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In this Update:

• New Law: Strengthening the Military Family Education Program
• Annual Fishing License Fee Removed for Disabled Veterans
• Korean Americans Who Served in Vietnam to Receive State Veterans’ Benefits
• Recognizing Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
• Military Lifetime National Parks Pass
• Funding Available for Community Groups Providing Veteran Suicide Prevention Services

New Law: Strengthening the Military Family Education Program

Act 32 of 2025, legislation I introduced alongside Senator Lindsey Williams, has been signed into law!

This new law strengthens the Military Family Education Program (MFEP)—Pennsylvania’s version of the GI Bill—by allowing Pennsylvania National Guard members who re-enlist to extend education benefits to more of their dependents.

As a U.S. Army veteran, I understand firsthand the sacrifices made not just by our service members, but by their families. This law recognizes their shared commitment and ensures they have greater access to educational opportunities.

Act 32 is an investment in military families and in Pennsylvania’s future.

Full release here.

Annual Fishing License Fee Removed for Disabled Veterans

Recently, the state Senate and House of Representatives passed my legislation to remove the annual fishing license fee and application for veterans with 100% disability. The legislation was recently signed into law as Act 21 of 2025.

Previously only those disabled veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination from the VA can receive free lifetime fishing licenses. The new law takes away the annual fee and application part of the process and will allow all disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination from the VA, whether or not it is a permanent determination, to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses.

Our disabled veterans have given our Commonwealth and nation so much. It is a small thank you to make the process of getting a fishing license simpler for these extraordinary Americans.

Korean Americans Who Served in Vietnam to Receive State Veterans’ Benefits

Legislation passed the state Senate and await final consideration in the House to give Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces the same state veterans’ benefits as their U.S.

Hundreds of Pennsylvanians are among the more than 3,000 naturalized Korean American citizens who served in the Vietnam War as part of the Korean Armed Forces. Passage of this measure recognizes that they are entitled to as much support as their U.S. military counterparts.

Senate Bill 173 grants the same rights, benefits and privileges of U.S. military veterans to any Pennsylvania resident who is a naturalized U.S. citizen and who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces.

The bill would apply to any Pennsylvania resident who is an American citizen, was an active-duty member of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in the Vietnam War between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and received an honorable discharge or equivalent.

Recognizing Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

In June, the Senate passed Senate Bill 511 to designate July 27 as Korean War Veterans Armistice Day and require the governor to issue a proclamation each year to encourage schools to observe Korean War Veterans Armistice Day and recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by those involved in the Korean War.

The bill awaits further action by the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee in the House of Representatives.

Military Lifetime National Parks Pass

The U.S. Geological Survey offers a free lifetime America the Beautiful pass to all veterans and Gold Star Families to receive free admission to all National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands.

• Veterans must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and be able to present a non-expired Department of Defense Identification Card, Veteran Health Identification Card, Veteran ID Card or Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card.
• The pass admits the pass owner and any accompanying passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas – or the pass owner and up to three additional adults at sites that charge per person.
• The pass is free to pick up in person or $10 to receive by mail.

Funding Available for Community Groups Providing Veteran Suicide Prevention Services

Community-based organizations that provide suicide prevention or emergency clinical services to veterans have until July 18 to apply for federal grants to support their vital mission.

Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and may apply to renew awards from year to year. Learn more about eligibility and apply here.

Veterans in crisis are encouraged to call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing one to speak with responders trained in crisis intervention and military culture. All calls are free and confidential. Additionally, Pennsylvania provides many programs and services to support veterans.

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