Wakefield Delegation Celebrates HERO Act to Support Veterans

BOSTON—State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Donald Wong joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to pass legislation that simplifies and expands benefits and services for Massachusetts veterans, continuing the Commonwealth’s deep commitment to its veterans and their families.

An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Servicemembers and Veterans, commonly referred to as the HERO Act, boosts support for hundreds of thousands of individuals across the state who have served in the United States military, including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans.

“Massachusetts has a strong record of supporting our nation’s veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for us,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “The HERO Act builds on previous legislation to ensure that we are doing as much as possible to meet our commitment to supporting those who have put the most on the line to defend our freedoms.”

“I was pleased to join my colleagues in the Legislature to pass the HERO Act, a powerful way to honor those who have died to protect our freedoms, their families, and our veteran community,” said State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian. “The bill addresses vital quality of life issues and expands access to resources for our veterans. It increases the annuity for disabled veterans and tax credits for businesses who hire veterans; modernizes and increases access to important health benefits, including behavioral health assistance; and allows for veterans to count their military service toward state retirement benefits more effortlessly. It was an honor to support this historic legislative effort.”

“I am pleased to be a part of the passing of this important legislation. We are here to show that our veterans are not forgotten,” said State Representative Donald Wong. “They have put their lives on the line for our country and to ensure our freedom. We want to show them that we are here for them now and in the future.”

The HERO Act increases benefits for disabled veterans and Gold Star family members; bolsters initiatives for municipalities and businesses to support veterans; creates comprehensive services for active-duty service members and military families; expands the scope of the Veterans Equality Review Board; updates the Chapter 115 definition of a veteran to expand eligibility; and codifies various medical, behavioral health, and dental benefits.

Further, the bill establishes new recognitions for military service in the Commonwealth and creates several working groups to review post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans, mental health treatments for veterans, and overall quality of life for veterans in Massachusetts.

After final passage in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the HERO Act was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on August 8, 2024.