Lower Bucks Today

Legislation focusing on the health needs of women veterans has been unanimously approved by a Senate committee, according to its sponsors, Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Sen. Frank Farry (R-6), and Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18). The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee gave the green light to Senate Resolution 46, which aims to establish a Task Force on Women Veterans’ Health Care in Pennsylvania.

This task force will examine health issues faced by women veterans and provide recommendations to the governor and General Assembly. It will include members with relevant expertise, such as the chair of the State Veterans’ Commission and healthcare providers. The initiative could also lead to additional federal funding for addressing these health care challenges.

“There are nearly 60,000 women veterans in Pennsylvania. By 2045, it is estimated that women will make up approximately 18% of Commonwealth veterans,” said Pennycuick, an U.S. Army combat veteran. “The particular health needs of women can often be overlooked in providing services to a large, predominantly male, veteran population. This task force will recommend steps to make that less likely.”

“This task force is a crucial step in ensuring female veterans have access to health care designed to support their specific needs,” Farry said. “I am proud to support this resolution and will continue to be an advocate for those that risk everything in service to our country.”

Senator Boscola added her gratitude for the bipartisan support: “I am grateful for the committee’s support for this bipartisan effort and more importantly, the positive attention this issue is receiving. The taskforce will provide important insight for our Commonwealth on what areas of care should be improved as more women commit themselves to military service for our Commonwealth.”

The resolution forms part of the Pennsylvania Agenda for Women’s Health—a broader proposal addressing health concerns affecting Pennsylvania's women veterans—and now advances to the full Senate for consideration.