With funding support from The Heinz Endowments, Penn State researchers are reviewing empirical literature to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the transition needs of military-connected individuals and to identify the most effective role of state government. Through document review and key stakeholder interviews, Penn State researchers will document Pennsylvania’s existing military-connected policies, as well as the policies of its peer states. An understanding of Pennsylvania’s military-connected expenses across all departments will be assessed. A state policy agenda that aligns with current research and the federal policy agendas will be enacted with the support of a communications and a government affairs team, who will develop products targeted to both policy stakeholders and the general public. As a result, a broad coalition of stakeholders, who are well versed in veterans’ issues, will be convened to ensure realistic policy recommendations, to inform state-level policy goals, and to increase evidence-informed policy discussions at the state level.
