Panel OKs Two Bills That Would Expand, Extend Military Family Relief

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said that the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously OK’d two bills to extend and expand the Military Family Relief Assistance Program.

“The economic downturn has put more military families in financial peril since the program was signed into law by Gov. Rendell in November 2005,” George said. “I thank committee members for helping to see that this last-chance safety net is extended and bolstered.”

The program, administered by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, helps Pennsylvania military personnel and their families with grants of up to $2,500 annually to provide food, shelter and other necessities in times of hardship. The program expires in November 2010.

George’s House Bill 1533 would: