November 6, 2009
(State House) – Senator Creem was pleased to support and join her Senate colleagues in passing legislation to expand voter access, and improve employment opportunities and benefits for Massachusetts veterans and servicemembers.

“This bill is extremely important,” said Senator Creem. “We need to support our servicemen and -women, while they are in active service and when they return to us to take up their daily lives. It is our duty to make sure these veterans receive whatever assistance they may need, and to recognize their service on our country’s behalf.”

Under this legislation, Massachusetts residents serving overseas would be able to obtain and return absentee ballots electronically. And currently, servicemen who serve an overseas deployment are eligible for a $1,000 Welcome Home bonus.  This bill would allow servicemen who service multiple overseas deployments to apply for up to 50% of the bonus upon each subsequent return.  The bill also orders a study on the state’s current health care services for veterans and an assessment on the feasibility of expanding capacity at current soldiers’ homes or establishing additional soldiers’ homes.

The bill was passed by the Senate on November 5, 2009, and is now before the House of Representatives for further action.