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In this update:
Important Notice: My offices will be closed for in-person services on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. However, our office will be available during regular hours for virtual services. Building a More Prosperous Pennsylvania: 2026 Priorities
As the Pennsylvania Senate begins the second half of its two-year session, I am looking ahead to my priorities for the coming year:
I remain committed to serving our communities and working every day to cut unnecessary regulations, increase government transparency and make government work for you — not the other way around. Honoring Veterans at Wreaths Across America
I was honored to be part of the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in New Cumberland, joining Rep. Marc Anderson and many community members to pay tribute to our veterans. This year, Mt. Olivet received over 600 wreath sponsorships, covering every veteran’s gravesite. It was a moving reminder of the sacrifices these heroes made and the importance of remembering their service. Expanding Eligibility for Free and Reduced Disabled Veterans Hunting Licenses
Legislation passed unanimously by the Senate in November would make Pennsylvania veterans with a 100% service-connected disability eligible for a free regular hunting or furtaking license, regardless of whether their disability occurred during war or armed conflict. Senate Bill 1020, sponsored by Sen. Chris Gebhard, would allow veterans with a 60-99% disability rating from active-duty service to purchase regular hunting or furtaking licenses at a reduced cost of $1. Currently, free and reduced fee hunting licenses are only available to resident veterans whose disabilities were incurred during war or armed conflict. Senate Bill 1020 would expand eligibility to include veterans whose disabilities were incurred during other times of military service such as training exercises, non-combat military operations and peacetime service activities. The bill is now in the House of Representatives, awaiting a vote by the Game and Fisheries Committee. Ensuring Access to Veterans Assistance Programs Across Pennsylvania
Legislation to improve the distribution of funding for veterans’ programs across the commonwealth is awaiting a vote in the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 146, introduced by Sen. Lisa Baker and unanimously passed by the Senate in March, would increase assistance and support provided by statewide charitable organizations to veterans and their families in underserved regions of the commonwealth through the Veterans’ Trust Fund. The Veterans’ Trust Fund provides grants to veterans’ service and non-profit organizations that assist veterans with issues including housing, financial matters, food, training, recovery assistance, transportation and health. Senate Bill 146 also raises awareness about the programs and resources supported by the Veterans’ Trust Fund. More Disabled Pennsylvanians Now Eligible for PA ABLE Savings Accounts
More Pennsylvanians – including veterans – are eligible to participate in the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program in 2026. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Pennsylvanians with a qualifying disability occurring prior to age 46 are eligible to open a PA ABLE account. Previously, eligibility required the disability to occur before age 26. PA ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save up to $19,000 per year tax-free without impacting important benefits. For veterans, savings and investments in PA ABLE accounts do not impact VA benefits. PA ABLE offers several saving options, including an interest-bearing checking account or investment options. Funds can be used for qualified expenses such as housing, health care, transportation and assistive technology. Contributions are deductible on state income taxes, and qualified withdrawals are exempt from state and federal income taxes. PA ABLE is administered by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. Treasurer Stacy Garrity, herself a veteran, said, “This significant expansion of eligibility to save with PA ABLE will usher in an era of greater financial independence and security for more of our friends and family members living with disabilities.” Assisting Veterans with Financial Literacy
If your New Year’s resolution is to increase financial literacy, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers resources to help veterans manage their personal finances, including:
2026 Military Veterans & Families Day at the Pennsylvania Farm Show
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is honoring veterans and military service members on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Some events include:
Farm Show admission is free for everyone but many exhibitors will be offering veterans and active duty military special offers and discounts on Jan. 15, including a free milkshake from the PA Dairymen’s Association. Upcoming Veterans Events in Cumberland and York Counties
This section highlights veterans events my office has been informed about but is not a complete listing. Inclusion of an event is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. If you would like to submit a veterans event for Cumberland and York counties, please do so by completing our online submission form. JANUARY Friday, Jan. 2 – Bingo Night Sunday, Jan. 4 – Bingo Thursday, Jan. 8 – Music Bingo Friday, Jan. 9 – Meat Raffle Sunday, Jan. 11 – Bingo Wednesday, Jan. 14 – Trivia Wednesday, Jan. 14 – Bingo Night Wednesday, Jan. 14 – Trivia Night Thursday, Jan. 15 – Music Bingo Friday, Jan. 16 – Meat Raffle Sunday, Jan. 18 – Bingo Monday, Jan. 19 – Music Bingo Wednesday, Jan. 21 – Trivia Night Thursday, Jan. 22 – Music Bingo Friday, Jan. 23 – Meat Raffle Saturday, Jan. 24 – Legion Olympics Saturday, Jan. 24 – Music Bingo Sunday, Jan. 25 – Bingo Monday, Jan. 26 – Cornhole Wednesday, Jan. 28 – Trivia Night Wednesday, Jan. 28 – Trivia Night Thursday, Jan. 29 – Music Bingo Friday, Jan. 30 – Bingo Night FEBRUARY Wednesday, Feb. 11 – Trivia Wednesday, Feb. 25 – Trivia |
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