BOSTON (WWLP) – A new bill passed by the state legislature will bolster support initiatives and programs to improve the quality of life for veterans statewide.
An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans (HERO Act) is expected to increase benefits for disabled veterans and Gold Star family members, reinforce new and existing initiatives for municipalities and businesses to support veterans, create comprehensive services for active-duty service members and military families, broaden the range of the Veterans Equality Review Board, update the Chapter 115 definition of a veteran to expand eligibility, and codify medical, behavioral health, and dental benefits.
InFocus: Programs and services for military veterans “We have a responsibility to support and empower every person who has served and sacrificed for our nation once they return home—as well as their families,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We are a Commonwealth that has the deepest respect and gratitude to our veterans, and the HERO Act doubles down on that commitment to our service members by delivering the support that they and their families deserve. I’m deeply grateful to Senator John Velis for his work and sustained leadership on this issue, all of the conferees, and to Speaker Mariano and our partners in the House for their efforts to get this important legislation over the finish line.”
“Ensuring that state government is doing everything that it can to support the Commonwealth’s veterans is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as elected officials. Veterans represent the very best of us, having risked their lives in service of this country, which is why we owe them nothing less than our unwavering support,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy) . “This legislation not only provides increased support for veterans in Massachusetts, through tax credits and enhanced benefits, it also takes steps to ensure that the Commonwealth goes to even greater lengths to honor our veterans and Gold Star families. I want to thank Governor Healey for filing the HERO Act, Majority Leader Moran and all my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the importance of supporting our veterans however we can.”
“Massachusetts has a long history of prioritizing the needs of our veterans and service members and I am thrilled that the HERO Act is on its way to the Governor’s desk to continue this tradition. The final legislation is a product of collaboration—taking the strongest elements from the Governor’s original bill, the House’s bill, and the Senate’s own diligent work—to create a comprehensive package that will expand services and resources for veterans, active duty service members, and military families throughout the Commonwealth,” stated Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and Senate Chair of the Conference Committee. “Less than one half of one percent of our nation bravely raise their right hand and pledge to defend our nation no matter the costs. We must always remember, recognize, and honor these sacrifices however we can, and passage of this legislation is an important step towards fulfilling that mission.”
Governor Maura Healey sponsored the bill. It has moved to her desk to be signed into law.
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