Boston — Governor Maura Healey today signed the most comprehensive piece of veterans’ legislation in Massachusetts history. The HERO Act (An Act Honoring, Empowering, and Recognizing our Servicemembers and Veterans) includes over 30 provisions that will positively impact hundreds of thousands of veterans in Massachusetts, including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans.
This landmark legislation will increase benefits, modernize services and promote inclusivity for veterans in Massachusetts. Key provisions include expanding access to behavioral health treatment, increasing benefits for disabled veterans, supporting businesses that hire veterans, updating the definition of a veteran, expanding the Veterans Equality Review Board’s scope, and codifying medical and dental benefits.
“This is our most comprehensive veterans’ legislation in over 20 years, and it’s the result of Massachusetts coming together to make veterans our priority,” said Governor Healey. “From the start, our administration has been dedicated to revitalizing veterans’ services in Massachusetts, ensuring that every hero receives the benefits, resources and support they deserve. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country – we can and will be the state where veterans and service members continue to lead and make all our freedom and success possible.”
“Massachusetts is the cradle of American patriotism: home to the first National Guard, the birthplace of the American Revolution, the first to declare that disabled veterans must be cared for, the first to establish local Veterans Service Officers, and so much more. This is our legacy, and as a member of a military family, I am tremendously proud of Massachusetts for leading the nation for veterans’ services,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today, we honor our heritage and commit to building upon it. With this transformative legislation, we pledge to provide the best veterans’ services in the country, ensuring every veteran receives the respect and support they deserve.”
“Today, we affirm our dedication to the hundreds of thousands of veterans in Massachusetts and the families of service members nationwide. We recognize your sacrifices and needs, and this legislation marks a new era in veteran care,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “Massachusetts leads the way in providing comprehensive and compassionate services, ensuring every veteran receives the respect they deserve, and this legislation bolsters that.
Unveiled last Veterans Day, the HERO Act marks the first time in 20 years that a Massachusetts Governor has introduced a comprehensive and expansive legislative package dedicated to the welfare of veterans. Since its filing, additional provisions were added by the Senate and House to further bolster Massachusetts’ commitment to veterans and their families. The HERO Act provisions can be organized into four categories. Highlights from the legislation include:
Benefit Expansion
- Behavioral Health Treatment: Expands access to behavioral health treatment by allowing veterans to be reimbursed for visits to outpatient behavioral health providers.
- Increases the Disabled Veteran Annuity: Increases the disabled veteran annuity from $2,000 to $2,500, phased in over two years, and will be one payment, annually, on August 1.
- Increases the Vet-Hire Tax Credit: Increases to $2,500 a tax credit for small businesses hiring chronically unemployed or low-income veterans. Eligible veterans include those receiving SNAP benefits, chronically unemployed veterans, and unemployed service-connected disabled veterans.
- Active-Duty Buyback Program: Extends the timeframe for veterans in public service to utilize the Active-Duty Service Buyback program from 180 days to ten years.
- Prevents the “COLA Cliff”: Ensures that a cost-of-living adjustment in Social Security benefits will not affect veterans’ eligibility for Chapter 115 benefits mid-fiscal year.
- Increases Local Flexibility for Veterans Property Tax Exemptions: Allows municipalities to double property tax exemptions with local options and ties the annual property tax abatement amount to inflation.
- Protects Access to Sales Tax Exemption: Ensures disabled veterans can use the Purple Heart specialty license plate for sales tax exemptions.
- Increases Support for Military-Connected Students: Requires public school districts to provide support services to military-connected students when a parent or guardian is called to active duty.
- Creates a Military Family Advocacy Program: Establishes a program to protect against child abuse on military installations.
Commitment to Inclusivity and Greater Representation
- Broadens the Chapter 115 Definition of Veteran: Aligns the state Chapter 115 program definition with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs definition.
- Expands the Scope of the Veterans Equality Review Board: Includes discharges related to Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, TBI, mental health conditions or HIV.
- Expands the Definition of Veteran Dependent: Supports more dependents based on the Family Court definition.
Modernization of Veterans Services
- Codifies Dental Assistance Benefits: Ensures veterans receive essential dental care by codifying dental benefits for Chapter 115 recipients.
- Codifies Medical Assistance Benefits: Provides consistent care to veterans by codifying medical assistance benefits.
- Codifies Authority for Veterans Cemeteries: Ensures proper management and care of veterans cemeteries.
- Modernizes Statute Language: Revises Chapters 115 and 115A for gender-neutral and inclusive language.
- Initiates a Study on Alternative Therapies for Mental Health: Establishes a working group to study the benefits of alternative therapies, such as psilocybin, for treating veterans’ mental health disorders.
Recognition/Honoring our Veterans
- Half-Staff Flag Requirement: Requires flags to be flown at half-staff from the day of death until the day of interment for any military service member residing in Massachusetts.
- Expands Gold Star Families Recognition: Requires the Governor to issue a proclamation on Memorial Day and illuminate certain bridges in gold.
- Establishes United States Space Force Day: Declares December 20th of each year as United States Space Force Day.
- Establishes United States Merchant Marine Day: Declares May 22nd of each year as United States Merchant Marine Day.
“Ensuring that state government is doing everything that it can to support the Commonwealth’s veterans is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as elected officials. Veterans represent the very best of us, having risked their lives in service of this country, which is why we owe them nothing less than our unwavering support,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation not only provides increased support for veterans in Massachusetts, through tax credits and enhanced benefits, it also takes steps to ensure that the Commonwealth goes to even greater lengths to honor our veterans and Gold Star families. I want to thank Governor Healey for filing the HERO Act, Majority Leader Moran and all my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the importance of supporting our veterans however we can.”
“As the daughter of a veteran, I know how vital it is to support and empower every person who has served and sacrificed for our nation once they return home — as well as their families,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We are a Commonwealth that has the deepest respect and gratitude to our veterans, and the HERO Act doubles down on that commitment to our service members by delivering the support that they and their families deserve. I’m deeply grateful to Governor Maura Healey for her unwavering support for our veterans and active service members, Senator John Velis for his sustained leadership on this legislation, my Senate colleagues, and our partners in the House for their efforts to get this important legislation over the finish line.”
“Massachusetts has a long history of prioritizing the needs of our veterans and service members. Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, and Secretary Santiago have recognized and championed this tradition since day one, exemplified by the fact that the HERO Act was filed within their very first year in office. Through collaboration with the Legislature, the final legislation signed today builds on that original bill and ensures we are taking care of not only our veterans but all of our current service members and military families in the Commonwealth as well,” said Senator John C. Velis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (D-Westfield). “From increasing access to Chapter 115 benefits and removing financial barriers to behavioral health treatment, to providing critical supports to spouses and children of our active duty service members, to expanding the ways our Commonwealth recognizes military service, the HERO Act is truly an incredible and comprehensive package that honors the sacrifices of those who bravely serve our nation.”
“The HERO Act enhances the quality of life for veterans in the Commonwealth by making critical investments in benefits programs, expanding access to services, and creating policies to ensure our veterans and their families are well-informed about the benefits and services available to them,” said Representative Gerry Cassidy, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (D-Brockton). “I am thankful for the collaborative efforts of the administration and the legislature. Our veterans embody courage and sacrifice, and this bill highlights our commitment to their wellbeing.”
The administration collaborated with municipal veteran service officers from over 100 municipalities and engaged with more than 30 nonprofit partners to determine the legislative and programmatic priorities of the veteran community. A comprehensive 50-state review of veteran policies and legislative efforts was also conducted.
In March 2023, Governor Healey established the Commonwealth’s new Executive Office of Veterans’ Services and appointed Jon Santiago, the state’s first-ever Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services, to spearhead the transformation of a cabinet-level secretariat focused on veteran care. Over the past year, the Executive Office of Veterans Services has overhauled operations and existing programs to redefine how veterans are cared for in Massachusetts.
A full breakdown of the HERO Act can be found here.
Statements of Support
Jason Main, President, Massachusetts Veteran Service Officers:
“We would like to thank the Administration for providing a seat at the table when drafting the HERO Act. The signing of the HERO act is a huge win for the heroes who served our country protecting our freedoms. This bill will better the lives of our veterans and their families.”
Massachusetts Veterans of Foreign Wars:
“We’re grateful to Governor Healey and her team for recognizing the need for giving back to the heroes who have served our country, both at home and overseas. With this bill, the Healey-Driscoll Administration demonstrates a real commitment to accomplishing outcomes for our Veterans that will be meaningful and impactful in so many ways; it also sends a signal that more needs to be done to support them.”
Sarah Sweeney, Military Friends Foundation:
“For over two decades, Military Friends Foundation has provided support to our military and their families across the Commonwealth. The HERO Act is a tangible recognition of those who have served and their families and is a tremendous example of how Massachusetts continues to keep faith with those who have worn the uniform and their families. The HERO Act will empower veterans to further seek mental health assistance when they need it, create a broader definition for their dependents, aid them in finding improved employment opportunities, and even enhance retirement benefits for veterans. Thank you to those involved in spearheading these critical initiatives to serve Massachusetts Veterans and Gold Star Families.”
Veterans Legal Services:
“Veterans Legal Services is proud to have advocated for the HERO Act. Building upon the Commonwealth’s history of being a national leader on veterans benefits and services, this new law will expand eligibility for state benefits, update the text of the law to reflect the diversity of the veterans’ community, and ensure timely and equitable access for veterans in need of assistance. We thank Governor Healey, Senator Velis, Representative Cassidy, Senator Cronin, and Secretary Santiago for their persistent and dedicated support of Massachusetts veterans and we stand ready to assist veterans who will benefit from the HERO Act.”
Blue Star Families, New England Chapter:
“As a proud veteran and member of the newly formed Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services, I know how important it is for our communities to support our service members, veterans, and military families. We wholeheartedly throw our support behind this effort because it improves the quality of life for our service members, past and present. The HERO Act goes a long way in helping veterans of all backgrounds, including reimbursing outpatient mental-health visits and giving veterans up to 10 years to buy back their active-duty service. As an Executive Director for an organization that serves military families of all backgrounds, and as a clinical social worker, I see firsthand how the resources enabled by the HERO act provide the crucial support our veterans and their families need to thrive.”
James Reid, Executive Director, Veteran Transition House:
“The HERO Act is a transformative piece of legislation that honors the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ and the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s solid commitment to servicemembers and veterans by expanding their benefits, ensuring greater inclusivity, and modernizing veterans’ services. The Act directly addresses the needs of those who have served our nation by increasing financial support, enhancing access to behavioral health care, and increasing property tax exemptions. It also takes significant steps to include underrepresented groups and update outdated policies, reflecting our dedication to fairness and equality for all veterans. The Veterans Transition House believes the HERO Act is a crucial step forward in recognizing and supporting the sacrifices made by our servicemembers and their families.”
C. Andrew McCawley, President and CEO, New England Center and Home for Veterans:
“The staff at the New England Center and Home for Veterans is acutely aware of the challenges that our most vulnerable Veterans can face in their lives after military service. Veterans who may struggle with physical disabilities, behavioral health and disenfranchisement are especially at-risk. The Healey Administration’s HERO Act, once again, demonstrates that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts leads this nation in supporting those who have served.”
Peggy Griffin, Chair, Gold Star Wives of America, Greater Boston Chapter:
“The Greater Boston Chapter of Gold Star Wives of America is proud to support the HERO Act that supports Gold Star Wives, our veterans, and their families. Governor Healey’s continued commitment to veterans and their families is demonstrated in this bill. The bill proposes, among many actions, property tax relief and a 25% increase to the annuity which will provide much needed help to relieve the financial burden our members face due to the sacrifice of our loved ones. We are grateful for the continued commitment of Governor Healey and the Legislature for their support of our national heroes and their families.”
Jim Seymour, Executive Director, Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center:
“The HERO Act is landmark Legislation provides our veterans, and their families have access to the benefits, resources and support they deserve. This is an important next step in expanding access to resources for some of our most vulnerable veterans, increasing the annuity for disabled veterans, aligning Chapter 115 COLAS without sacrificing Federal VA Benefits and increasing tax credits to businesses who hire veterans. I believe the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will serve as a blueprint for other states to follow suit.”
Michael Valila, Deputy Adjutant, Disabled American Veterans (DAV):
“The DAV Department of Massachusetts supports H4172, an Act honoring, empowering, and recognizing our servicemembers and veterans. The HERO Act expands benefits to veterans, creates more opportunities of inclusivity, and modernizes veteran services across the state providing benefits to thousands of veterans. This is recognized by many as one of the largest pieces of veteran legislation brought before the Commonwealth in decades, and for decades, our unwavering priority has been providing access to benefits for veterans. As such, it is the position of DAV Department of Massachusetts to favorably support the HERO Act.”
Retired Brig. Gen. Jack Hammond, Executive Director of Home Base:
“Access to quality mental and behavioral healthcare is crucial for Massachusetts Veterans and their Families. The Veterans and Families who Home Base serves will continue to see improvements to their quality of life from the support outlined in the HERO Act. Governor Healey and Secretary Santiago remain committed to enhancing access to mental health care Massachusetts Veterans, and we are grateful for their continued support.”
Paul Jacques, Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts:
“This historic Veteran Legislation will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our members who have sacrificed so much for our great Country during their Military service and as Firefighters in communities throughout the Commonwealth. The passage of the HERO Act will modernize Veteran services for all past, present, and future Veterans”
