I am proud that legislation passed by the Mass. House and Senate that extends benefits to Massachusetts soldiers has been signed into law today by Governor Deval Patrick.  The bill has five major sections:

(1) it provides that families of soldiers killed in action will receive the newly created Medal of Liberty, (2) it includes an additional financial bonus for military personnel who serve an active tour of duty, (3) it allows soldiers stationed overseas to cast election ballots electronically (4) it expands veterans’ led businesses to have access to state contracts and (5) it will increase long term care beds for veterans by allowing private non-profits to be designated as soldier’s homes in order that they may apply for federal funding to expand facilities.