By Bob Katzen

The House 156-0, approved and sent to the Senate a package designed to benefit veterans in the Bay State by broadening the definition of a veteran, increasing tax credits and state benefits for which they are eligible and modernizing the services on which they rely.

Provisions include providing a medical assistance benefit, behavioral health assistance benefit and dental benefit beyond other benefits available to veterans; increasing from $2,000 to $2,250 and then to $2,500 the annuity for blind, paraplegic or veterans with disabilities; allowing municipalities to annually increase local property tax abatements for veterans in an amount equal to the increase in cost of living determined by the Consumer Price Index for the year; increasing from $2,000 to $2,500 the amount of a tax credit for each qualified veteran hired by an employer and for subsequent years of continued employment of each veteran; creating a working group to study and make recommendations on the use of psychedelics as an alternative therapy for mental health treatments for veterans; and allowing certain veteran’s organizations to be approved by the Gaming Commission and their local licensing authority for up to five slot machines on their premises.

“[The bill] is a transformative package of reforms that will make sure our veterans and their families have access to the benefits, resources and support they deserve,” said Gov. Maura Healey.

Rep. Gerard Cassidy (D-Brockton), House Chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, called the measure a historic piece of legislation that addresses critical quality of life issues faced every day by veterans. “It is important that we continue to honor those who served our country, and this bill highlights our commitment to their wellbeing,” said Cassidy.

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes