Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
10/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 14:10
Delozier Initiative to Clarify Veterans Benefits Passes the House
Oct. 08, 2024
HARRISBURG-Language directly from Rep. Sheryl M. Delozier's (R-Cumberland) House Bill 2083 passed the House unanimously this week as an amendment to Senate Bill 1080. Delozier's contribution would correct a state-level discrepancy, ensuring veterans and their spouses receive the Vital Statistics fee waiver they are entitled to for death certificates.
"Cumberland County is home to about 17,000 veterans and numerous funeral homes," said Delozier. "The need for this legislation was brought to me by a New Cumberland funeral home in the 88th District last year, when confusion arose over a notice by the Department of Health that suddenly changed the policy surrounding free death certificates for veterans.
"Department of Health interpretation of the law made it so spouses of predeceased veterans could not obtain the fee waiver. I believe this interpretation is wrong; and my amendment would ensure the death certificate fee is waived for the spouse of a veteran, regardless of whether the veteran predeceased or survived their spouse.
"I believe when a person serves our country, their family also serves and deserves the respect to be entitled to the benefit of having the fees waived for official government documentation. I'm glad this amendment was adopted with unanimous, bipartisan support, and I look forward to seeing Senate Bill 1080 signed into law for our vets and their families," concluded Delozier.
You may listen to Delozier's comments on her amendment here.
Questions about this legislation or any other state-related issue can be directed to Delozier's office at 717-761-4665.
Representative Sheryl Delozier
88th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
[email protected]
RepDelozier.com / Facebook.com/RepDelozier
"Cumberland County is home to about 17,000 veterans and numerous funeral homes," said Delozier. "The need for this legislation was brought to me by a New Cumberland funeral home in the 88th District last year, when confusion arose over a notice by the Department of Health that suddenly changed the policy surrounding free death certificates for veterans.
"Department of Health interpretation of the law made it so spouses of predeceased veterans could not obtain the fee waiver. I believe this interpretation is wrong; and my amendment would ensure the death certificate fee is waived for the spouse of a veteran, regardless of whether the veteran predeceased or survived their spouse.
"I believe when a person serves our country, their family also serves and deserves the respect to be entitled to the benefit of having the fees waived for official government documentation. I'm glad this amendment was adopted with unanimous, bipartisan support, and I look forward to seeing Senate Bill 1080 signed into law for our vets and their families," concluded Delozier.
You may listen to Delozier's comments on her amendment here.
Questions about this legislation or any other state-related issue can be directed to Delozier's office at 717-761-4665.
Representative Sheryl Delozier
88th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
[email protected]
RepDelozier.com / Facebook.com/RepDelozier
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