November 5, 2009 — Press Release
BOSTON — State Representative Jennifer Benson (D-Lunenburg) joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation that provides veterans of the Commonwealth with improved services and support as they return from war during these difficult economic times. The bill establishes the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty to honor fallen service members and offers increased housing opportunities for veterans.
"With Veterans Day around the corner, this bill recognizes the sacrifices veterans and their families make for our Commonwealth and our country," said Benson. "This bill provides the support our veterans deserve and eases the transition from combat to civilian life."
The Massachusetts Medal of Liberty award is intended to recognize the ultimate sacrifice of Massachusetts service members and will be presented to the next of kin of service men and women killed in action.
The bill also allows the Commonwealth to partner with Home of the Brave, Inc., a newly-created non-profit organization, to provide new housing for veterans. Home of the Brave will seek to access Federal funding for veterans housing that would have been otherwise unavailable.
Under this legislation, honorably discharged veterans will be given the opportunity to substitute appropriate military training and experience in occupational specialties in lieu of current state permitting, licensing and certification requirements.
Following in the footsteps of the Federal Government, this legislation will allow disabled veteran-owned businesses to qualify for state contracts with rights similar to those of women and minority-owned businesses.
The bill also expands the "Welcome Home Bonus" program to give Massachusetts service members expanded access to monetary bonuses upon returning from duty. Under the new provision, service members who perform multiple tours of duty will receive a bonus upon return from each tour. Prior to this legislation, the bonus was only awarded upon a service member's return from his or her initial deployment.