(WesternMass News- Glenn Kittle) In developing news out of the State House in Boston, the State Senate passed the Hero Act this afternoon to add support and services for veterans here in the Bay State. This comes after the House approved a similar measure last month.
The vote was unanimously in favor. This bill includes increased access for veterans to receive behavioral health treatment and modernizes statutory language for inclusivity.
Here’s a look at some other initiatives the bill offers:
An increase in annual property exemptions, a waiver of license plate fees, and amendments to Chapter 115 that will allow reimbursement for mental health appointments including co-pays associated with mental health conditions.
State Senator John Velis introduced the bill and spoke about what this bill means to Massachusetts veterans, saying, “These veterans and their families deserve more than parades on Veterans Day. The families of our fallen deserve much more than support on Memorial Day. That is why this legislation and the commitment from the men and women in this chamber is so important.”
The hero act was originally proposed by Governor Maura Healey last year. Now, a conference committee will work to combine the house and senate bills into a final version that would go back to the house and senate for final passage before the end of session next month.