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Advisory committee backs faster state reimbursement for veteran expenses
Summary
The committee voted to ask the select board to pursue language in state senate bill S2456 to shorten the maximum state reimbursement wait for veteran-related town expenses from up to 22 months to six months.
The Templeton Advisory Committee voted to ask the select board to advance a draft letter supporting state senate bill S2456, which would shorten the maximum period the state may take to reimburse municipal veteran-related expenses.
Committee members described the current Massachusetts law under which a town may wait up to about 22 months to receive reimbursement after submitting certified expenses. The S2456 draft language would reduce that maximum interval to six months. Members argued the change would reduce cash-flow burdens on towns and prevent the state from benefitting from interest on held funds at the town's expense.
"With technology today, it shouldn't take that long," one advisory member said, noting that long delays effectively let the state earn interest on funds the town has already spent. The advisory committee approved a motion requesting the select board consider the draft and next steps, and to send copies to local state representatives for support.
No formal changes to town reimbursement procedures were made; the committee requested the select board take the draft under advisement and, if the select board agrees, pursue the legislative change or supporting action.
