Press Release  Executive Office of Veterans Services Continues HERO Act Roadshow Due to High Demand and Success

Boston, MA — The Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) today announced additional dates for its HERO Act Roadshow, an initiative aimed at educating veterans across the Commonwealth about the most comprehensive veterans legislative bill in Massachusetts history. Following overwhelming interest and engagement at prior events, EOVS has scheduled several new regional town halls to ensure that veterans have the opportunity to learn about the HERO Act and its transformative impact on their lives and communities. The town halls will take place in Eastern, Central and Western Massachusetts, and include a virtual forum, to ensure equitable access for veterans and their families, Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) and veteran organizations across the state.

“The HERO Act is a monumental step forward in how Massachusetts supports its veterans and their families,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “Our roadshow brings these important updates directly to the veterans we serve, ensuring they understand the new opportunities available to them. We’re proud to see such strong engagement across the state.”

The HERO Act Roadshow highlights key provisions of the bill through a one-hour presentation followed by a Q&A session. In partnership with elected officials and local veteran organizations, the Roadshow provides veterans with a clear understanding of how the legislation supports them, including its expanded benefits, new programs, and ongoing implementation efforts. Upcoming events include the following locations:

1. Billerica Town Hall
   1. Date/Time: December 2, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
   2. Location: The Billerica Elks, 14 Webb Brook Road, Billerica, MA 01821
2. Western MA Town Hall
   1. Date/Time: December 11, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
   2. Location: Springfield Technical Community College
3. Central MA Town Hall
   1. Date/Time: December 12, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
   2. Location: Veterans Inc., 59 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
4. Virtual Town Hall
   1. Date/Time: December 19, 5:00 PM
   2. Location: Microsoft Teams- Join the meeting now

EOVS has already conducted successful town halls in collaboration with local officials across Massachusetts, including events in Osterville, Pepperell, West Roxbury, and Plymouth.

About the HERO Act

Signed into law by Governor Maura Healey, the HERO Act is the most comprehensive veterans legislation in Massachusetts history. The bill addresses critical areas such as expanding access to behavioral health treatment, increasing benefits for disabled veterans, supporting businesses that hire veterans, updating the definition of a veteran, expanding the Veterans Equality Review Board's scope, and codifying medical and dental benefits. For more information about the HERO Act and the Roadshow events, visit the EOVS website or contact the EOVS Engagement Team.

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