HARRISBURG, PA — A bill aimed at increasing pension payments for injured veterans has passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with unanimous support. Sponsored by State Rep. Dan Williams, House Bill 1144 proposes raising the monthly pension amount for blind, amputee, and paralyzed veterans from $150 to $200.
“Pennsylvania offers pension programs for veterans who are blind, have lost limbs or are paralyzed. Under our current law, the program pays $150 per month to qualified veterans, but that amount has not been raised since 1999,” Rep. Williams said.
The $50 increase represents a significant update to a payment that has remained unchanged for over two decades. “This $50 increase is the first step in right-sizing this program for the veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country,” Williams added. “This increase is meant to repay a small part of the debt we owe to those who put their lives on the line for our protection.”
Williams worked alongside State Reps. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia), Mark Gillen (R-Berks), and Dane Watro (R-Schuylkill/Luzerne) to sponsor the bipartisan legislation.
Having gained approval from the Pennsylvania House, the bill now advances to the state Senate for further consideration. If enacted, this adjustment would provide much-needed financial support to veterans who risked their lives for the nation’s safety.
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