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For Immediate Release
March 9, 2010
Contact: Sally Kohr
(717) 787-4651

Alloway Supports Extension of Military Family Relief Assistance Program 

HARRISBURG – The Senate voted unanimously Monday to approve the extension and expansion of the Military Family Relief Assistance Program, according to Senator Richard Alloway II (R-33). 

The Military Family Relief Assistance Program provides grants to military members who have a direct and immediate financial need due to the sudden loss of income directly related to their service or an emergency need for child care, food, shelter or other necessities. The program also provides emergency funding for travel and lodging in the event of the death or serious illness of a spouse, parent, sibling or child.  

House Bill 1533 would extend the program until 2016 and adds National Guard members to the list of service members who are eligible for the program. The legislation also expands eligibility guidelines so military families could be eligible for assistance for up to a year following their return from active duty. 

"The men and women in our Armed Forces make tremendous sacrifices to keep our nation safe, and this program provides an important safety net to help these brave individuals in their time of need," Alloway said. "The extension of this program will help to ensure that the state provides for the members of our military when they return from service." 

House Bill 1533 has been approved by the House and Senate and was sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.