The Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill this week to assist veterans, service members, and military families.
Gov. Charlie Baker
The bill, “An Act relative to military spouse-licensure portability, education, and enrollment of dependents” includes support for military families relocating to the state with expedited licensure and school enrollment; education awareness programs; military family recognition as in-state residents for the purposes of in-state college tuition; civilian-life adjustment programs; and creation of the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity.
“This is a historic bill. This is most likely the most encompassing military and veterans bill passed in the Commonwealth in the last century,” said Major General Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. “This bill recognizes both the sacrifice of our military service members, as well as veterans and their families, and it establishes programs that will recruit and retain service members, attract future military missions, and continue to provide for our growing veteran population. Our thanks to all the Massachusetts legislators in the House and the Senate, as well as the tenacity and leadership of the Joint Committee on Military and Veterans’ Affairs who worked tirelessly to get this bill over the goal line. This bill will make it clear to every state in the republic that Massachusetts is unmatched in its care and support of its military members, veterans, and their families.”
The bill now goes to Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker for his signature.
