Following a Beacon Hill Roll Call, the approval of both House 155-1 and Senate 36-0 provided new and improved benefits to the veteran community of Massachusetts.

Both expand the current law which provides a one-time $1,000 “Welcome Home” bonus. This is given to those returning home from their first deployment. The expansion of the law would award an additional $500 for each subsequent home-coming that follows deployment.

Further, Massachusetts residents on duty will be able to cast their votes on an absentee ballot for the possible creation of a Medal of Liberty. This medal would be awarded by the governor to family members of service members killed in action or killed due to wounds received in action.

The house stood alone on voting for the version that would give disabled veteran-owned businesses the same advantage as women and minority-owned businesses when bidding on the state’s contracts. Veterans labeled disabled because of health ailments will now receive incentives to strengthen their businesses or even start up new endeavors. This bill promises to also give the nonprofit Home of the Brave additional funds to provide housing to veterans.

The expansion of support that the state of Massachusetts is providing to veteran focused non-profits and families of those who have served, is an initiative that is well deserved. Those who were left hindered by their service should not be penalized, rather they should be assisted.

Veterans suffering from mental illness such as post-traumatic stress disorder or physical ailments such as mesothelioma, asbestos-caused form of cancer, need ample aid for living with their service-caused health conditions. The hazardous environment that soldiers are faced with while in service is able to cause life threatening conditions. In the case of asbestos exposure, veterans make up the largest group of those diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mental conditions such as PTSD are common among veterans coming home from their service overseas. Supporters of this bill noted that one in five U.S. veterans suffer from PTSD. Further, 11 percent suffer from traumatic brain injuries.

Health concerns that are often triggered by war can be detrimental to a veteran’s life post-war. Given this new state-wide support, the 44,000 Bay State veterans that will benefit from this bill will be able to worry a little less about their transition to civilian life and focus more on their new beginnings

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