Malden House delegation celebrates passage of landmark veterans legislation

House passes legislation increasing state benefits, tax benefits, and modernizing services for veterans

On May 22, 2024, the Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously passed H.4661, An Act honoring, empowering, and recognizing our servicemembers and veterans – also known as the HERO Act. This landmark legislation prioritizes the general welfare of hundreds of thousands of veterans in the Commonwealth by increasing access to benefits and services they are eligible for, as well as updates the state’s definition of a veteran to promote inclusivity and be reflective of all who served. The HERO Act now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Among its provisions, the HERO Act honors Massachusetts veterans by modernizing and expanding access to benefits they are most reliant on, including increased access to behavioral health treatment. The legislation also increases tax credits and other state benefits that they are eligible for, including increasing the annuity paid to disabled veterans from $2,000 annually to $2,500 annually. Additionally, the bill broadens the definition of a veteran for the purpose of expanding veteran benefits eligibility, and to align it more closely with federal law. Veterans who are current Massachusetts residents will be eligible for benefits, regardless of how long they have resided here.

“As we approach Memorial Day, it was crucial for us as elected officials to pass the HERO Act to express our unwavering support and to honor the Commonwealth’s veterans who sacrificed their lives and freedoms for our country,” said State Representative Paul Donato (D-Medford). “This landmark legislation takes important strides in increasing access to critical tax credits and state benefits for veterans and their families, including expanded access to behavioral health treatment centers and increasing the annual annuity paid out to disabled veterans. As one who has had numerous family members serve our country, I’m proud of my House colleagues for prioritizing the passage of this bill to honor our servicemembers and their loved ones.”

“From expanding access to behavioral health care to increasing tax credits for businesses that hire veterans, this bill takes much-needed steps to ensure our veterans receive the benefits, resources, and support they deserve,” said State Representative Steve Ultrino (D-Malden). “I am thankful for the work of my House colleagues and particularly proud of the Malden delegation standing together to reaffirm our commitment to honoring our servicemembers and their families.”

“I was pleased to vote to pass the HERO Act in the week leading up to Memorial Day, a powerful way to honor those who have died to protect our freedoms, their families, and our veteran community,” said State Representative Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose). “The bill addresses vital quality of life issues and expands access to resources for our veterans. It increases the annuity for disabled veterans and tax credits for businesses who hire veterans; modernizes and increases access to important health benefits, including behavioral health assistance; and allows for veterans to count their military service toward state retirement benefits more effortlessly. It was an honor to support this historic legislative effort.”