HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell today signed into law legislation extending and expanding a safety net that provides critical help for military personnel and their families.
“Pennsylvania stands tall and together for its military personnel and families by supporting the Military Family Relief Assistance Program,” said Rep. Camille “Bud” George, author of House Bill 1533, which was approved unanimously in the state House and Senate.
The program, administered by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, provides grants of up to $2,500 annually for food, shelter and other necessities. Since 2005, the program has disbursed more than $112,000 to military families with urgent financial needs.
The new law:
- Extends the program until June 30, 2016;
- Specifically singles out state National Guard members in eligibility guidelines;
- Expands eligibility guidelines so military personnel could be eligible for grants up to one year after completion of active duty;
- Eases residency requirements so an eligible applicant need only be a Pennsylvania resident when he or she applies, and not necessarily when he or she entered the service.
Applications and more information on the Military Family Relief Assistance Program are available online at www.dmva.state.pa.us, or by calling the department toll free at 1-866 292-7201.
“Pennsylvanians have answered the call since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks,” said George, D-74 of Houtzdale. “Act XXX enables Pennsylvanians to ensure that the brave men and women protecting our freedoms are protected on the home front.”
Enactment of Act 38 marked George’s second successful effort to bolster the safety net for military families. House Bill 1531, enabling Pennsylvanians to continue to dedicate a portion of their refunds on state Personal Income Tax returns to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, was signed into law Oct. 9, 2009.
“No tax dollars are used to fund the program,” said George, a World War II-era Navy veteran. “Citizens who appreciate the sacrifices of their hometown heroes make the assistance possible.”
