Support for Our Veterans

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Governor Patrick    FY 2013 Budget Recommendation:
    Issues in Brief

    Deval L. Patrick, Governor
    Timothy P. Murray, Lt. Governor

 

Massachusetts is proud to support its veterans, and the Patrick-Murray Administration has worked to protect funding for veteran services and benefits during difficult budget times.  The Administration values veterans from all eras and has made supporting veterans a top priority.  Because of the level of benefits the Commonwealth provides (such as tuition waivers at state colleges and universities, support for indigent veterans and expansion of the state’s women veterans’ network), Massachusetts is first in the nation in veterans’ services.  These services reflect the respect the Patrick-Murray Administration has for all that veterans and their families have done for our country. 

The economic downturn has hit veterans hard.  In 2010 the nationwide unemployment rate was 11.5% for post 9/11 veterans, with the rate as high as 26.9% for those between the ages of 18-24.  These numbers reflect the harsh reality that veterans face here in Massachusetts.  This is tragic, not only because of the special contributions of servicemen and women in the military, but also because of the special opportunity presented by the training, discipline and skill sets veterans have to be unique and productive contributors to our workforce.

Under Governor Patrick’s leadership, the Administration launched an aggressive veterans’ employment initiative in November 2011, which is reflected in the FY 2013 budget proposal.  Services provided through the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) and the Soldiers’ Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke have been largely preserved, and in many cases, such as veterans’ annuities and benefits, the FY 2013 budget helps state government meet the growing caseload demands. 

Total Veteran Spending from 2009-2013-  Chart showing increasing amounts being spent for Veterans benefits, reimbursements to cities and towns for services provided to veterans, outreach centers and homeless shelters, Soldiers' Homes, and veterans' operating accounts and cemeteries.


Investments to Support Veterans

The Patrick-Murray Administration will continue to invest in programs that serve veterans and military family members in the FY 2013 budget.  These programs will seek to employ veterans, improve the health of veterans and ensure veterans receive the benefits they deserve.  Some of these initiatives include:


Prepared by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance ·
www.mass.gov/budget/governor
For more information email: contactanf@massmail.state.ma.us (617) 727-2040