House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North
Reading) has appointed State Representative David F. DeCoste (R-Norwell) to
serve on a conference committee charged with reviewing a pair of omnibus
veteran bills recently approved by the House and Senate.
An Act relative to veterans’ benefits, rights, appreciation,
validation and enforcement, also known as the BRAVE Act, passed the Senate on
March 3, while the House of Representatives approved its own version of the
bill on March 23. The conference
committee will now attempt to reconcile the differences between the two bills,
which provide for property tax assistance and increased funeral expense
coverage for veterans, among other benefits.
In announcing the appointment, Representative Jones cited Representative
DeCoste’s military background as a 22-year veteran of the United States Army,
where he achieved the rank of Major.
“David’s years of service have given him a clear understanding
of the many challenges facing Massachusetts veterans and their families,” said
Representative Jones. “With his military
experience, David will bring a unique perspective to the conference committee as
it works to resolve the differences between the two bills and produce a final bill
to address the needs of the Commonwealth’s veterans.”
Representative DeCoste currently serves as a member of the Joint
Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, as well as the Joint Committees on
Housing and Public Service. The Norwell
legislator will be joined on the conference committee by the co-chairs of the
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, Representative John Lawn
(D-Watertown) and Senator Michael Rush (D-West Roxbury), along with
Representative Claire Cronin (D-Brockton) and Senators William Brownsberger
(D-Belmont) and Donald Humason (R-Westfield).
The conference committee will attempt to reach an agreement
before formal legislative sessions end on July 31.
Representative DeCoste represents the 5th Plymouth District,
which is comprised of the towns of Hanover, Norwell and Rockland.
