Senate Passes Veterans Bill to Support Veterans, Service Members and Their Families

From the Massachusetts State House:

BOSTON– Today the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 2325 “An Act Relative to Housing, Operations, Military Service, and Enrichment”, also known as the Massachusetts HOME Act. This legislation expands on the commitment the Massachusetts Senate has made to our veterans, service members and their families by expanding state benefits and services.

“This legislation not only provides comprehensive services and programs to those who serve their country, but give them the recognition that they deserve,” said Senator Mike Rush (D-Boston) Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “It is our job as elected officials to do all we can to support those brave men and women and their families who serve this great country.”

The bill increases veterans’ access to housing through several provisions, for example by excluding military disability compensation from the formula that housing authorities use in determining rent for disabled veterans, and by giving eligible veterans a statewide preference in housing for the elderly and person with disabilities. Currently this preference applies only to a veteran’s community of residence, limiting their ability to enter housing in surrounding communities.

Senator John F. Keenan (D – Quincy) filed and passed an amendment to the bill, prohibiting a municipal tax debt from being sent to a third party agency for collection if the taxpayer is a military veteran. “This and the various other provisions of the bill ensure that we give due respect to those who have served and returned home, and provide a supportive atmosphere for veterans to return to their communities,” said Keenan.

“Gold Star” statutes would also be updated by the bill, providing a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of any soldier, sailor, member of the National Guard or veteran who, during active duty service, suffered an injury or illness which was the proximate cause of death. The update would also provide a property tax exemption to veterans who have a 100% disability rating for service connected blindness.

Other provisions of this Act include:

· The expansion of the Public Service Scholarship to children of any military or service person missing in action and children of prisoners of war;

· Allows employees of the Commonwealth who are members of the armed forces reserves and are ordered to service for more than 30 consecutive days to be paid the regular base salary reduced by the amount received as base pay for military service. It also preserves the seniority or accrued leave time;

· Allows cities and towns to appoint a veterans agent for 3 year terms instead of the current 1 year term;

· Establishes the Office of Veterans Homes and Housing within the Department of Veterans Services to oversee the Soldiers Home in Chelsea and in Holyoke;

· Creates a post-deployment commission to study ways to improve services to veterans who have been deployed overseas;

· Adds veteran status as a protected class under the statute prohibiting discrimination in employment.

The bill will now be reconciled with the version passed by the House of Representatives before being sent to the Governor for his signature.

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