Haverhill and Methuen-based Rep. Linda Dean Campbell celebrates the passage of the BRAVE Act this Memorial Day. (File photograph)
State Rep. Linda Campbell, herself a former U.S. Army paratrooper, is extra thankful this Memorial Day, given the recent passage of the Veterans legislation known as the BRAVE Act. The acronym stands for the act relative to “benefits, rights, appreciation, validation and enforcement,” her office said.
Rep. Linda Dean Campbell (Courtesy photograph)
Passed last week, the legislation increases the benefits surrounding paid military leave and includes a provision that requires municipalities to designate at least one reserved parking space at their city or town hall for veterans during business hours and fine those who violate the ordinance. Under the new legislation, veterans will be required to reside in Massachusetts for two years as opposed to the current five years in order to be eligible for property tax exemptions.
“This bill updates existing law in relation to paid leave, housing and burial expenses, expanding access and making the benefits more impactful in today’s economy. It also introduces a number of new incentives that aim to assist in the transition of veterans back into civilian life and support their families,” Campbell said.
The bill also establishes the Fort Devens Museum in Devens as the official veterans military museum of the Commonwealth.
Serving residents of Methuen and Haverhill since 2006, Campbell served eight years of active duty in the U.S. Army, assigned as a paratrooper and intelligence officer in Fort Bragg, N.C.