Boston council holds emergency hearing on federal shutdown’s impact on veterans

Boston City Council Committee on Veterans, Military Families & Military Affairs Chair Ed Flynn convened an emergency hearing Oct. 9 at Boston City Hall to examine how the ongoing federal government shutdown could affect veterans, active-duty service members and military families in Boston.

The session brought together the city’s veteran services commissioner, leaders from the VFW and DAV, representatives of the New England Center Home for Veterans and other local advocates to outline which services could be disrupted, how the city plans to respond and where local partners can fill gaps. Chair Ed Flynn said the hearing was held so the council could “make sure there’s no interruption in services for our veterans.”

The city’s top local official for veterans said Boston has activated contingency plans. Robert Santiago, commissioner of Boston Veterans Services, said the department had “activated a local response,” coordinating with other city agencies and state partners to bridge shortfalls and to connect veterans to emergency assistance. “While Washington may be closed, Boston Veterans Services is open and we’re steadfast in our commitment to ensure that every veteran and their family member receives the benefits and services that they’ve earned,” Santiago said.

Panelists summarized a VA guidance list of…