HARRISBURG - 183rd District Rep. Zach Mako, R-Lehigh/Northampton, who also serves as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in the Pennsylvania National Guard, recently introduced legislation to extend the Military Family Relief Program checkoff box on state tax forms for another four years.

"As a member of the military, I know firsthand the many sacrifices families endure when a loved one is deployed," Mako said. "This program helps meet immediate needs for food, shelter, clothing and medical care for those stateside. The last thing a deployed serviceman or servicewoman needs is to be concerned about whether basic needs are being met for family members at home."House Bill 984 would extend the tax checkoff until Jan. 1, 2022. The Military Family Relief Program provides financial assistance to armed forces personnel and their families, including the National Guard and Reserves. Assistance under the program is offered during active duty status. The program, funded by the tax checkoff, was initiated in 2005. It has been extended three times. It is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2018.