Winchester Delegation Celebrates HERO Act to Support Veterans

BOSTON—State Senators Jason Lewis and Pat Jehlen and State Representatives Michael Day and Michelle Ciccolo 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.”

“Veteran's, active-duty service members, and military families make significant sacrifices in order to defend our country,” said State Senator Patricia Jehlen. “I am happy we are expanding and adding resources available to them to show our support and gratitude for their efforts and to address the needs caused by military service.”

“Our service members and their families make incredible sacrifices to protect our way of life,” said State Representative Michael Day. “I was honored to support this legislation to provide tax credits and increase programs to ensure our veterans and their families can access the benefits we owe them.”

“It was terrific to join the delegation in voting for this legislation. Our Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families have sacrificed immensely for our Commonwealth and our Nation,” said State Representative Michelle Ciccolo. “This bill provides extensive investments and policy changes to ensure we meet and exceed our fundamental obligations of protecting and honoring those sacrifices. The Governor signed the bill at a ceremony in my hometown of Lexington and it was a joy to stand behind her as she signed the bill. I eagerly anticipate the roll out of these funds and the policy changes which will improve the lives of our Veterans and their loved ones.”

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.