Bill increases benefits, modernizes services, and promotes inclusivity for Massachusetts veterans
BOSTON – State Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn) was proud to join his colleagues in the House and Senate to pass “An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans (HERO Act),” legislation designed to boost support for hundreds of thousands of individuals across the state who have served in the United States military, including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans.
“I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to pass The HERO Act, a very important piece of legislation that shows our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our veterans and their families in Massachusetts,” said Representative Haggerty. “This comprehensive bill represents our continued efforts to ensure that our veterans and their families, who have sacrificed so much, receive the support, resources, and benefits they so rightfully deserve. From increasing benefits, modernizing services and promoting inclusivity to requiring the proper recognition of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we are sending a clear message that the Commonwealth stands with our heroes.”
This compromise legislation increases and simplifies benefits and opportunities, modernizes services, and promotes inclusivity for Massachusetts veterans while reaffirming the Commonwealth’s commitment to recognizing and serving all service members and their families. It increases benefits for disabled veterans and Gold Star family members, bolsters new and existing initiatives for municipalities and businesses to support veterans, creates comprehensive services for active-duty service members and military families, expands the scope of the Veterans Equality Review Board, updates the Chapter 115 definition of a veteran to expand eligibility, and codifies medical, behavioral health, and dental benefits.
Further, it establishes new recognitions for military service in the Commonwealth and requires several working groups to review post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans, mental health treatments for veterans, and overall quality of life for veterans in Massachusetts.
Having passed both chambers, the bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
