Representative John Keenan Applauds Enactment of
SALEM – At today’s Veterans’ Day ceremony
at Salem High School, Representative Keenan applauded Governor Romney’s
signing of a comprehensive benefits package for Massachusetts service
men and women earlier in the day. The new law will increase death benefits
for families of deceased soldiers, increase annuities for widows and
veterans’ families, increase the stipend for National Guard members,
and establish a one-time $1,000 bonus for soldiers called to duty in
Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. Representative Keenan
was the leading cosponsor on the bonus legislation. “We ask the men and women in the services to give their best when called to arms,” said Representative Keenan, “We should then give them our best when they come home - whether it’s health care, education, social services, or jobs. When they come back to Massachusetts, we should welcome them home, not simply with words of thanks, but – through the bonuses and benefits of the Welcome Home Bill – with the support of our common wealth, so that they and their families may truly be home again.” “I am so happy and honored that Representative Keenan worked so hard for the bonus for today’s veterans,” stated Salem resident and Reservist Captain Jeffrey Cox of the 883rd Medical Company from Iraq, “Through his and his staff’s hard work, the bonus was incorporated into the Welcome Home Bill, which provides numerous benefits to our National Guard, Reservists, and veterans. I know firsthand that the members of my unit will greatly benefit from this landmark legislation.” Veterans returning from service in Iraq or Afghanistan can learn more about the new War Bonus program by calling the Department of Veterans’ Services at (617) 210-5480. SALEM – At today’s Veterans’ Day ceremony
at Salem High School, Representative Keenan applauded Governor Romney’s
signing of a comprehensive benefits package for Massachusetts service
men and women earlier in the day. The new law will increase death benefits
for families of deceased soldiers, increase annuities for widows and
veterans’ families, increase the stipend for National Guard members,
and establish a one-time $1,000 bonus for soldiers called to duty in
Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. Representative Keenan
was the leading cosponsor on the bonus legislation.
In early March, Representative Keenan received a phone call from a constituent who serves in the Armed Services asking about the existence of a Massachusetts “war bonus” for soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. The war bonus program, administered by the state’s Department of Veterans’ Services, has traditionally offered small cash bonuses to Massachusetts residents who serve in a war or armed conflict. Representative Keenan was surprised to learn that the bonuses did not yet exist for those who have served in the recent conflicts in Afghanistan or Iraq. “It seemed like something that really ought to be done,” said Representative Keenan, “It isn’t a lot of money, but it is an important gesture of gratitude to the men and women of Massachusetts who voluntarily serve on today’s battlefields.” Working with Veterans Committee Chairman Anthony Verga, Representative Keenan became the leading cosponsor of a bill that was filed to institute a $750 to $1,000 bonus for Massachusetts servicemen and women or their families. The Veterans Committee reported the bill out favorably after a public hearing in late May. The legislation was made a part of the overall package, called the Welcome Home Bill, which the House passed unanimously late last night and Governor Romney signed into law this morning. “We ask the men and women in the services to give their best when called to arms,” said Representative Keenan, “We should then give them our best when they come home - whether it’s health care, education, social services, or jobs. When they come back to Massachusetts, we should welcome them home, not simply with words of thanks, but – through the bonuses and benefits of the Welcome Home Bill – with the support of our common wealth, so that they and their families may truly be home again.” “I am so happy and honored that Representative Keenan worked so hard for the bonus for today’s veterans,” stated Salem resident and Reservist Captain Jeffrey Cox of the 883rd Medical Company from Iraq, “Through his and his staff’s hard work, the bonus was incorporated into the Welcome Home Bill, which provides numerous benefits to our National Guard, Reservists, and veterans. I know firsthand that the members of my unit will greatly benefit from this landmark legislation.” Veterans returning from service in Iraq or Afghanistan can learn more about the new War Bonus program by calling the Department of Veterans’ Services at (617) 210-5480.
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