Senate Acts to Extend Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans; Give Veterans Easier Access to Pharmaceuticals; and Review Homeland Security Efforts

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Senate this past week took action to extend property tax exemptions for disabled veterans; give veterans easier access to pharmaceuticals; and review homeland security efforts, Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) reported.

Senate Bill 19 would extend property tax exemptions to more of Pennsylvania's disabled veterans. Currently, veterans who suffered a total permanent disability as a result of military service can apply to the State Veterans Commission for exemption from property taxes if they demonstrate financial need. Senate Bill 19 would establish guidelines for determining need to make the property tax exemptions available to more veterans. Once a veteran is approved for an exemption, the legislation would require the Veterans Commission to review the veterans' circumstances every five years, rather than the current practice of every two years.

Senator Robbins, who voted in favor of the measure, stated "We can't thank enough those that fought for our nation, were wounded in battle, and are now permanently disabled." Senate Bill 19 now goes before the House of Representatives for further consideration.

The Senate also unanimously passed Senate Bill 808, the "Long-Term Care Patient Access to Pharmaceuticals Act." The bill would authorize a long-term facility pharmacy to receive the lower cost drugs directly from the U.S. Veterans Administration drug benefit program in the patient's name and to repackage those drugs so that they may be dispensed in unit doses. The change would make it much more affordable and easy for veterans in such facilities to obtain their necessary medications.

"This measure continues our commitment to our veterans' community," said Robbins. Senate Bill 808 will also go to the House for its consideration.

Senate Bill 366, unanimously adopted by the Senate, directs the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a review of homeland security funding and preparedness in the Commonwealth.

"Since 9-11, Pennsylvania has received more than $615 million in federal funding for homeland security purposes," said Robbins. "This study will take a comprehensive look at how the Commonwealth has spent this money." The Committee has until July 1, 2007, to submit its report to the General Assembly.

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322