February 4, 2012

Veterans

Veterans

Senator Murray has been a leading voice on Beacon Hill for veterans. By working to provide tax incentives, educational opportunities, and support and services for family members, Senator Murray has tirelessly supported our men and women in uniform.

Highlights of Senator Murray’s efforts on behalf of veterans include:

  • Working to pass the Representative Edward G. Connolly Massachusetts MERIT (Military Enhanced Relief Individual Tax) Plan which includes property and excise tax breaks for veterans and active duty military personnel.
  • Securing the passage of legislation waiving the tuition and fees at any state college and university for veterans residing in Massachusetts.
  • Lobbying the Congressional delegation for more health care services for veterans and opposing the federal government’s plans to renege on its promise to provide veterans health benefits for life.
  • Supporting our recent veterans by voting for the Welcome Home Bill, which expands benefits to veterans, members of the Massachusetts National Guard, and their families. The law provides over 13 new and expanded benefits.
  • Securing a $3.6 million tax abatement for veterans. Through Senator Murray's leadership, the legislature doubled the real estate tax abatement for disabled veterans, widows and parents of veterans killed in combat. It had been 25 years since they had received an increase.
  • Increasing the cash annuity for disabled veterans and parents of servicemen killed in action. In the past, a cash annuity of $500 was provided to veterans who were 100% disabled or who lost an eye or limb in combat. Senator Murray worked to have this amount increased to $1,500 and expanded it to include parents who lost a child in combat.
  • Increasing funding for veteran's funeral and burial expenses, reimbursements to cities and towns for the cost of placing a flag on the graves of veterans each Memorial Day, providing funding to complete the POW/MIA eternal flame at the Bourne National Cemetery and doubling the monthly aid given to indigent veterans and their widows and orphans.
  • Ending the practice of taxing military pensions. For many years, Massachusetts was the only state in the country to tax military pensions. Senator Murray opposed this practice and strongly supported legislation to change the state's tax code.
  • Sponsoring and successfully passing legislation to create a veterans' license plate for motorcycles.

Veterans News

June 30, 2011
Senate, House Budget Gives Plymouth’s Nathan Hale Foundation Increase in Funding

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Legislature today passed a $30.59 billion balanced budget for the 2012 fiscal year, closing a $1.9 billion budget gap with funding reductions, ongoing revenue initiatives and one-time revenues, Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said.

The Nathan Hale Foundation in Plymouth receives a ten percent increase in funding in the spending plan in an effort t

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May 26, 2011
Senate FY12 Budget Protects Plymouth’s Nathan Hale Foundation from Cuts

BOSTON – The Senate on Thursday passed a $29.2 billion balanced budget for the 2012 fiscal year, closing a $1.9 billion budget gap with funding reductions, ongoing revenue initiatives and one-time revenues, Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said.

The Nathan Hale Foundation in Plymouth is spared any cuts in the Senate budget in an effort to protect veteran services.

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July 28, 2010
Murray Announces Approval of Legislation to Protect Against Foreclosures and Mortgage Fraud

BOSTON –With home foreclosures continuing to rise in the Commonwealth in spite of the improving economy, Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) announced that the Senate and House sent final consumer protection legislation to the Governor that protects both homeowners and tenants from mortgage fraud and arbitrary evictions.

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