Third post regarding Governor Romney’s record on Veterans Issues, in recognition of Memorial Day Weekend. I’m seeing a very impressive effort to make sure Veterans in his state were offerred the help and recognition they so deserve. Is anyone aware if their state has similar programs, or is the Governor breaking new ground here?

July 20, 2006

ROMNEY PROPOSES $8 MILLION FOR NATIONAL GUARD COLLEGE FEE WAIVERS

Governor Mitt Romney today announced he filed legislation that would make available $8 million to waive fees for National Guard members at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. National Guard members already receive free tuition.

Since registration for the fall semester has already begun at many campuses, the Governor urged the Legislature to consider his request on an expedited basis and before they conclude formal sessions for the year on July 31.

“The men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard perform admirable service for our Commonwealth and for our nation,” said Romney. “By making a public college education entirely free for Guard members, we recognize their tremendous dedication and sacrifice.”

Got it from here

ROMNEY EXPANDS TAX BENEFITS FOR DISABLED VETERANS

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Health and Human Services

August 14, 2006

Governor Mitt Romney signed legislation today that provides disabled Massachusetts veterans with extensive tax exemptions as well as financial relief for the families of servicemen and women killed or missing in action.

The bill also allows local communities to suspend without interest local real estate taxes of active duty National Guardsmen and reservists until 180 days after they return home.

“One of the highest duties of government is our obligation to take care of the men and women who defend this nation. This legislation follows through on that commitment by providing additional benefits to disabled veterans, as well as to the families of soldiers killed or missing in action,” said Governor Mitt Romney.

Current property tax exemptions that range, depending on the extent of the disability, from $250 to $950 per year for veterans will be increased to between $400 and $1,500.

In addition, the legislation increases the reimbursement for those exemptions that the Commonwealth provides to the home communities of the veterans and their families. The lowest reimbursement of $75 now goes to $400, while the highest increases from $775 to $1,325.

Surviving spouses of veterans killed or missing in action since 9/11 will receive full property tax exemptions for five years. A $2,500 annual exemption will be granted after five years.

The bill signed today by the governor also extends sales and vehicle excise tax exemptions to all veterans who qualify for a Disabled Veteran license plate.

Less than a year ago, Governor Romney signed veterans’ legislation that provided a wide array of benefits, including bonuses to Massachusetts servicemen and women on active duty since 9/11, exempting Guard members from fees at public colleges and universities, increasing death benefits paid to families of Guard members killed in the line of duty from $5,000 to $100,000 and creating a $2,000 annuity for Gold Star spouses and parents as well as 100 percent disabled veterans.

Got it from here