Amendment #2, as changed to H4278
Veterans Relief Fund
Representatives Wong of Saugus and Jones of North Reading move to amend the bill by adding the following new section:-
“SECTION XX. Any city, town or district in the Commonwealth may, subject to the approval of the city, town or district’s legislative body, designate a place on its municipal property tax bills or motor vehicle excise tax bills or mail with such tax bills a separate form whereby taxpayers of the city, town or district can voluntarily check off, donate, and pledge an amount of money which shall increase the amount already due to a fund under the supervision of the local veterans agent, the board or officer in charge of the collection of the municipal charge, fee or fine, or the town collector of taxes.
The purpose of this fund is to provide support for veterans and their dependents in need of immediate assistance with food, transportation, heat, and oil expenses. The city, town or district’s Veterans Services Department shall a) establish an application process for veterans and their dependents to obtain assistance; b) establish standards for acceptable documentation of veteran status or dependent status; and c) establish financial eligibility criteria for determining need and amount of assistance for eligible applicants. It shall be responsible for reviewing each applicant, and fairly applying these eligibility and level of need standards.”