by Leah Robins
4/9/2014

(BOSTON) – Today, the Valor Act II which was passed by the legislature in recent weeks, was signed into law by Governor Patrick. Representative Carolyn Dykema joined her colleagues in the House and Senate to vote in favor of the legislation that supports military personnel, veterans and their families.

The legislation provides increased property tax relief and enhances employment, educational and healthcare support services. It creates a home modification program to help injured veterans stay in their homes and function independently, and authorizes the Secretary of Veterans’ Services to establish enhanced training and certification for Veterans’ Services Officers who serve veterans in the community.

“Massachusetts has long led the nation in recognizing and providing for veterans and their families. This bill continues our proud tradition by providing additional benefits to veterans, while also addressing concerns that the veterans community has brought to our attention,” said Representative Dykema.  “This legislation allows us as a Commonwealth to better fulfill our duty to support those who defend our freedoms and our way of life.”

In addition, the bill includes the following provisions:

·         Allows student veterans enrolled in college who are called to active duty to either complete coursework without penalty following duty or withdraw and receive a tuition refund;

·         Increases penalties for disturbing military funerals or services;

·         Enacts provisions to guard against veterans charity fraud;

·         Lays the groundwork for expansion of veterans courts to veterans across the state;

·         Requires the Division of Professional Licensure to waive the initial application or certification fee for licensure for any veteran;

·         Establishes a post-deployment council to make recommendations and study mental health issues to support military members transitioning to civilian life after deployment;

·         Requires the Department of Public Health to issue guidance to acute hospitals and ambulance service providers to ensure the identification of veterans in emergency settings.

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Representative Dykema serves the 8th Middlesex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives which includes the towns of Holliston, Hopkinton, Southborough and Pct. 2 of Westborough. Rep. Dykema has served on the Committee for Veterans & Federal Affairs since entering office in 2009