State Senate Adopts Sen. Fattman Veterans Legislation

From the Office of State Senator Ryan C. Fattman: The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday unanimously passed “The Brave Act” – new legislation that will expand benefits and increase access to a range of services for veterans, active-duty military and their families.

State Senator Ryan C. Fattman (R-Sutton) filed and passed an amendment that would legally protect veterans who wish to observe, participate in ceremonies, or be granted a leave of absence in the work place on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.

“It may come as a shock to people that veteran’s weren’t legally entitled to take the day off to observe the commitment their fellow men and women made in serving our country. As the brother to a current service member, I believe this is the least we can do out of respect for the sacrifices made by generations of Americans,” said Fattman.

Understanding the sacrifice that military personnel and their families make not only while on active duty, but also after returning home, the Massachusetts Legislature has consistently provided a continuum of major veteran legislation to help with those who sacrifice the most for our freedoms.

On the recognition front, the legislation designates the 5th day of April as Gold Star Wives Day and the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mothers and Families Day and directs cities and towns to designate reserved parking for veterans at all city and town halls.

Additionally, the bill also grants paid military leave for those called to duty by the armed forces for up to 40 days for training and operation purposes. To help ease the costs of housing, the legislation changes the requirement for veterans to receive property tax exemptions from residing in the Commonwealth for five years down to two years. It also increases the amount a veteran can earn on their property tax exemption for volunteering in their city or town.

The BRAVE Act increases the burial expense paid by commonwealth from $2,000 to $4,000 for indigent veterans to receive to adequately provide for a dignified funeral. It also exempts any veterans who receive annuities for service to their country from income calculations when applying for state programs or services.

The BRAVE Act, which now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration, is the legislature’s latest effort to support veterans, military members and their families.

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