HOUSE PASSES LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT AND HONOR MILITARY VETERANS

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          
November 10, 2017                                            
Contact: Representative Natalie Higgins, 978-602-3772
                        


House Passes Legislation to Support and Honor Military Veterans

(BOSTON) – Representative Natalie Higgins joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass two bills to support Massachusetts’ veterans. These bills build upon the Commonwealth’s legacy as the first state in the nation for the number of programs and services it offers to military personnel, veterans and their families.

“I am immensely proud that Massachusetts ranks first in the nation when it comes to military-benefit programs and services,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “This legislation sends a message to our heroes and their families that we appreciate their bravery, sacrifice and service. While these two bills are small steps, the House is continuing its work in providing critical and well-deserved supports.”

"We wanted to put these important bills out before Veterans Day to honor those who have served as a small token of our appreciation,” said Representative John J. Lawn, Jr., Chair of the House Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.

“Our veterans, soldiers and their loved ones make sacrifices each and every day to serve and protect our communities, and for that I am so thankful,” said State Representative Natalie Higgins. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues and pass these two pieces of legislation as we honor them on Veterans Day.”

Under legislation passed by the House, every municipality in the Commonwealth will now designate one parking space at its town or city hall as “veterans-only parking.”

The House also took action to enable municipalities to more easily collect donations for their Veterans Memorial and Patriotic Celebration Funds. This legislation allows cities and towns to include a check-off box on municipal tax or motor vehicle excise tax bills through which residents can pledge donations to be used for the creation and restoration of monuments and other activities that honor the contributions and sacrifices of local veterans.

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