Takac celebrates his first bill to provide veterans more efficient access to resources passing in the House
Rep. Paul Takac June 7, 2023 | 4:04 PM
HARRISBURG, June 7 – House Bill 1086, which would help connect veterans with government and community resources, passed the House of Representatives today with bipartisan support by a vote of 190-13, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced.
Takac’s bill would update state law to allow the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to transmit information from the voluntary Veterans Registry to veteran and community outreach partners that participate with the Pennsylvania VETConnect Program.
“This legislation will help ensure that veterans have the opportunity to connect with all of the resources available to them,” Takac said. “As a member of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I am committed to making sure our veterans and their families get all the help they need. This legislation originated with a request by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and allows for the sharing of information in the voluntary veterans registry with veteran and community outreach partners who participate in the PA VETConnect program.
“By allowing this improved flow of information, the department, their partners, and the PA VETConnect program will be able to work together to provide more resources and serve veterans in a more direct, efficient, and effective way. Improved coordination between these organizations will help target and connect veterans who may need assistance with employment, finances, substance use, mental wellness, post-traumatic stress, and many other issues.
“Once H.B. 1086 passes the Senate and receives Governor Josh Shapiro’s signature, the commonwealth can better serve the people that served our country and our commonwealth. Thank you to my colleagues in the House for voting to help connect veterans with vital resources and most importantly, thank you to veterans for their service,” he said.
The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously approved the amended bill on Tuesday, May 23. It is supported by the Pennsylvania Military Officers Association of America and the Pennsylvania National Guard Association.
The bill is Takac’s first bill to pass in the PA House as he begins his first term. It will now head to the Senate for consideration.