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State Budget Supports Veterans and Their Families

On July 12^th, I voted to finalize the 2026-27 Pennsylvania state budget that included creating and enhancing programs and services aimed at assisting Pennsylvania’s veterans and their families such as:

• Providing a 6.3% increase for tuition assistance to children of honorably discharged veterans who have service-connected disabilities and served during a period of war or armed conflict and children of veterans who die or died in service during a period of war or armed conflict.
• Providing a 10.2% increase for the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans’ Pension, which gives eligible veterans a $150 monthly pension.
• Establishing the Veterans’ Trust Fund Board within the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to increase donations to the Veterans’ Trust Fund and provide for effective management of the fund.
• Requiring the Department of Human Services to expand online referral services and information for military veterans and their families for transitional, temporary and permanent housing, job placement and career counseling and other services for veterans returning to civilian life.

Brown’s Senior Expo Connects Hundreds of Residents with Valuable Resources

One of my favorite events each year is our Annual Senior Expo, and I was delighted to welcome so many members of our community to Swiftwater Elementary Center for this year’s event.

The expo brought together over 80 vendors of local organizations and service providers, giving seniors the opportunity to learn about valuable programs, ask questions, and connect with resources available throughout our region.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the outstanding staff at Swiftwater Elementary Center for graciously hosting the event once again. I am also grateful to our vendors, exhibitors, volunteers, and my district office staff, whose hard work and dedication made the day a success.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended. It is always a privilege to spend time with the seniors of the 40^th Senatorial District, hear your concerns, and help connect you with the services and information you need. I appreciate everyone who made this year’s expo such a wonderful event, and I look forward to seeing you again next year.

Bringing the Moving Wall to Monroe County

Months ago, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 678 approached me about bringing the Moving Vietnam Memorial Wall to Monroe County. I was honored to support their vision and help connect them with resources and community partners.

I’m especially proud of my staff member, Mariclare, who worked closely with Chapter 678 throughout the planning process. She helped bring together volunteers from the Elks Lodge, Habitat for Humanity, ESU and Stroudsburg High School football, the Knights of Columbus, and many others.

Thank you to Chapter 678, all the volunteers, and especially Mariclare for your dedication and hard work. I’m incredibly proud of what our community accomplished together.

Honoring the Legacy of Lance Corporal Keith J. Laise

I was honored to attend the rededication of the American Legion Post 346 pavilion in memory of Lance Corporal Keith J. Laise, a hometown hero who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation.

LCPL Laise, a graduate of East Stroudsburg High School, was just 20 years old when he was killed in the 1983 Beirut barracks attack. It was so meaningful to hear heartfelt remarks from his younger brother, Chris, and members of the Laise family as they reflected on Keith’s life and service.

I extend my sincere gratitude to American Legion Post 346 for organizing this beautiful tribute and to the many veterans and community members who gathered to honor one of our own.

Honoring 80 Years of American Legion Post 889

This year American Legion Post 889 of Waymart is celebrating their 80^th year Anniversary! My office and other local officials spoke at a beautiful ceremony at Ladore Retreat and Conference Center to recognize their vast years of accomplishment.

Brooks from my staff spoke on my behalf and presented a Citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania for their 80 years of service for our veterans!

No-Cost TSA Precheck for Eligible Veterans

The VETS (Veterans Expedited TSA Screening) Safe Travel Act was signed into law, allowing certain veterans to receive no-cost TSA PreCheck enrollment. TSA PreCheck provides an expedited airport screening process with a more secure and streamlined security screening experience.

Eligible veterans for the TSA PreCheck enrollment fee waiver must be enrolled in VA healthcare and have a VA-determined service-connected disability which requires the use of a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb due to loss or loss of use of an extremity, full or partial paralysis or permanent blindness.

A TSA PreCheck enrollment letter was sent to eligible veterans and can be accessed online through their VA account.

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.