State Treasurer’s Office Makes New Veteran Bonus Available for Those Supporting COVID-19 Crisis Operations

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BOSTON, Mass. — The Office of the State Treasurer, Veterans' Bonus Division has launched a new $500 Bonus for Massachusetts National Guard members that were activated to support operations responding to the COVID-19 crisis. 
 
Governor Charlie Baker activated the Massachusetts National Guard in March to increase the supply chain resources available to the Commonwealth and its residents.
 
"Massachusetts veterans and service members always put our safety ahead of their own and we wanted to find a way to thank them for their bravery," State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg said "These bonuses will provide additional support to the National Guard members who have courageously stepped up to assist the state in response to COVID-19."
 
By visiting VetsBonusMA.com service members and Veterans can check their eligibility, apply for bonuses, and upload their required supporting documents from wherever they are. The new COVID-19 bonus application is available here, and it takes approximately ten days for the check to be mailed after a Veteran is approved for a bonus.
 
"This new bonus will provide financial relief for Veterans throughout Massachusetts and we are excited to get the word out as fast as possible," Steve Croteau, manager of the Veterans' Bonus Division said.
 
The Veterans' Bonus Division distributes bonuses for eligible active duty, discharged, and deceased Massachusetts veterans who served during various conflicts. The State Treasurers Office has administered the state bonus program since the World War I bonus in 1919 was awarded to Massachusetts individuals who served in the armed forces during that period. To learn more about the Veterans' Bonus Division, visit VetsBonusMA.com.
 
"I am so very thankful for our Massachusetts National Guard service members who were called up to the front lines of the battle on COVID-19. Now, more than ever, we need to support those who are there for us in our times of need. These bonuses will put money, directly, into the pockets of our Massachusetts veterans and active service members," State Senator Walter F. Timilty, of Milton, said. "I'm proud to have sponsored this amendment in the Massachusetts State Senate, authorizing this COVID-19 spending in anticipation of federal reimbursement."
 
"The Massachusetts National Guard, always exemplifying their ‘Nation's First' motto, were some of the first workers on the front lines of this pandemic – stepping away from family, friends, and their livelihood to serve their community against a deadly and dangerous virus when even less was known about it," State Representative Linda Dean Campbell, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs said. "They provided critical support to many in our eldercare facilities and Veterans at the Holyoke Soldiers Home. I am thankful for the great work of our Treasurer to support them and their families."
 
 
 
 

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Second PHS Staff Member Put on Administrative Leave

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A Pittsfield High School staff member has been put on administrative leave because of an investigation being conducted by the state Department of Children and Families.

This is the second PHS staff member put on leave in the last week.

On Monday, Superintendent Joseph Curtis contacted the Pittsfield Public Schools community reporting that on Friday, Dec. 13, the district was formally notified of an investigation being conducted by DCF.

The individual was immediately placed on administrative leave and district officials say they are conducting an internal investigation on the "serious allegations" made. The release did not detail the allegations.

"This is a very challenging time for everyone, and our priority is to provide a consistent, supportive environment at Pittsfield High School and all of the Pittsfield Public Schools," he wrote.

The person was not named but the investigation is said to be separate from that of PHS Dean Lavante Wiggins, who last week was arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine.

"In response to this notification, a second staff member from Pittsfield High School was placed on administrative leave that same day, in accordance with district policy and standard procedures. It is important to clarify that this open investigation is entirely separate from the allegations disclosed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, December 11, 2024," Curtis wrote.

"The district is fully cooperating with all relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation. At the same time, we are conducting our own internal inquiry to gather information to identify next steps, navigating these serious allegations responsibly and thoroughly."

The superintendent said he and Assistant Superintendent Matthew Bishop will be at Pittsfield High School throughout the week to provide direct support to students and staff during this time.  

"Additionally, we have assigned extra school adjustment counselors to the building to further assist with the needs of the school community," he wrote.

Wiggins was arrested at his East Street home early Wednesday.

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