Amendment #222 to H4100

Veterans Services Study Commission

Mr. Kaufman of Lexington moves to amend the bill by adding at the end thereof the following section:

"SECTION XX. There is hereby established a Special Commission to study and evaluate current laws, regulations and practices related to providing services and other support to military veterans and to make recommendations to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of state and local programs.

The Commission shall include the House and Senate Chairs of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, who shall serve as the co-chairs, the Secretary for Veterans’ Services, a representative of the Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officers Association, a representative of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and a representative of the Local Officials Human Services Council.

The Commission shall study and evaluate the current system for identifying veterans in need of services, providing, administering and financing services and access to services, and coordinating the actions of federal, state and local government agencies in a manner that is effective and efficient.

The Commission shall evaluate the fiscal impact on local government of the current system of municipal financing of veterans’ benefits subject to reimbursement through the state budget and of the rules governing state and local administration of the program.  The Commission shall consider alternative methods of financing and administration, including regionalization, that would improve services to veterans, and be more efficient.

The Commission shall report its findings and recommendations for changes to law, regulation and practice to the Governor and to the House and Senate Clerks no later than December 1, 2012".