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In this update:
Join Us for a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
Veterans are invited to join Rep. Joe D’Orsie and me for a special Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, Nov. 7, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Eagle Fire Company, 54 Center St., Mt. Wolf. This special morning is our way of saying “Thank you” to those who have served our nation with honor and dedication. We are excited to welcome Pennsylvania National Guard Brig. Gen. Reece J. Lutz as our featured guest speaker. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the mobile veterans’ outreach van from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, which will provide helpful information, assistance and resources. A special thanks goes to the VFW Susquehanna Post 2493 in Mt. Wolf for donating the space and helping make this event possible. Veterans and one guest should RSVP at SenatorKeefer.com/events or by calling 717-432-1730 no later than Wednesday, Oct. 29. Eliminating School Property Taxes Can Help Veterans Stay in Their Homes
Pennsylvanians, including veterans, need relief from rising school property taxes. These taxes can be particularly burdensome for veterans on fixed incomes, making it harder to stay in the homes they’ve worked hard to keep. That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 962 and Rep. Wendy Fink introduced House Bill 1649, the School Property Tax Elimination Act. The plan replaces school property taxes with a fairer, more stable revenue model while maintaining strong funding for schools. Key highlights of the plan:
You can see how your taxes would change under this legislation by clicking here. You will need your annual income, property taxes paid annually and retirement income. Please join us at one of our upcoming town halls:
Want to bring a town hall to your community? Call my office at 717-432-1730. Let’s keep the momentum going for veterans, families and all residents of Pennsylvania. New Satellite Office Opening in York to Better Serve Veterans and Constituents
I am pleased to announce the opening of a new satellite office in York to better serve residents of the 31st Senatorial District. The office will open Sept. 24 and will hold weekly hours on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the York County Courthouse, 41 E. Market St., York, PA 17401. This location will make it easier for constituents, especially veterans, to access the services and support they need. My office can help connect you with state resources, assist with navigating state government, and address concerns related to benefits, services, housing, veterans affairs and other issues. The satellite office is another step in my ongoing efforts to stay accessible and responsive to the people I serve. 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. Urging Congress to Support the Major Richard Star Act
In late July, the Senate passed a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to support the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102) under which former Service members who were medically retired from the military with less than 20 years of service (Chapter 61 retirees) AND are eligible for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) would no longer have to forfeit a portion of the benefits they earned in service. VA Announces Longer Access to Community Care Services
Veterans referred by the VA to community care for essential specialty services – including cardiology, gastroenterology, oncology and hematology, orthopedic and pulmonary care – will now receive 12 full months of uninterrupted treatment at VA expense before having to obtain a reauthorization from the VA. Prior to this change announced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, community care referrals often needed to be reevaluated every 90 to 180 days, which could cause interrupted or delayed care. 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. Congress Considering 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. College Football Shows Appreciation for Veterans
Starting at noon on Sept. 17, veterans can request two complementary tickets to see the Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Indiana during PSU’s annual Military Appreciation football game Nov. 8 at Beaver Stadium. Two additional tickets can be purchased at a discounted rate of $35 each. Tickets will only be available as long as supplies last but all veterans with proof of military service are invited to a free Military Appreciation Tailgate before the game at the Bryce Jordan Center. Retired military can receive free tickets through VetTix to the University of Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Boston College Oct. 4 matchup for Pitt’s annual Hail to Heroes game at Acrisure Stadium. Upcoming Webinar: Preventing Veteran Suicide in Community Care
Join the Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program (SRM) this month for a virtual lecture on preventing suicide among veterans receiving VA-authorized community care. The session will focus on implementing lethal means safety counseling – a strategy to reduce access to lethal methods like firearms. What You’ll Learn:
How to Register in TMS:
For more info and resources, visit the TMS Resources site. Helping Veterans Get into College
Tuition Assistance for Veterans
Colleges That Support Veterans
Support for Veteran Students
Back-to-School Discounts for Veterans and Their Families
Upcoming Veterans Events in York and Cumberland Counties
This section highlights veterans events my office has been informed about, but does not represent 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 or York counties, please do so by completing our online submission form. SEPTEMBER Saturday, September 13- Comedy Concert Ft. Mike Bova Saturday, September 13- Community Yard Sale Sunday, September 14- Purses-N-Pistols Bingo Sunday, September 14- All You Can Eat Breakfast Sunday, September 14- Breakfast Buffet Monday, September 15- Music Bingo Tuesday, September 16- Ballroom (Social) Dance Lessons Wednesday, September 17- PTSD Veterans Group Wednesday, September 17- 3rd Annual Veterans Stand Down Thursday, September 18- Music Bingo Friday, September 19- Music Bingo Friday, September 19- Band Night Ft. Vanishing Point Saturday, September 20- Community Yard Sale Monday, September 22- Cornhole Thursday, September 25- Music Bingo Friday, September 26- Love Rocket Friday, September 26- Band Night ft. Nick Ferraro & The Allstars Saturday, September 27- Community Yard Sale Sunday, September 28- Cash Bingo OCTOBER Friday, October 3- CAY Active Living Center Comedian Show Case Fundraiser Friday October 3- Band Night Ft. Smooth Opinion Saturday, October 4- Community Yard Sale NOVEMBER Saturday, November 1- Community Yard Sale Sunday, November 2- Designer Purse Bingo Friday, November 7- Blood Drive Sunday, November 9- Cash Bingo to Benefit Veterans Programs Friday, November 21- Band Night Ft. STEEL Wednesday, November 26- Band Night Ft. Cannon Fire |
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