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Mass. leaders cite HERO Act, budget amendment as part of state's expanded veteran support
Summary
At the inaugural Military Appreciation Day, legislative and executive leaders highlighted the HERO Act and recent budget measures expanding veteran benefits, and the Senate unanimously adopted an amendment to the fiscal 2026 budget to change a Gold Star spouse annuity rule.
State officials used the inaugural Military Appreciation Day on May 22 to outline recent and ongoing policy steps aimed at supporting veterans and military families, including the HERO Act and a Senate budget amendment to protect Gold Star spouses' annuities.
Senate President Karen Spilka said the legislature worked with the administration "to pass the HERO Act, our most comprehensive veterans legislation ever," and described the law as expanding the definition of a veteran, increasing hiring tax credits for veterans, expanding behavioral health access, increasing property tax exemptions and codifying medical and dental benefits for veterans. Spilka also said the Senate unanimously adopted an amendment to the fiscal year 2026 budget sponsored by Senator…
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