Senator Coleman E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Fourth Annual Women Veterans Day Commemoration
  • Display of the Constitutional Preambles in Schools
  • Nearly $600 Million in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA
  • Easier Access to CDL Training for Veterans
  • PA Hero Walk
  • Baseball Season Deals

Fourth Annual Women Veterans Day Commemoration

Woman veteran saluting.

The fourth annual Women Veterans Day Commemoration to honor the service, sacrifice and contributions of women who have served in the U.S. military will be held at the Pennsylvania State Capitol on June 10 at 11:30 a.m.

A virtual “What Service Means to Me” display featuring pictures of and reflections from women veterans will be available online here beginning June 8. Read more about this special commemoration.

Display of the Constitutional Preambles in Schools

The cover of the U.S. Constitution.

In May, the Senate passed legislation requiring the posting of the preambles of the U.S. Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution in the entranceway of public school buildings. Read more about Senate Bill 250 and Senate Bill 598.

Nearly $600 Million in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA

Two men sitting outside of PA Veterans Home in Erie

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved $596 million in VA infrastructure improvements in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026. The funds will be used by VA medical facilities to improve operational capability and overall healthcare delivery by making significant upgrades.

This includes funds for 24 projects for Pennsylvania’s VA medical facilities to renovate a prosthetics lab in Altoona, replace a roof in Butler, replace windows in Lebanon, repair a heat exchanger in Philadelphia, structural reinforcements in Pittsburgh and more.

Easier Access to CDL Training for Veterans

Semi truck hauling refrigerated cargo trailer on interstate highway

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs implemented part of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act) to improve how certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training programs are approved for VA education benefits.

Previously, new CDL training locations were required to meet the full approval requirements of a new CDL training program, which included a two-year minimum operating period, and have its site approved by the appropriate state approving agency before being able to enroll G.I. Bill students.

Now, new CDL training locations can be exempt from this two-year operating period requirement if they:

  • Offer the same curriculum as an approved location in the same state; or
  • Have been operating for at least one year and offer the same curriculum as an approved location in another state.

Currently, these changes apply only to CDL programs, but the VA will be studying the impact to determine whether this could be applied to other vocational programs in the future.

PA Hero Walk

People walking in 2025 PA Hero Walk

The PA Hero Walk, a 320-mile segmented fundraising walk across Pennsylvania to raise money to help veterans with basic necessities including utility bills, housing and more, will take place from June 7 through June 20.

Baseball Season Deals

Baseball resting on an American flag.

Many Major League Baseball teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates, offer discounted tickets to veterans. Minor league teams do as well, like the Harrisburg Senators, which offers buy one, get one free tickets to veterans every Tuesday home game through the season. 

The Reading Fightin Phils take nominations of veterans who have served or currently serve our country to have a ceremonial flag flown in their honor on a gameday. The veteran is recognized before the game, and they and their immediate family receive complimentary tickets.

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