Pa. veterans aid program closing

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A Pennsylvania program that helps veterans with disability compensation, pensions, and healthcare concerns has been ordered to close by Jan. 1 after nearly 29 years.

The Department of Labor and Industry says the decision to close all five Governor’s Veterans Outreach and Assistance Center offices was difficult, but necessary given the economy.

The program has offices in Boyertown, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg and West Pittston and a $900,000 annual budget. It was funded through a federal grant.

Brian Morris, director of Erie’s office, acknowledged the program provides duplicate services, but said client numbers demonstrated a need. It served about 400 to 600 new clients yearly.

The labor department says funding will go to the state’s CareerLink program.