Governor Announces Veterans Equality Review Board

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BOSTON — In a move to honor the rights and service of veterans discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy, Governor Maura T. Healey today swore in five members to the newly established Veterans Equality Review Board (VERB). 
 
VERB's goal is to provide an application process for certain veterans who received an "other than honorable discharge" under DADT and recommend their eligibility for state-based veteran benefits. 
 
"Today is a historic milestone for Massachusetts veterans, service members, and their families," said Governor Maura Healey. "The creation of the Veterans Equality Review Board underscores our commitment to righting the wrongs of the past and supporting LGBTQ+ veterans who have served our nation with pride and honor. I'm grateful for the efforts of Secretary Santiago and his team to help ensure that these veterans receive the support and benefits they deserve." 
 
The responsibilities of VERB include: 
  • Reviewing applications submitted by veterans who believe they received an "other than honorable discharge" due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 
  • Providing recommendations to the Secretary of Veterans Services on granting state-based veterans benefits to applicants. 
  • Ensuring that veterans who qualify for benefits can access the support they need. 
The application process for veterans seeking benefits through the VERB is straightforward and accessible. Veterans can submit their applications online through the EOVS website, which provides clear instructions and lists all required documentation. 
 
VERB was created as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget to rectify historical injustices faced by LGBTQ+ veterans who served our nation under the restrictive DADT policy. The Board consists of five members: three appointed by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services and two appointed by the Governor. These members will serve five-year terms and play a crucial role in ensuring veterans receive the support and benefits they deserve. 
 
"Twelve years after the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the unfortunate truth is that many service members are still impacted by this policy and many of them call Massachusetts their home," said Senator John Velis, the Senate Chair of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and sponsor of this policy in the FY23 budget. "The work of the Veterans Equality Review Board is all about ensuring that LGBTQ veterans across the Commonwealth have the same access to benefits and services that their fellow veterans have. This is a historic day and I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and my partners in the Legislature, for their commitment to doing right by our service members."  
 
The five members of VERB, each with diverse backgrounds and expertise, are dedicated to ensuring fair treatment and support for veterans who endured discrimination and hardship due to their service under the DADT policy: 
 
Claire Burgess, PhD: Clinical Psychologist at VA Boston Healthcare System, LGBTQ+ Postdoctoral Fellow, and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. 
 
Cliff Brown: Army veteran, Project Manager, Home Base, Massachusetts National Guard member. 
 
Lynette Gabrila: Army veteran, Director of Veterans Services for the Wachusett District, actively involved in charitable organizations and causes. 
 
Christine Serpe, PhD: Staff Psychologist at VA Boston Healthcare System and Assistant Professor at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. 
 
Rachel McNeill: U.S. Army Reserves veteran, veteran advocate, and community organizer. 
 
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Dalton Division Road Project in Pre-25 Percent Design Stage

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's engineers say there is still time to work through the Dalton Division Road project’s design and permitting process. 
 
In December, the Select Board voted to advocate for Concept A, which would have sidewalks on both sides, a 5-foot bike lane in the road on both sides with a buffer, and a 2-foot painted buffer between the vehicle lane and in the bike lane. They also recommended the two-way stop control option. 
 
Since that decision, there have been sentiments to revisit this decision to reduce the cost and improve safety at the intersection off Williams Street, Washington Mountain Road, and Mountain Road. 
 
The original vote would have been the most expensive and "certainly not" the engineer or the state's "preferred design," Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson said during a meeting in November. 
 
During last week's Select Board meeting, Fuss & O'Neil project manager and senior traffic engineer Steve Savaria represented the options, explained potential obstacles, and demonstrated the next steps. Present board members have yet to vote on their final choice. 
 
The project is still in the pre-25 percent design stage and is currently on the fiscal year 2029 Transportation Improvement Program list, so there is "plenty of time" to work out the details. 
 
Since the original vote, some board members have shifted their opinion toward advocating for the most feasible and timely option with a "path of least resistance to get this project done." 
 
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