Pennsylvania has updated its veterans’ benefit regulations for the first time in 35 years, making it easier for veterans to qualify for assistance.

The changes include expanded eligibility, higher income limits, and increased financial support for programs covering:

• Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans
• Amputee, paralyzed, and blind veterans’ pensions
• Temporary financial assistance
• Educational assistance for eligible children of veterans

With nearly 650,000 veterans in Pennsylvania, these changes could help more veterans and their families access benefits they’ve earned.

What should veterans do?

Updated application forms are available electronically but must be printed, signed, and submitted to the county Department of Veterans Affairs.

Need help applying? Contact the county office to schedule a free appointment.

Monroe County Department of Veterans Affairs

One Quaker Plaza, Room 101 Stroudsburg, PA 18360

• 570 260 8678

Pike County Department of Veterans Affairs

837 Route 6, Unit 3 Shohola, PA 18458

• 570 296 3410

Don't assume you don't qualify! Find out whether these expanded benefits can help you or your family.

Share this information with a veteran or military family who may benefit.

I will re-introduce legislation in the 2027-28 session to expand property tax relief for veterans with disabilities rated at least 50%, regardless of whether their disability resulted from combat service, as well as their eligible surviving spouses. With Democrats holding majorities in both the House and Senate in the upcoming session, I am hopeful we can get this legislation across the finish line. I will not give up on our veterans or stop fighting to get them the property tax relief they deserve.
 

The state House passed my legislation (H.B. 1257) by an overwhelming 202-1 vote. Unfortunately, the Senate did not vote on the bill during the 2025-26 legislative session.

The I-80 reconstruction project continues to raise concerns about property rights and access for Monroe County residents. I remain committed to advocating for our residents and pushing PennDOT to reconsider the scope and impact of this project. As highlighted in both the WFMZ and Pocono Record articles , these concerns continue to affect local homeowners.

That’s why I’m continuing to call on residents to make their voices heard. If you haven’t already, please add your voice to this ongoing effort by signing my petition calling for a scaled-back I-80 expansion: https://www.pahouse.net/Probst/Petition/?id=1539

East Stroudsburg University and five other universities in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education are participating in a new program designed to help first-generation and low-income students stay in college and earn their degrees. The initiative, called Mastering Academic and Professional Systems, focuses on the critical transition from a student's first year to their second year, when students can face challenges navigating college resources and expectations.

Supported by a $250,000, two-year grant from the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh to the PASSHE Foundation, MAPS will provide 12 first-year students at each participating university with a yearlong support program. Activities will include monthly group meetings, faculty and staff mentoring, financial guidance such as assistance with FAFSA renewal, and opportunities to connect with campus resources.

Nearly 80 percent of PASSHE students return for their second year of college. MAPS aims to strengthen that rate by helping students build connections, better understand financial aid and academic resources, and navigate the college experience. In addition to supporting 72 students across the six universities, the initiative will develop faculty and staff training that could eventually be expanded to other State System campuses.

Read more: Learn about PASSHE's MAPS program.

Pennsylvania students and families have an opportunity to win a $2,500 scholarship through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency's PA Forward Scholarship Sweepstakes. The no-essay sweepstakes are open to Pennsylvania residents, including 2027-28 college students, graduate students, parents, legal guardians and grandparents.

To enter, eligible participants must opt in or re-opt in to receive communications from the PA Forward Student Loan Program by May 1. Participants will also receive information and tips on planning for and paying for higher education.

A total of 12 winners will be selected in May 2027, with each receiving a $2,500 scholarship. No essay is required. Pennsylvania residents can enter at pheaa.org/ss.

Please see below for a list of the upcoming free Community Thanksgiving Meals throughout Monroe County.

Monroe County Habitat for Humanity invites you to take part in its free monthly Habitat Toolbelt Series, held on the third Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon at the Monroe County ReStore.

These hands-on educational sessions are open to homeowners, volunteers, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning practical home improvement skills. Led by experienced jobsite supervisors, classes cover a variety of topics, including home repairs, tool safety, home maintenance, and DIY projects.

The next session is 11 a.m.-noon, Thursday, November 19. The topic will be Winterizing Your Home: Tips & More!

Location:
Monroe County ReStore
2610 Milford Road
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
(Intersection of Business Routes 209 and 402)

There is no cost to attend, but online registration is encouraged, which can be done here.

I am happy to support The Bushkill Emergency Corps and was pleased to attend their banquet! Thank you to the Board of Directors, officers, and the community for supporting this fine organization. It was great sitting with Judge Jamie Levy and Monroe County Coroner Tom Yanac! I saw so many familiar faces from our community.

Way to go, Ask the Good Doctor, LaJoyce Hunter Brookshire, and Miss Black Pennsylvania, Canisha Robinson, for hosting a women’s wellness open house at Wellspring Holistic Center, located at 239 E. Brown St. in East Stroudsburg Borough. This is their new location! The services they provide for women’s health are exceptional, and it was an honor to be there.

Thank you, Dr. Damary M. Bonilla-Rodriguez and UnidosUS, for inviting me to your event! I love your mission of empowering Latino communities, expanding opportunities, and advocating for greater access to education, health care, housing, economic opportunity, and civic engagement. The work you do to strengthen families and build more inclusive, thriving communities is so important. I'm always here to help and support your efforts. It was a real honor to be there!

Every year, I am honored to be invited to Tamiment to recognize our senior veterans and present them with certificates of appreciation. It is such a wonderful group of people, and I love seeing how hard this community works on behalf of its HOA! Thank you for your service and to the families who have supported you. ?? Rest in peace, Harvey Reidberg. I was so sorry to hear of your passing on October 31. You will be missed.

I got to spend lunchtime at The Elks Lodge with some veterans for their annual luncheon! ?? Then I enjoyed coffee with Shari Renee Chambers at Cafe Duet. Shari, thank you for your service! It’s always nice to see friends sitting outside and enjoying the day! After that, I stopped by to see Sgt. Major Claudette Williams at her Women Veterans Museum on 7th St. and ran into Jessica Delfino! It was a wonderful day spent with veterans and an opportunity to let them know just how special they are. ?? P.S. Take a look at some of the local names in the first picture. They belonged to individuals who served in the Civil War and were members of the Elks Lodge!

Congratulations to Bewell HUB, a new holistic wellness center located on Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg Borough! There was a fantastic turnout for the grand opening, and I wish you much success as you begin this exciting new chapter!

District Office

18 South 9th Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 420-2850

Pennsylvania State Capitol

5-A East Wing  Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1421