Patrick Signs Bill Expanding Benefits, Services to Veterans

02:15PM / Wednesday, November 11, 2009

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QUINCy, Mass. — The service and sacrifice of Massachusetts veterans were recognized with the signing of a bill that will expand the benefits and services available to veterans and their families in the Commonwealth.

"The least we can do for our veterans is to provide them the very best opportunities when their service is done," said Gov. Deval Patrick. "This law serves as a pledge to Massachusetts veterans that we will continue in our efforts to secure for them the benefits they have earned."

The bill expands on the services presently offered to veterans and their families, including increasing the cash bonus available to service members who serve multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Currently, service members are eligible to receive a one-time $1,000 "Welcome Home" bonus upon returning from a deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan or $500 if deployed elsewhere in a non-combat area or after six-months of active duty state-side. The bill expands this bonus to provide an additional $500 bonus for each additional overseas deployment. It also allows service members stationed abroad to cast electronic ballots for elections.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision citing that service-disabled veterans will be included within the existing preferences for hiring of veterans for construction and public-works contracts. The bill also calls for an establishment of a "Medal of Liberty" that would be awarded to the next of kin of any Massachusetts service member killed in action or who dies as a result of wounds received while in action.”

"This legislation carries on Massachusetts' tradition of offering the best treatment and services to our veterans," said Rep. Harold Naughton, House chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.

The Department of Veterans Services advocates on behalf of the nearly 500,000 veterans in Massachusetts, their families, and survivors, administers a needs-based benefits program and provides state funding to organizations offering homeless shelter, transitional housing, and outreach services to veterans.

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