HARRISBURG - The House on Saturday passed legislation written by Rep. Zach Mako, R-Lehigh/Northampton, to extend the military family relief program checkoff box on state tax forms permanently.

"Just a few days ago, we celebrated Independence Day and the freedoms we hold so dear," said Mako, also a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in the Pennsylvania National Guard."But we must never forget freedom is not free. Without the brave members of our military willing to serve, the United States would be a very different place. This important program we are permanently extending is a small way to help those deployed and their family members in their time of need."House Bill 984 would make the tax checkoff permanent. The Military Family Relief Program provides financial assistance to armed forces personnel and their families, including the National Guard and Reserves.Assistance available under the program is offered during active duty status. The program is funded by the tax checkoff and was first initiated in 2005. It has been extended three times since then. Currently, the program is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2018.The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.