Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop
BOSTON – Earlier this week, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives Robert A. DeLeo, D-Winthrop, acknowledged the contributions of four members of the state legislature who are currently active-duty service members in the United States Armed Forces, the most of any of the 50 state legislatures.
At the annual luncheon put on Wednesday by the Massachusetts Veterans Service Officers Association, DeLeo acknowledged the service of Representatives John Velis, D-Westfield, Harold Naughton, D-Clinton and Jerald Parisella, D-Beverly, and Senator Michael Rush, D-West Roxbury.
“I am so proud of Massachusetts’ military personnel and veterans, and am guided by that respect as we shape legislation on Beacon Hill,” said DeLeo. “I am especially proud that Massachusetts leads the nation in terms of providing support for veterans and that we rank as one of the highest states with active-duty military personnel serving as legislators. It is a privilege to represent a state with such an esteemed standing.”
“It was a remarkable event recognizing all of our veterans service officers throughout the Commonwealth,” said Velis, a captain in the United States Army Reserve. “The Speaker pointed out how we’re at the forefront of veterans services with VALOR Act I and II and that’s something to be proud of.”
Signed in 2012 by then-Governor Deval L. Patrick, the Veterans’ Access, Livelihood, Opportunity and Resources (VALOR) Act put in place requirements for public colleges to award academic credit for the prior military training of their students and ensured that veterans charged with criminal complaints are considered for treatment programs, if eligible.
The law also called for money to be made available to help veterans with business ventures and employment and helps with the costs of housing, utilities and medical services for families of service members killed in action.
VALOR Act II was passed early last year, strengthening the original bill and adding new provisions.
According to state Rep. Garrett Bradley, D-Hingham, first division chair of the House of Representatives, in a February 2014 op-ed in the Hingham Patch, VALOR Act II provides “increased property tax relief and enhances employment, educational and healthcare support services. It also establishes a home modification program for veterans to help individuals stay in their homes and function independently.”
“This legislation gives our active military, veterans and their families the programs, services and recognition they have earned through service to our community and nation,” wrote Bradley. “The House also supported my amendment giving cities and towns the choice of extending the term of office for veterans’ agents from 1 year up to 3 years, with a reappointment option.”
Velis added Thursday that he and his fellow active duty legislators provide an invaluable viewpoint for the rest of the legislative body into the thoughts and concerns of current and former military members.
“We’re still drilling, talking to veterans, talking to service members on a daily basis,” said Velis. “It gives us a unique insight for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and we’re at the forefront when you talk about veterans issues.”
The Westfield Democrat, who is beginning his first full term in office this year after winning two elections in a span of seven months last year, said he was unaware that the Mass. legislature counted more active-duty military members than any other state until the Speaker acknowledged them Wednesday.
