Pa. deploys task force to coordinate veterans services, programs
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Mike Stack initiated a task force to better coordinate the state's services and programs for veterans. It met Monday for the first time. (AP file photo)
A new state group is aiming to consolidate the commonwealth’s efforts to help veterans.
Lt. Gov. Mike Stack initiated the newly minted veterans task force that will be chaired by former state Adjutant Gen. Wesley Craig.
The 21-member panel had its first meeting Monday.
Stack said the main goal is to figure out where communication between the state’s veterans’ affairs programs can be improved.
“I think everyone has the best intentions for the veterans, and everyone talks about doing everything we can,” he said. “It’s just that you have so many people that it’s hard to keep it coordinated. So we’re going to make sure that the job gets done.”
Stack said those communication issues are common.
“There has been a lack of clarity, he said. “There’s sometimes duplication of effort — you have four or five organizations doing exactly the same thing.”
Stack said the panel will largely be looking into programs involving employment, housing, mental health, legal issues, and food security.
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