(BOSTON – 5/20/2021) On Thursday, May 20th, the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously voted to enact the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Conference Committee Bill. The compromise bill had been released Friday, May 12th, by the House-Senate Conference Committee. Senator John C. Velis, who represents the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and has led the charge for a new facility, spoke during the Senate’s debate of what this project means to his community.
“This has truly been a long and emotional process and one that started well before this legislation was first filed. From the very start, families and Veterans gave me a very clear message: Get this done,” said Senator Velis. “It is these families, these Veterans, these advocates, and these experiences that have motivated us throughout this long and enduring process. We could not let them down and I am proud to say that we have not let them down.”
The final bill includes the $400 million needed for the reconstruction of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and $200 million for the expansion of Veterans housing services across the Commonwealth. It had previously been enacted by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 18th.
“The funding authorized in this bill will ensure that the future residents of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and Veterans across our Commonwealth receive the care with honor and dignity that they have earned in service to our nation,” said Senator Velis, who is also Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “Todays vote brings us one step closer towards fulfilling that mission, and I want to thank all the Veterans and advocates throughout the Commonwealth who have worked so hard for this project.”
The State is currently working towards an August 1st VA Veterans State Home Construction Grant Program deadline. DCAMM, the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, cannot begin the design process for the project until the Bond Bill is signed into law. If the August 1st deadline is met, the state would be eligible to receive 65% federal reimbursement for the $400 million Holyoke Soldiers’ Home reconstruction project.
Now that the bill has been enacted by both chambers, it will go to the Governor’s desk for his consideration.
###