Legislation, that would grant accidental disability retirees who are veterans up to $300 per year, has been approved by both the House and Senate and at this writing is scheduled for final enactment. It is also expected to be signed by the Governor.

The bill, S-1576, allows $15 per year of government service to a maximum of $300, the same benefit that superannuation veterans now receive. There is a retroactive provision in the bill, which will allow these vets to receive a check going back to the date of retirement. The provision will be mandatory for all of our 106 retirement systems.

"These are wartime veterans who have been waiting for years without complaint to receive the same benefit that superannuation vets receive," said Association President Ralph White. "The Legislature really stepped up to the plate on this one."

Senator Steven Panagiotakos (D-Lowell) originally filed the bill last year and has been the acknowledged leader of the legislation in the Senate.

Earlier, the House quickly passed the measure, and then it was up to Senate leaders, Ways and Means Chairman Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) in particular, to set a final price tag. Shortly after the Senate reached agreement on an FY05 State Budget, Murray went to bat for S-1576. "Senator Murray came through for the veterans," said Association Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel.

Association member Joe Mahoney of Lowell, a member of the Lowell Retirement Board, has been a major player during the legislative process.

"Joe Mahoney is very close to Senator Panagiotakos and his staff. He was a constant presence at the State House when the bill was in the Senate," said White. "The Lowell Retired Firefighters Association has also been at work on this legislation as well as numerous other advocates around the state."