(BOSTON 11/10/2021) Today during the Massachusetts State Senate’s debate on the American Rescue Plan Act spending bill, two Veteran-specific amendments filed by Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) were unanimously adopted. “As we approach Veterans Day, we are all reminded of the importance of recognizing and honoring those who have served our nation,” stated Senator Velis. “These amendments are another a step towards ensuring that Massachusetts is the premiere state for our military members and their families.”
Amendment 308 provides $500,000 to the Commonwealth’s Veterans’ Treatment Courts for establishing transportation services for participants. Veterans’ Treatment Courts are designed to handle certain low-level criminal cases that involve defendants with military service who are struggling with substance use or behavioral health problems. After pleading guilty, Veterans can be referred to the Treatment Courts for intensive treatment, which includes weekly court check-ins, Vet to Vet mentorship, VA services, and more.
“For Veterans who are facing PTSD, mental health challenges, or substance abuse issues, these courts are a god send,” said Senator Velis. “The courts have shown incredible outcomes in terms of reducing the incarceration and recidivism rates of Veterans while also helping them address issues of substance use and mental health.”
In August Senator Velis organized a roundtable in Holyoke with District Attorneys, Trial Court Judges and Probation Officers involved in the Treatment Courts. Subsequently the Senator held a meeting with over a dozen Veteran Treatment Court mentors to continue the conversation. Senator Velis stated the number one issue that arose was the need for increased transportation resources. “Too often Veterans are unable to participate in this program because they can’t actually get themselves there and I pledged to go fight for transportation funding on Beacon Hill,” stated Senator Velis.
In addition, Senator Velis’ amendment extending eligibility for the Commonwealth’s Medal of Liberty was adopted on Thursday as well. The Medal of Liberty is awarded to service men and women who have been killed in action or who died as a result of wounds in action. The amendment would extend the Medal of Liberty posthumously to Massachusetts service members who died as a result of a training accident in the line of duty.
In his remarks on the floor, Senator Velis remembered Air Force Lt. Col. Morris “Moose” Fontenot Jr., a Longmeadow resident who tragically died in 2014 after his F-15C Eagle fighter jet crashed during a routine flight from Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. Lt. Col. Fontenot was not and–is not–eligible for the Medal of Liberty.
“There is an expression in the military: ‘Train as you fight, fight as you train.’ In order to be the best, you need to train to be the best, and with that training comes its own set of dangers,” said Senator Velis. “Lt. Col. Fontenot’s story is not alone; we have service members completing missions and trainings like him every single day. It is imperative that we recognize the dangers that these even routine missions present and properly honor the sacrifices of all of our service members.”
The Senate will recess in observance of Veterans’ Day and will resume debate on the ARPA spending bill on Friday, November 12th.
###