Senate Passes Veterans Bill

The following is a press release from Sen. Brian A. Joyce's office:

Senator Brian A. Joyce announced recently that the Senate unanimously passed “The Valor Act.”  This new legislation will expand benefits and increase access to a range of services for Massachusetts veterans, active duty military, and their families.
 
“With increasing numbers of service men and women returning from deployment abroad, we take this step in order to protect those who protect our freedom,” said Senator Joyce. “ I am happy to have the opportunity to provide the support they so deserve.”
 
Massachusetts leads the nation in veterans’ services.  Even during recent fiscal challenges, the Commonwealth has increased funding for outreach centers, homelessness services and other benefits to meet the needs of returning veterans. 

In the past years, Senator Joyce worked to pass the Welcome Home Bill, which provided veterans and military families better pay, state college tuition waivers, and other benefits.  He also advocated for the MERIT Plan, which provided new property tax and excise tax exemptions for active-duty military, veterans, and their families.  The Valor Act will continue Massachusetts’ strong tradition of supporting veterans, active military, and their families.