HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee approved a bill today to increase pensions for the Blind Veterans Pension Program and the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program, according to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Judy Ward (R-30).
The pension programs serve Pennsylvania veterans who suffered service-connected injuries or diseases that resulted in loss of vision, paralysis, or the loss of two or more extremities.
Under the programs, recipients are eligible for a monthly pension payment of $150. Senate Bill 276 would increase these pension payments to $180.
“The veterans who benefit from these programs suffered terrible injuries while fighting for our freedoms and our safety,” Ward said. “We owe them a debt that can never be repaid. Increasing pensions that have remained stagnant for 20 years is the least we can do to honor their service and sacrifice.”
The two programs served more than 2,000 Pennsylvania veterans last year. The last pension increase for the programs was in 1999.
Senate Bill 276 was sent to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner (717) 787-5490