(Boston 7/22/2022) During the Senate’s debate on its Economic Development Bill yesterday, an amendment from Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) for Gold Star families was unanimously adopted. The amendment would repeal Massachusetts law that currently restricts Gold Star Spouses from receiving their annuity if they remarry. The amendment would also increase the annuity payment that Gold Star Parents and Spouses receive annually from the Commonwealth from $2,000 to $3,000, the first increase in 16 years.
“Not only has the annuity payment level not increased in 16 years, but our Commonwealth still has laws on the books that cruelly prohibits spouses from receiving the annuity if they remarry,” said Senator Velis. “Think about how archaic and unfair that is, that we would penalize husband and wives, who have lost their loved ones and sacrificed so much themselves, from trying to continue on with their lives.”
“It is so frustrating to see: if Gold Star spouses find love again, that it must come at this steep price. These benefits cease when that marriage certificate is signed, and that impacts the children of the service members as well,” said Maggie Brothers, a Gold Star widow who has advocated for repealing the restriction. “The triggering event for all these benefits is the loss of your service member, so that the fact that those benefits are then tied to your behavior afterwards doesn’t make sense. For Massachusetts to recognize how patriarchal and unfair this is, that’s a huge step, and I am so appreciative of Senator Velis working with Massachusetts Fallen Heroes to effect this important change.”
Nearly 2,000 Gold Star Parents and Spouses receive an annuity from the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services annually. Senator Velis noted that many spouses do not remarry or have lost out on the annuity because of the current restrictions, and that he has filed the legislation as a stand-alone bill alongside Massachusetts Fallen Heroes for many years.
“Gold Star family members are some of the most courageous individuals I have ever met. Their loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and it is our duty as a Commonwealth to support them,” said Senator Velis. “I am grateful that the Senate has taken this huge step to repeal this draconian restriction and do right by all of our Gold Star families.”
With the House of Representatives having previously passed its own Economic Development bill, the amendment will be considered in conference committee as differences between the two versions are reconciled.
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