FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 9, 2005
HOUSE PASSES VETERANS “WELCOME HOME BILL” Don Humason, Jr., Westfield’s State Representative, Anthony J. Verga (D-Gloucester), Chairman of the Veteran’s Committee, and Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-N.Reading), House Minority Leader, announced today that the Massachusetts House of Representatives recently passed their version of a bill that will increase benefits to our national Guardsman and Veterans. “It was clear that we needed to update many of the Veterans programs that are currently on the books of the Commonwealth,” Humason said. “These changes will go a long way in recognizing and honoring those individuals who choose to put their lives on the line for the citizens of this Commonwealth and this country.” “The Welcome Home Bill cements our pledge to those who protect us, the men and women of the armed forces – past, present and future – for they deserve nothing less,” said Chairman Verga. Veterans and military organizations across the state have echoed this sentiment by fully backing the bill, including The American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gold Star Wives and Mothers, and the National Guard Association of Massachusetts. "I can't think of a better way to thank our National Guardsmen and reservists this Veterans’ Day," said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. "These men and women have made enormous sacrifices to serve and protect our country, and it is only fitting that we make a commitment to support them and their families however possible." Highlights of the bill which now goes to the Senate for their deliberation and passage: *Increases daily pay for Massachusetts National Guard members from $75 to $100 *Increases the death benefit for the families of deceased Massachusetts National Guard members from $5,000 to $100,000 *Establishes an 11-member commission to study tuition and fee waiver programs for state colleges and make a report on their findings to the legislature by April 1, 2006 *Establishes the Military Family Relief Fund for members of the Massachusetts National Guard, Armed Forces and Reserves. *Provides a $1,000 bonus for those who were called up to active duty in Iraq and *Operation Recognition - Awards high school diplomas to World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans *Increases annual annuity payment for blind, paraplegic and disabled veterans to $2,000 *Increases annual annuity payment for Gold Star Mothers (parents) to $2,000 *Provides Gold Star Wives (spouses) with $2,000 annuity payment *Allows Massachusetts public employees who are members of a neighboring state’s National Guard unit to apply their creditable service towards pension credits *Provides 50 percent coverage of monthly SGLI (federal program) life insurance *Expands the definition of a World War II veteran, making the Massachusetts definition consistent with the federal definition “As our nation prepares to observe Veterans’ Day, I am pleased that the Massachusetts legislature is taking strides to quickly pass this necessary legislation,” Humason concluded.* * * Serving the Good Citizens of Westfield in the Massachusetts House of Representatives |