Issue Position: Veterans

Issue Position

My first speech as State Senator addressed the reality of Veteran homelessness in Massachusetts. While Massachusetts ranks high in Veterans services, there are still around 1200 retired soldiers in the Commonwealth with no place to call a home. To confront this unacceptable statistic, I sponsored an FY17 budget amendment creating a Commission to determine how Massachusetts can reach a zero-count of homeless Veterans. The Senate adopted this amendment and I will continue to build on this cause to provide our heroes the necessities they deserve.

I also filed to the budget several tax breaks geared at relieving Veterans from costs and expenses they should never have to worry about. Our office filed for tax credits for disabled veterans, Gold Star families, and homeless Veteran housing.

The Municipal Modernization Bill included my amendment enabling incapacitated Veterans to keep their real estate tax abatements if they choose to transfer their property into a trust for their families. This will expand on existing benefits and allow Veterans to have greater flexibility in handling their real estate affairs without losing what they are entitled to.

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