By Bob Katzen

The House 160-0, approved a consolidated amendment on veterans and social services. Veterans Committee chair Linda Campbell (D-Methuen) said the consolidated amendment contains increases over last year for many important programs. She pointed out funding for some key items including $100,000 to help the Vietnam Veterans of America in Massachusetts with the processing of VA claims; $85,000 to the NEADS program that trains service dogs to assist veterans; $124,000 for funding for additional housing for women veterans; and $550,000 to the Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base program to provide clinical care, education and training to address veterans’ physical and behavioral health issues to include PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder and suicide prevention.

“In the consolidated amendment, the House provides additional funding for veterans programs in the commonwealth over and above last year’s budget and the governor’s budget,” said Campbell. “I am proud that my colleagues in the House have once again demonstrated their support for critical programs and organizations that are providing the care that our veterans and their families deserve. Veterans can face a number of hardships as a result of their service, from PTSD to homelessness to substance abuse, and this increased investment will ensure our veterans can receive needed services within their own communities.”