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New Law Connects Families with VA Burial Benefits

Under a new law, Act 42 of 2026, families of a deceased service person being buried or cremated in Pennsylvania after September 18^th will receive contact information for their county veterans affairs office from funeral directors and cemeteries. County directors of veterans affairs will also be notified by funeral directors and cemeteries within 96 hours of receiving the remains of a deceased service person.

This will help connect families with this local veterans’ resource which will be able to help them access benefits for which they might be eligible.

$1.2 Billion in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved $1.2 billion in VA infrastructure improvements which will be used by VA medical facilities to enhance operational capability and healthcare delivery for significant maintenance, replacements and upgrades.

This includes funds to 42 projects for Pennsylvania’s VA medical facilities including replacing a roof in Coatesville, replacing domestic hot water tanks in Erie, renovating air conditioning in Lebanon, installing exterior security measures in Philadelphia, repairing fire and smoke dampers in Pittsburgh, replacing a fire station roof in Butler and more.

Veteran Assistance Appointments

My office offers Veteran Assistance appointments with Brian Stolarski of the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania to offer assistance to veterans of the 40^th Senatorial District for both my Scotrun and Jefferson Township offices.

The Pennsylvania American Legion will assist veterans with issues including:

• COMPENSATION AND PENSION CLAIMS
• EDUCATION BENEFITS
• ENROLLMENT IN THE VA HEALTH SYSTEM
• BURIAL AND SURVIVOR BENEFITS
• STATE BENEFITS
• OBTAINING MILITARY PERSONNEL & MEDICAL RECORDS

To make an appointment with the American Legion for Veterans Benefits, you can call my offices at (570) 620-4326 or (570) 213-5705.

American Legion Post 903 Pancake Breakfast

I recently had the pleasure of attending the American Legion Post 903 Pancake Breakfast in Mount Pocono, where Vietnam veteran Al Compoly surprised me with a beautiful gift celebrating America’s 250^th Anniversary and thanked me for my work with our veterans.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to spend time with these amazing veterans. Their sacrifices, service, and love for our country continue to inspire me every day. Thank you all!

Camp Freedom’s Summer Salute

I had a great time recently as Camp Freedom held their 7^th Annual Summer Salute Open House! This free event for Veterans is a time to honor all who have served and their families for a big day of fun!

Great seeing so many of you there and thank you always for your service!

Celebrating America’s 250^th with Bells Across PA

A patriotic unveiling at Kinsley’s ShopRite in Brodheadsville for America250PA’s Bells Across PA! Beautifully hand-painted by Pleasant Valley art teacher Brenda Mackey, the bell showcases special local landmarks and will remain at Kinsley’s as a reminder of America’s 250^th anniversary and how blessed we are to call this country home.

Thank you to the Kinsley’s team for hosting and helping bring this wonderful celebration to our community!

Tech Deals for Veterans

• Apple offers a 10% discount through their Veterans and Military Purchase Program when verified through ID.me.
• HP offers up to 40% off for veterans verified through ID.me.