Press Room

Thursday debate set to increase benefits and opportunities, modernize services, and promote inclusivity for Massachusetts veterans

(BOSTON—6/10/2024) This Thursday, the Massachusetts Senate will take up and debate An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans (HERO Act).

Action on the legislation comes following a Monday morning poll of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Committee votes on this legislation will be posted publicly on the Senate Ways and Means website following the closing of the poll. 

Highlights of the HERO Act

The HERO Act will increase benefits and opportunities, modernize services, and promote inclusivity for Massachusetts veterans. The Senate’s action re-affirms the Commonwealth’s commitment to serving all service members and their families. This legislation will positively impact hundreds of thousands of veterans living in Massachusetts, including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans.

The provisions in the Senate’s HERO Act closely mirror those included in the original legislation filed by Governor Maura Healey. It was the first time in 20 years that a Massachusetts Governor has introduced an expansive legislative package dedicated to the health and welfare of veterans.

Some key provisions of the HERO Act include:

• Expanding access to behavioral health treatment.
• Increasing and simplifying benefits for disabled veterans.
• Bolstering support for businesses that hire veterans.
• Updating the definition of a veteran.
• Expanding the scope of the Veterans Equality Review Board.
• Codifying medical and dental benefits
• Increasing opportunity for veterans to purchase credible service; and
• Requiring a working group to review the use of alternative therapies for mental health treatments for veterans.

The Senate’s version of the HERO Act includes the following additional provisions:

• Requiring a public school district to provide support services to a military-connected student when a parent or guardian is called to active duty.
• Creating a military spouse liaison to help military spouses with obtaining employment and childcare, and deal with other issues facing military spouses; and
• Allowing Gold Star Family spouses to remarry without the penalty of losing their annuity benefit.

The Senate plans to take up the HERO Act legislation during a formal session on Thursday, June 13.

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