The Pennsylvania Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today approved a bill introduced by Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would authorize monetary bonuses for Pennsylvania military veterans who served during the Global War on Terror. The bill, known as Senate Bill 1316, is now set to be considered by the full Senate.
The proposed legislation would provide bonuses to veterans who were Pennsylvania residents at the time of their service and continue to reside in the state. Veterans who were engaged in active service during the Global War on Terror would be eligible for a $500 bonus, while those who served in direct support of the war, such as those who received specific campaign medals, would be eligible for a $1,000 bonus. Additionally, veterans who were prisoners of war or the families of those killed in action would receive a $5,000 bonus.
“In each and every one of our nation’s wars, Pennsylvanians have stepped up to protect and serve us,” said Senator Mastriano, who chairs the committee. “Now that the Global War on Terror has ended, it is time for Pennsylvania to once again say ‘thank you’ by approving these bonuses.”