BOSTON – The following press release was shared by the office of Rep. James Arciero for publication.
The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation, 156-0, to honor veterans and their families. “An Act honoring, empowering, and recognizing our servicemembers and veterans (HERO Act),” seeks to broaden the definition of a veteran, as well as increase tax credits and state benefits for which they are eligible, and modernize the services that Massachusetts veterans and their families rely on.
“The HERO Act is an historic and comprehensive measure that will continue the great tradition we have in Massachusetts of leading the nation in the providing of benefits and services to our veterans and their families,” said State Representative James Arciero. Arciero comes from a military family and has served three terms as a member of the Joint Committee on Veterans Affairs during his tenure in the Massachusetts Legislature.
The bill broadens the definition of “veteran” by expanding veteran benefits eligibility and improves alignment with current federal law. This new definition includes any person that served on active duty for at least 90 days, and whose last discharge was under conditions other than dishonorable; any person that served on active duty, in the National Guard or as a reservist, including solely for training purposes and was awarded a service-connected disability, or died in such service; and any person determined to be a veteran according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans who are current Massachusetts residents will be eligible for benefits, regardless of how long they have resided here.
The HERO Act includes changes to veteran benefits in many areas, including but not limited to:
- guarantees medical assistance, behavioral health, dental and vision benefits for veterans.
- exempts Social Security cost-of-living increase from making veterans ineligible for services and benefits.
- increases annuity payments for blind, paraplegic or veterans with disabilities by $250.
- raises veterans’ property tax abatement and exemptions to keep up with cost-of-living increases.
- increases the employer tax credits for hiring veterans by $500.
- exempts vehicle sales tax for veterans with disabilities who have received a Purple Heart.
- creates an annual Gold Star family recognition day with appropriate recognition of their loss.
- mandates the reporting to military authorities of any allegations of neglect or abuse of a child of a military person who is a parent, guardian, or caregiver.
“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.
The provisions of the legislation will impact hundreds of thousands of veterans living in Massachusetts and following its unanimous passage by the House of Representatives, the bill now goes to the Massachusetts Senate for its consideration.
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