Seniors + Veterans

BOSTON - This week, State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined her legislative colleagues in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pass An Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth’s veterans’ homes, which makes key reforms to the governance structure of the state’s veterans’ homes, ensures that both homes are federally licensed as health care facilities, mandates increased state management, and provides independent oversight and accountability of veterans’ homes management. Following the tragedy at the Holyoke Veterans’ Home in 2020, which resulted in the COVID-19 related deaths of 78 veterans, the Legislature established the Special Joint Oversight Committee on the veterans’ Home in Holyoke COVID-19 Outbreak to investigate and make recommendations which resulted in this legislation.   “After dedicating their lives to the service of our country, our veterans deserve the utmost respect and the highest levels of care in their later years,” said State Representative . . . Read More

(BOSTON) - On Thursday, July 7, State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass H.4978, An Act relative to military spouse-licensure portability, education and enrollment of dependents on a unanimous 154-0 vote.  The bill increases support for veterans and military families by reforming licensing requirements and expanding access to information about open burn pit exposure. The legislation also authorizes slot machines at veterans' organizations, honors service members who died as a result of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder or other diseases linked to their time in action, and requires formal recognition for the founding dates of various branches of the United States Armed Forces. “This bill reflects the legislature’s commitment to improving the lives of our veterans here in the Commonwealth. It is only fitting that we strive to give back to those who have given so much in the course of their . . . Read More

(BOSTON) – On this Veterans Day, the Massachusetts House of Representatives collectively recognizes the courage and sacrifice of men and women in the Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first celebrated in 1919 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. Congress formally passed legislation in 1938 designating Armistice Day as a federal holiday. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, Congress changed the day’s title from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all American Veterans of war. On Veterans Day each year, our communities come together to honor and celebrate the bravery of all Veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, whether living or deceased. Massachusetts is home to 323,253 Veterans, some of whom are residents of the 3rd Plymouth District. The Commonwealth has long been a leader in supporting . . . Read More

(BOSTON) – The Massachusetts House of Representatives collectively recognizes the sacrifice of our fallen men and women of the Armed Services. The Memorial Day Holiday allows each of us as Americans, and citizens of the Commonwealth, to reflect and honor those who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. This Memorial Day, Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) offered remarks at Hull’s Memorial Day Ceremony and attended Hingham’s Memorial Day Ceremony. She also attended Cohasset’s Field of Honor Dedication on May 29th to honor our fallen heroes and their loved ones. “This Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their service to our country.” said Representative Meschino. “Alongside my colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature, I will continue to support legislation that reflects our gratitude and provides benefits to our military families and veterans.” Americans recognize this holiday in many ways; some participate . . . Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  May 30, 2018 BOSTON – Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) joined her colleagues in the House ofRepresentatives to pass legislation to support Massachusetts’ veterans and military familiesincluding an important provision to make more veterans eligible for property tax exemptions byrelaxing the residency requirements. This bill builds upon the Commonwealth’s legacy as anational leader for the number of programs and services it offers to military personnel, veteransand their families.“I am honored to have had this opportunity to stand for the veterans of the 3 rd Plymouth Districtand their families,” said Representative Meschino. “This bill will expand their access to thesupport that they deserve.”“I am immensely proud that Massachusetts ranks first in the nation when it comes to military-benefit programs and services,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “This legislation sends amessage to our heroes and their families that we appreciate their bravery, sacrifice and service.”The bill provides new financial supports . . . Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 27, 2017 HINGHAM – Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull), alongside her colleagues, Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth), Representative James Murphy (D-Weymouth) and Hingham Veterans’ Service Officer, Keith Jermyn hosted a Veterans’ Town Hall event this Thursday at Hingham Town Hall. The event offered an opportunity for veterans, active duty military personnel, veterans’ organizations, and their dependents from across the South Shore to gather and hear from legislators, local officials and the Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, Francisco A. Ureña on the state of Veteran Affairs in the commonwealth. Veterans' were able to ask questions about veterans' benefits and services. "I would like to thank all of the veterans who joined us at this town hall event," said Representative Joan Meschino. "Hearing from local veterans about the challenges that they currently face will enable my office to better serve our vets moving forward. I look forward to . . . Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  March 26, 2017  COHASSET – Representative Joan Meschino (D – Hull) convened seniors, service providers and advocates for a focus group this week to discuss ongoing issues facing seniors in her communities. The meeting, Representative Meschino said, will play an important role in shaping her advocacy for seniors through the ongoing legislative process and the upcoming state budget debate. “Too many seniors are forced to choose between staying in their homes, paying for their medical care and keeping food on the table. Still more have difficulty accessing transportation and staying connected with their community,” said Representative Meschino. “I’m looking forward to working with local advocates and providers in order to meet the needs of our older residents.” Representatives from the Hull Senior Center, Cohasset Elder Affairs, Hingham Elder Services, Scituate Council on aging, Linden Ponds, and Wellspring  were all in attendance. “As the House of Representatives prepares to . . . Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2016 Contact: Laura Burns 781.749.0880 lburns887@gmail.com HULL— “Senior citizens who’ve contributed to the vibrancy of their communities for decades are entitled to support and assistance that will help them continue to thrive,” said Joan Meschino, Democratic nominee to succeed former State Representative Garrett Bradley. Her plans focus on senior tax credits, transportation, and senior centers. Meschino will continue Bradley’s practice of mailing an annual reminder of allowable state income tax deductions. “Every year, some seniors are surprised to learn they can claim a refundable credit for real estate taxes on their state income tax returns,” said Meschino. “Garrett Bradley’s annual informational mailer has helped many seniors claim credits for which they qualify.” In addition to making seniors aware of existing programs, Meschino said she will work to help towns revise tax structures to help them remain in their homes and not be priced out of neighborhoods . . . Read More