O’Mara initiative to increase donations to Veterans Trust Fund enacted into law

Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara    September 20, 2022 | 4:47 PM

HARRISBURG, Sept. 20 — State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, attended a ceremonial bill signing today that commemorated the passage of her legislation to increase donation amounts to the Veterans Trust Fund.

Senate Bill 96, which contains language initially introduced and championed by O’Mara since her first term in 2019, raises contributions to the Veterans Trust Fund when drivers renew their license. The annual contribution amount rose from $3 to $5 and the biannual contribution amount, from $6 to $10.

“One hundred percent of donations to the VTF go directly into the fund. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs charges no administrative costs, salaries or fees to the VTF. Every dollar goes directly to assisting veterans,” O’Mara said. “Minimally increasing the amount that Pennsylvania drivers may donate is an easy, yet highly effective way to bolster donations. I’m proud to see this measure I’ve worked on for the last three years finally make its way to the governor’s desk.”

The VTF issues grants to organizations that assist veterans with needs such as shelter and necessities of living. Grants from the VTF may also help veterans with obtaining federal veterans benefits and pensions earned by virtue of their service and sacrifice.

This measure was signed into law and became Act 55 of 2021 on June 30, 2021, and has been implemented by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Photos of the bill signing are available on O’Mara’s website.