Representative Xiarhos Celebrates Historic HERO Act Signing in Lexington

August 9, 2024

LEXINGTON – Yesterday, State Representative Steven Xiarhos joined Governor Maura Healey, Secretary of Veterans’ Services Jon Santiago, and numerous colleagues in Lexington to celebrate the signing of the HERO Act, the most comprehensive and expansive legislative package in Massachusetts history dedicated to the welfare of veterans.

“This is a monumental step forward for our veterans, one that has been years in the making,” said Representative Xiarhos. “The HERO Act ensures that no veteran is left behind by expanding access to benefits to provide vital support for those who have served our great Nation.”

The bill comes as a conference committee agreement between the two chambers, of which Representative Xiarhos was appointed to serve, with the final version of the HERO Act introducing over 30 provisions aimed at enhancing veterans’ benefits and services across Massachusetts. Some of these key components include:

Benefits Expansion:

  • Behavioral Health Treatment: Veterans will now have expanded access to behavioral health treatment, with reimbursement available for outpatient visits.
  • Disabled Veteran Annuity: The tax credit for small businesses hiring chronically unemployed or low-income veterans is increased to $2,500.
  • Vet-Hire Tax Credit: The tax credit for hiring veterans, including those on SNAP benefits or with service-connected disabilities, is raised to $2,500.
  • Active-Duty Buyback Program: The timeframe for veterans in public service to utilize the Active-Duty Service Buyback program is extended from 180 days to ten years.
  • COLA Cliff Prevention: Veterans’ eligibility for Chapter 115 benefits will not be affected mid-fiscal year by Social Security cost-of-living adjustments.
  • Local Flexibility for Property Tax Exemptions: Municipalities can now double property tax exemptions with local options and adjust for inflation.
  • Sales Tax Exemption Protection: Disabled veterans using the Purple Heart specialty license plate are ensured continued sales tax exemptions.
  • Support for Military-Connected Students: Public school districts are now required to provide support services to students when a parent or guardian is called to active duty.
  • Military Family Advocacy Program: A new program is established to protect against child abuse on military installations.

Commitment to All:

  • Broadened Veteran Definition: The definition of the state Chapter 115 program is aligned with the definition of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Expanded Veterans Equality Review Board: The scope now includes discharges related to Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, TBI, mental health conditions, or HIV.
  • Expanded Definition of Veteran Dependent: More dependents are supported based on the Family Court definition

Modernization of Veteran Services:

  • Dental Assistance Benefits: Essential dental care is codified for Chapter 115 recipients.
  • Medical Assistance Benefits: Consistent medical care is ensured for veterans.
  • Authority for Veterans Cemeteries: Proper management and care of veterans’ cemeteries are codified. -Modernized Statute Language: Gender-neutral and inclusive language is adopted in Chapters 115 and115A.
  • Study on Alternative Therapies: A working group is established to explore the benefits of alternative therapies, such as psilocybin, for veterans’ mental health disorders.

Recognition and Honoring Our Veterans:

  • Half-Staff Flag Requirement: Flags are to be flown at half-staff from the day of death until the day of interment for any military service member residing in Massachusetts.
  • Expanded Gold Star Families Recognition: A Memorial Day proclamation and illumination of bridges in gold are required.
  • United States Space Force Day: December 20th is declared as United States Space Force Day.
  • United States Merchant Marine Day: May 22nd is declared as United States Merchant Marine Day.

The ceremony’s emotional highlight was when Amanda Braga Tipton, a close colleague of Representative Xiarhos, took the stage to share the heartbreaking story of her brother Joshua, a veteran who tragically lost his life to suicide. Her moving and courageous testimony underscored the importance of the HERO Act in helping to provide continuing support and mental health assistance to veterans and their families.

“As a member of both the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and the HERO Act Conference Committee, I am deeply proud and honored to have contributed to this historic legislation,” Representative Xiarhos added. “This Act will have a profound impact on the lives of our veterans, honoring their service and ensuring they receive the support they so richly deserve.”

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