The Boston City Council Committee on Veterans Services met Nov. 21 to review the Office of Veteran Services' priorities and to discuss a message and order authorizing the city to accept a $12,881 Jobs for Veterans State Grant administered through MassHire.

Chair Councilor Ed Flynn opened the hearing and described two dockets under review, including the grant that Joseph Lee of the Worker Empowerment Cabinet said would be administered by the state and MassHire. "That is part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act," Lee said, explaining the funds will support occupancy costs for two MassHire veteran service seats focused on disabled veterans in downtown Boston and Roxbury. Lee said the MassHire centers have served 50 veterans with job search assessments and counseling, with 30 entering employment at an average salary of $28.49.

Commissioner Rob Santiago of the Office of Veteran Services highlighted recent outreach and service expansions, including a planned move of the office to 26 Court Street to centralize access and new intake and follow‑up systems to reduce gaps. Santiago also described the Bridge to Gap mini‑grant program, now up to $300,000 this cycle, and said the office is accepting applications (current deadline Jan. 20, may be extended) from organizations that serve veterans in areas such as housing, transportation, health and legal services.

Santiago announced a $100,000 gift from Bright Marine to expand grocery and nutrition assistance for veterans during the holiday season. He also described partnerships with the VA, Vet Center services and legal aid organizations to help veterans with claims, housing and other needs.

Council members pressed the administration on outcomes and oversight. Councilor Enrique Pepin asked how the small grant would reach veterans; Lee detailed the MassHire service pathway and priority rules. Councilor Mejia raised budget questions, noting that as of Sept. 30 only about 12% of the city's 'aids to veteran' line item had been spent; Santiago said Chapter 115 eligibility rules (a state poverty threshold) limit who qualifies and that Bridge to Gap helps fill gaps for veterans who do not meet Chapter 115 criteria.

No formal council vote on acceptance of the $12,881 grant was recorded in the hearing transcript; council members repeatedly voiced support for the grant and for continued investment in outreach, workforce training and targeted programs.

The hearing also touched on mental‑health and suicide‑prevention partnerships, legal services coordination with Harvard Legal and other providers, and a recently established city policy that extended paid military leave for City of Boston employees from 19 to 40 days. Chair Flynn closed the session and adjourned the two dockets pending any further procedural steps.

The committee did not record a formal, on‑the‑record vote during this hearing; staff told the council how the grant money would be applied if accepted through the normal administrative process.