Rep. Bradley files bill to allow soldiers to collect Welcome Home bonus after every deployment

September 23, 2009

Boston- Representative Garrett J. Bradley (D-Hingham) recently filed legislation that would allow Massachusetts residents that are serving in the United States Armed Forces to receive the Welcome Home Bonus each time they return from active duty.  Currently, soldiers are eligible for the $1000 Welcome Home Bonus only one time.   

“The intent of this law was to recognize the sacrifice of those brave men and woman, and their families, who serve this great country,” said Bradley.  “It should not be limited to 1 tour of duty when this conflict has required multiple tours from so many.  I thank my constituent Keith Jermyn, a U.S. Navy Sea Bee, for bringing this to my attention.” 

Representative Bradley has made the passage of this legislation a top priority and will push to have a public hearing this fall.  As a late file the bill must be approved by the rules committee before going to a committee where it will have a public hearing.  If passed, the bill has been filed with an emergency preamble which will ensure that the law goes into affect once it is signed by the Governor instead of the typical 90 day implementation period. 

“After receiving the “Not Eligible” letter from the State Treasurer’s Office, Bonus Division, I felt extremely let down by the Commonwealth. Leaving your family, community, and job on a moment’s notice and returning a year later is difficult. Readjusting to civilian life is not easy either, it takes time, and this money helps as you begin that process. I believe this program should be changed to support all those who continue to sacrifice themselves time and time again. I am honored to serve my country, and will continue to do so, no matter the outcome.” 

The Welcome Home bill was signed into law in 2005 and is Chapter 130 of the Acts of 2005. The State Treasurer's Office, Veterans' Bonus Division, administers the Welcome Home Bonus to veterans of the Global War on Terrorism.  To be eligible for the Welcome Home Bonus a soldier must have lived in the Commonwealth six months prior to entry into the armed forces service, beginning September 11, 2001, and discharge under honorable conditions.