Sep. 21, 2016
HARRISBURG – Led by majority chairman Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously approved legislation to reduce the portion of veterans’ VA benefits and compensation that can be counted as income to 50 percent for state benefit programs with income thresholds.
House Bill 1473, sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), would also extend the provision to the unmarried surviving spouse.
A committee member voiced the hope that the federal government will pass an equivalent bill, as a veteran’s disability income can often be just above the limit to receive subsidized housing. The member expressed his belief that such a change would eliminate many of the troubles that veterans currently face.
The committee also passed legislation that would change the name of the “Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial Trust Fund” to the “Pennsylvania Veterans Monuments and Memorial Trust Fund.” Updating the trust fund’s name would encourage collaboration between the public and private sector on veterans memorial projects.
The bills are now awaiting a vote in the House.
To view footage of the House Veterans’ Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee’s meeting, click here.
Representative Stephen E. Barrar
160th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
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