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Welcome to my All-New Veterans E-Newsletter
I am proud to introduce my new monthly Veterans E-Newsletter! This dedicated newsletter will serve as a direct resource for our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families here in Pennsylvania. Our veterans have given so much to protect our freedoms, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have access to the services, benefits, and opportunities they’ve earned. Each edition of this newsletter will highlight important updates on legislation, community programs, veteran events, and resources available to support those who have served. This is one more way I hope to stay connected with you and ensure that your voices, experiences, and needs are heard in Harrisburg. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued contributions to our communities. I look forward to keeping you informed and engaged through this new platform. If you want to sign up to receive this e-newsletter monthly, click here. Brown Hosting Annual Veterans Luncheon
I will once again be hosting my annual Veterans Appreciation and Informational Luncheon on Sunday, November 16th at11:30AM at Trout Lake Retreats! Join your fellow brothers and sisters in arms as we honor and support all veterans and families of the 40th Senate District. Veterans, their spouses or a guest are invited to attend this appreciation event. Please RSVP here. New Law Extends PA Guard Family Education Benefit
The Military Family Education Program (MFEP) covers the cost of a state college education for dependents of Pennsylvania National Guard members in return for a six-year service obligation. We passed a new law ensuring additional dependents are covered each time the member reenlists. The benefit encourages talented Guard members to continue their service to the commonwealth and nation. Many Guard members who benefited from the original MFEP are now deciding whether to commit to another six years. Act 32 of 2025 clarifies that a Guard member can receive a new MFEP assistance grant – helping an additional dependent – with each new service obligation. I was proud to support this family benefit for our men and women in uniform. Financial Help for Pennsylvania Veterans Facing Hardship
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs offers financial support to veterans and their surviving dependents facing unexpected financial hardship through the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program. If you’re experiencing an unexpected financial crisis, the VTA program can provide up to $1,600 per year to help cover essential needs like:
This program is designed to offer short-term relief during tough times, ensuring veterans and their families have the support they need. Tuition Assistance for Veterans
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for a variety of programs including college classes. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can help qualifying veterans and service members and their children pay for college educational expenses. Many Pennsylvania colleges and universities participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program which helps qualifying veterans pay for tuition and fees the Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover. Pennsylvania veterans who attend participating out-of-state schools may also be eligible for benefits through the program. Children or surviving spouses of a service member or member of the Selected Reserve who died on or after 9/11 could be eligible for 36 months of higher education financial assistance, including tuition, housing and fees, through the Fry Scholarship. The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship provides added benefits to eligible veterans receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship with up to 9 months, or $30,000 of benefits for training in high-demand STEM fields. The VFW Sport Clips Helps a Hero Scholarship offers up to $5,000 per semester to eligible veterans and service members looking to further their education. Congress Considers 2026 Federal Funding for Veterans Programs
Veterans’ health care programs and benefits programs will be fully funded next year under legislation recently considered in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The most recent version of the bill, as passed by the Senate, allocates approximately $300 billion for mandatory veterans’ benefits, including disability compensation, education assistance, vocational rehabilitation and employment training. The bill is now back in the House for consideration of changes made by the Senate. Honoring Our Veterans at Salute to Service Game
When I attended the Valley View Cougars’ Salute to Service game, I was honored to recognize Russ and all other veterans who have served our country! We thank all for their tremendous service to our country and our communities. Russ is a shining example of what it means to serve, as he is also a state commander! Tobyhanna Army Depot Legislative Day
It was a pleasure to attend the Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Legislative Day, in partnership with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance! We had the opportunity to tour the facilities and meet the workforce of the 40th Senate District and beyond that make the Depot run. |
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