Mass. Senate To Unveil Bill To Aid Vets, Families

The Massachusetts Senate is preparing to unveil legislation designed to increase the availability of services for veterans, active duty military and their families.

Senate leaders say Massachusetts already leads the nation in veterans' services.

The bill to be released on Tuesday - dubbed the Valor Act - is intended to build on that record by improving educational, business and housing opportunities for veterans.

It's sponsored by state Sen. Michael Rush. The West Roxbury Democrat returned from deployment to Iraq in December.

Senate leaders including Sen. President Therese Murray will also be on hand to unveil the bill at the Statehouse.

Murray said that even during the recent fiscal crunch, the state has increased funding for outreach centers, homelessness services and benefits to provide for the rising demand of returning veterans.