THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 15, 2022 Page 5 Rep. McGonagle, Mass. House pass bill supporting veterans’ services, military families O n July 7, Rep. Joe McGonagle, along with his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, passed comprehensive legislation (H.4978) addressing the Commonwealth’s most immediate needs in the veteran community. The bill makes updates to service member quality-of-life issues and acknowledgements of military branches and individual service, including supporting military families who relocate to the Commonwealth with expedited licensure and school enrollment, creating education awareness programs and establishing the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity. The House passed An Act relative to military spouse-licensure portability, education and enrollment of dependents (H.4978), 154-0, after the Massachusetts Senate passed a similar version of the bill. Now the bill moves back to the Senate for further consideration. “After our veterans have given so much to us, it is imperative that we take care of them Joseph McGonagle State Representative and their families,” said McGonagle. “Military families make many sacrifi ces so if we can repay them in anyway, we must. Many of these new practices are really simple and just make sense, but have been overlooked for years. As the son of a Lieutenant Colonel, I understand much of this fi rsthand and am grateful we have the opportunity to push the wellbeing of our veterans and their loved ones forward. I am especially grateful to Speaker Mariano and Chair McMurtry for their advocacy on this issue.” “Our veterans represent the best and bravest among us, and are deserving of unwavering support from those in public offi ce,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “While we can never truly repay those who have served this country, the legislation passed today is another example of the House’s commitment to ensuring that veterans in Massachusetts, and their families, have access to the services and educational opportunities that they deserve. I want to thank Chairman Paul McMurtry, as well as all my colleagues in the House, for their hard work, and for prioritizing the well-being and success of the Commonwealth’s veterans.” Some highlights of the legislation: Military spouse-licensure portability: requires the Division of Occupational Licensure, the Department of Public Health and the MassachuMCGONAGLE | SEE PAGE 10
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