Post by Logan on Jun 19, 2016 0:09:00 GMT -6
Massachusetts Senate expands benefits, protections for veterans
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday passed a bill giving veterans preference for subsidized housing, protecting state workers called to military service and providing various benefits for veterans and their families.
The bill, S.2325/H.4285, would also create a new state-level position overseeing housing for veterans, including at the Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers' Homes, although Western Massachusetts lawmakers inserted an amendment ensuring that day-to-day operations at the Holyoke home would remain under local control.
"It is our duty as American citizens to honor our dead, but it is equally important to honor our living veterans for their service," said state Sen. Michael Rush, D-West Roxbury, chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "This bill does both those things."
The bill passed the Senate unanimously, 37-0. A similar bill passed the House last month, and differences will now need to be worked out before the final bill goes to Gov. Charlie Baker for his signature.
Read more: www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/06/massachusetts_senate_expands_b.html
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday passed a bill giving veterans preference for subsidized housing, protecting state workers called to military service and providing various benefits for veterans and their families.
The bill, S.2325/H.4285, would also create a new state-level position overseeing housing for veterans, including at the Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers' Homes, although Western Massachusetts lawmakers inserted an amendment ensuring that day-to-day operations at the Holyoke home would remain under local control.
"It is our duty as American citizens to honor our dead, but it is equally important to honor our living veterans for their service," said state Sen. Michael Rush, D-West Roxbury, chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "This bill does both those things."
The bill passed the Senate unanimously, 37-0. A similar bill passed the House last month, and differences will now need to be worked out before the final bill goes to Gov. Charlie Baker for his signature.
Read more: www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/06/massachusetts_senate_expands_b.html