VALOR Act II Approved

State Rep. Danielle Gregoire, D-Marlborough, joined her colleagues in the House and Senate to pass the VALOR Act II this week.  

This legislation strengthens the 2012 Valor Act which expands opportunities and services for military personnel, veterans and their families.

The legislation provides increased property tax relief and enhances employment, educational and healthcare support services. It creates a home modification program to help injured veterans stay in their homes and function independently, and authorizes the Secretary of Veterans’ Services to establish enhanced training and certification for veterans’ benefits and service officers.

“The passage of the VALOR Act II this week shows the unwavering commitment of our state to our veterans,” said Representative Gregoire.  “I am so proud to have voted in support of legislation that provides our heroes with the resources, benefits and services they need and deserve.”

Additional provisions of the bill include increased penalties for disturbing military funerals or services, allows students currently enrolled in college, who are called to active duty, to either complete their coursework without penalty following duty, or to withdraw and receive a tuition refund, requires the Division of Professional Licensure to waive the initial application or certification fee for licensure for any veteran and finally, establishes a post-deployment council to make recommendations and study mental health issues to support military members transitioning to civilian life after deployment.