New Pennsylvania Laws Intended To Aid State Veterans

PITTSBURGH, PA, March 25, 2013

Seven new pieces of legislation signed into law on Nov. 12, 2012, by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett may lead to significant benefits for the state's military veteran residents. The benefits take form through 25 major initiatives that are geared toward expanding services through grants to the PA Veterans Foundation and several other charities dedicated to aid for veterans.

The legislation will result in the establishment of the Veterans' Trust Fund that will be used to provide the monies needed by public and private organizations working with veterans. According to the Corbett, the aid represents the honoring of a debt owed to those who sacrificed for the freedom of all of the state's residents -- a position that the sponsor of the Trust Fund legislation, veterans advocate Sen. Lisa Baker, agrees with.

Trust Fund Details

At the center of the new legislation is the trust fund, set up to provide money for established veterans' programs. The fund was financed primarily through the sale of a defunct school that was used to educate the children of veterans. The initial funding amount is $1.7 million, but it's expected to grow over time. This growth will occur through voluntary donations by motorists of $3 during license renewals and vehicle registrations. Donations of $15 will also aid the fund, when made through the purchase of special license plates honoring the state's veterans.

Additional Veterans' Benefits

In addition to the trust fund, there were several other bills signed into law on Nov. 12 that will directly benefit veterans and their family members. These benefits include:

- A "V" designation placed on the driver's licenses of veterans to identify that driver served as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. The designation would be used as a qualification for benefits or discounts and participation in the program is entirely voluntary.
- Changes to the procedures used for voter registration and absentee voting for service members and civilians overseas to create a more uniform process.
- Changes to the code of military justice for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard when they are not under federal service, to increase order and discipline. The newly adopted code follows those adopted by 14 other states.
- Official encouragement of state agencies to seek contracts with companies owned by veterans, with the ultimate goal of awarding 3 percent of state contracts to such businesses.
- Training for police officers throughout the state in dealing with veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- License plates made specifically for members of the U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Military Airborne Units that served in WWII in honor of their service

While many of these benefits will take a short time to come into effect, state officials hope that they will allow residents to show their thanks for the service rendered by those within the state who choose to serve with both honor and distinction.

Aiding Veterans With Disability Benefits

If you've served your country but aren't receiving the benefits you need, an experienced Pittsburgh disability benefits attorney may be able to help. A skilled lawyer can be the advocate you need to secure what's rightfully yours.

Attorney Kenneth Hiller, of The Law Offices of Kenneth Hiller, PLLC, is dedicated to helping veterans obtain the benefits they need and deserve.