New Year’s resolution is to increase financial literacy, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers resources to help veterans manage their personal finances, including:

• Veterans Benefits Banking Program – Provides free financial counseling, access to free financial education through VetCents and encourages veterans to save through the Veteran Saves program.
• Money Management Tools – Assists in making more informed financial decisions.
• VA Resources for Financial Education – Includes information on mortgage delinquency assistance and help for homeless veterans.
• Fraud Prevention Toolkit – Information about scams, protecting identity and financial information, reporting fraud and getting help.

2026 Military Veterans & Families Day at the Pennsylvania Farm Show

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is honoring veterans and military service members on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.  Some events include:

• All-Day – Service Branch Chefs and Farmer-Veterans – PA Preferred® Culinary Connection Stage
• 10 a.m. – Veterans Event – Lancaster Farming Stage
• 10:30 a.m. – Military Discussion – Small/Sale Arena
• 1 p.m. – Army vs. Navy Cookoff – PA Preferred® Culinary Connection Stage
• 1:30 p.m. – Draft Horse Hitch and Drive Demonstration and Salute to Veterans – Equine Arena

Farm Show admission is free for everyone but many exhibitors will be offering veterans and active duty military special offers and discounts on Jan. 15, including a free milkshake from the PA Dairymen’s Association.

YMCA Veterans Pathway Program

Ready to get healthier in 2026? YMCAs across the commonwealth offer veterans and their families a free 12-week program designed to nurture health, wellness and connection.

The Veterans Pathway Program includes:

• Activities such as yoga, personal training, fitness classes and more.
• Family membership during the program.
• Six-month adult memberships for participants after completion of the program.

Check with your local YMCA to see if it offers the program. Some participating YMCAs include:

• River Crossing YMCA – Serving Allentown, Bethlehem, Doylestown, Fairless Hills, Nazareth and Quakertown.
• Harrisburg Area YMCA – Serving Harrisburg.
• Greater Philadelphia YMCA – Serving Ambler, Havertown and Royersford.
• YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh – Serving Bethel Park, Pittsburgh, Plum and Sewickley.

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