WESTFIELD – State Rep. John Velis’ Stolen Valor Bill went before the Judiciary Committee last week and if it becomes a law, it would impose tougher penalties to people stealing the identity of veterans by falsely claiming benefits given to them.
“It’s about honor,” said Velis, a veteran himself. “We earned those uniforms.”
Velis, who is a member of the Judiciary Committee, testified about the Stolen Valor merits along with Ludlow’s Veteran Service Agent Eric Segundo, who also serves as vice commander of the state VFW. A group of veterans attended the hearing and cheered at several points in the testimony.
“The Committee did not ask a single question,” said Velis. “I have never seen that before – we floored them.”
Velis was inspired by his fellow veterans for the Stolen Valor Act.
“Too many people have lost too much,” he said. “They have died, lost limbs, come back with PTSD….”
The bill is set for a vote soon. Since the bill was introduced, Velis has received support from veterans across the country. Segundo told Velis he has also heard from numerous veterans and similar acts are being brought forth in Maine and Nevada. Velis said 14 states have some sort of protective laws but his is stricter. He is happy other states are considering heavier penalties, as well.
This was Velis’ first time testifying for a bill he put forth but it will not likely be the last.
“I have several bills I filed, including one increasing penalties for people who commit assault and battery on a person over age 60 and one for stricter sentencing for drug trafficking,” said Velis.
