Rep. Reichley Voices Concern at Termination of Governor's Veterans Outreach Program

From state Rep. Doug Reichley (R-Berks/Lehigh):

According to a recent news release from the Governor's Veterans Outreach and Assistance Center, dated just six days before Veterans Day, the governor has decided to eliminate funding for this important effort to aid veterans in our communities.

According to the state Department of Labor and Industry, the GVOAC ceased all outreach activities as of Nov. 1, 2009, and is attributing the cutback in services to state budget cuts. Throughout November and December, post-traumatic stress counseling for veterans at the GVOAC Boyertown office will also be ending on Dec. 31.

"I understand the strains on the Pennsylvania budget at the current time, but as one who fought to trim state expenditures, I also believe in utilizing public money for funding certain vital services, like those offered to veterans," said Reichley, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

"Countless veterans have come to my district office to consult with GVOAC officers to apply for veterans benefits, obtain service records or to apply for lost medals and recognitions," Reichley said. "Veterans who want this service restored need to contact the governor or their state legislators to demand that this vital service be restored."

Reichley has offered sessions with a representative of the GVOAC at his office in Emmaus, but those sessions will discontinue under this announcement.