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In this Update:
Expanding Real Estate Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
I’m working with Pennsylvania State Treasurer, Stacy Garrity to make changes to Pennsylvania’s Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% disabled veterans. Presently, contributions to the PA Treasury’s ABLE Savings Program may be counted as income, potentially disqualifying veterans from this vital exemption. Our proposed legislation aims to rectify this by ensuring that ABLE contributions do not affect a veteran’s eligibility for the tax exemption. This initiative builds on the recent expansion of the PA ABLE program, which now allows Pennsylvanians whose disability began before age 46 to open an ABLE account. We are committed to seeing this bill through the Senate to provide the necessary support for our veterans. Improving Health Care Outcomes for Veterans
To enhance health care outcomes for Pennsylvania veterans, a bipartisan legislative package has been introduced in the Senate designed to better equip health care providers and practitioners with information regarding their veteran patients and special risks to their health. As noted in a study conducted by a legislative task force, many veterans receiving their care outside of the VA do not identify themselves as veterans to their health care providers, despite their increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), suicide and toxic exposures. The bills include: Senate Bill 1060 requires health care providers and practitioners to screen new patients for veteran status prior to consulting with or providing treatment but does not allow care to be denied if a patient refuses to give their veterans status. Senate Bill 1061 requires the county directors of veterans affairs training program to specifically include the topics of trauma-informed care, MST, PTSD, TBI and other forms of trauma-informed care. Senate Bill 1062 requires physicians to complete training on veteran-related illness as part of their initial licensure and continuing medical education. Advertising Veterans’ Resources in Workplaces
Beginning this month, all employers with more than 50 employees are required to physically display or post on their websites a notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, providing contact information for veterans’ resources and information regarding federal and state benefits and services for veterans. Free Help for Veterans to Review and Update Benefits
The DMVA is reminding veterans to ensure they are receiving the maximum benefits they can by applying and reviewing their veterans’ benefits for the new year. Veterans can access free assistance in doing this through the DMVA, county offices and some veteran service organizations. Expanding Community Care for Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working to expand veteran access to non-VA medical providers through the Community Care Program. The VA recently announced it is using the upcoming expiration of current contracts with health plans who serve as third-party administrators of the program as an opportunity to provide more choices and better care for veterans when they need to access care outside of the VA. The Great American Outdoor Show
The Great American Outdoor Show is coming to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Billed as the “world’s largest outdoor show,” it includes nine days of celebrating hunting, fishing and outdoor traditions with exhibitors, live music, speaking events, archery competitions, celebrity appearances, seminars, demos and more. While there is a cost to attend and no specific veteran discount offered, the show has several special ticket prices.
Pittsburgh Veterans Job Fair
Veterans, military spouses, transitioning military and members of the National Guard and Reserve can meet with recruiters from local and national companies at the free Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary Pittsburgh Job Fair. Exhibitors include employers, franchisors, educational institutions, veterans’ associations and service agencies and government agencies.
Booking a Trip in 2026?
Are you looking for the family trip of your dreams? Authorized military ticket and travel offices offer a variety of travel and recreational services, including travel planning assistance, information about local attractions and discounted tickets to various attractions and events. Discounts are offered on tickets to Busch Gardens, Disney World, Universal Studios and more! For booking, contact or visit your local Leisure Travel Service or Ticket Office:
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