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State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steve Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to pass legislation that simplifies and expands benefits and services for Massachusetts veterans, continuing the Commonwealth’s deep commitment to its veterans and their families. An Act honoring, empowering and recognizing our servicemembers and veterans – commonly referred to as the HERO Act – boosts support for hundreds of thousands of individuals across the Commonwealth who have served in the United States military, including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans. On August 1, 2024, after enactment by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the HERO Act was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on August 8, 2024.
“Massachusetts has a strong record of supporting our nation’s veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for us,” said Senator Lewis. “The HERO Act builds on previous legislation to ensure that we are doing as much as possible to meet our commitment to supporting those who have put the most on the line to defend our freedoms.”
“It was crucial for us as elected officials to pass the HERO Act to express our unwavering support to honor the Commonwealth’s veterans. These individuals sacrificed their lives and freedom for our country,” said Representative Donato. “This landmark legislation takes important strides in increasing access to critical tax credits and state benefits for veterans and their families. It also includes expanded access to behavioral health treatment centers and increases the annual annuity paid to disabled veterans. As one who has had numerous family members serve our country, I am proud of my House colleagues for prioritizing the passage of this bill to honor our servicemembers and their loved ones.”
“Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in veterans’ services, the HERO Act reaffirms our commitment to supporting veterans and their families,” said Representative Ultrino. “This legislation strives to enhance the quality of life for veterans by further expanding services and resources to those who have served to honor their sacrifices and service to our Nation.”
“I was pleased to join my colleagues in the Legislature to pass the HERO Act, a powerful way to honor those who have died to protect our freedoms, their families, and our veteran community,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “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.”
The HERO Act increases benefits for disabled veterans and Gold Star family members, supports 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 various medical, behavioral health and dental benefits. Further, the bill establishes new recognitions for military service in the Commonwealth and creates 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.
