Baker Bill Supports Military Families In Need

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HARRISBURG—A program to help military families who have fallen on hard times is one step closer to becoming a permanent benefit available to Pennsylvania’s service men and women according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), who serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

The Military Family Relief Assistance Program provides up to $3,500 in financial assistance to service members and families during times of hardship. But its future is uncertain every six years when the initiative must be reauthorized by the state.  Baker introduced legislation to remove this sunset requirement, preserving the program indefinitely.

“It is appropriate for us to be taking positive action on Military Family Relief Assistance,” stated Baker. “During the fifteen years since its inception, this program has proved its worth time and again.”

“Giving a helping hand to military families in need is not just a good cause, but another payment toward an overriding obligation. We can see the public support by the dollars voluntarily put in,” Baker added.

The program is funded through donations to the Veterans’ Trust Fund and operates with a balance of nearly $1 million, thanks to the generosity of the many Pennsylvanians who give each year. Since 2005, the program has awarded over $874,000 in grants to those who have experienced sudden and unexpected critical needs.

“This is ultimately about our respect for those who serve, and recognition that their families also make sacrifices to keep our nation and our commonwealth strong and safe,” Baker said.

Baker previously advanced a law to expand the program to cover more military families in need and to extend the timeframe for applications.

Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP) Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Bldg. 0-47 Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003 Phone: toll-free at 1-866-292-7201 Fax: 717-861-8124  Email: ra-pa-mfrap@pa.gov

https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Pages/Programs%20and%20Services/Military-Family-Relief-Assistance-Program.aspx

Contact:  Jen Wilson

jwilson@pasen.gov

 

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