Seniors + Veterans

Boston, MA – Yesterday, November 19, State Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) celebrated the signing of S.2189/H.3388, An Act Designating Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, which officially recognizes September 22nd as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day in Massachusetts. This law ensures we remember the lives lost to suicide within the Veteran community and raises awareness of the mental health challenges faced by members of the military.  “I am optimistic to see this bill signed into law today,” said Senator O’Connor. “The official establishment of Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day is a crucial step forward in honoring those we have tragically lost and in acknowledging the mental health challenges faced by our veterans. This is a call to action for us all to better support the men and women who have served our country.”  “We brought forward this legislation in direct response to the tragedies that have left . . . Read More

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