As a member of the commission, Representative DeCoste will
work with other legislators and state officials to study the cost and
feasibility of exempting Massachusetts veterans from paying tuition, fees and other
costs associated with attending a public college or university.
“Representative DeCoste has been a staunch advocate for the
Commonwealth’s veterans while serving in the Legislature,” said Representative
Jones. “His military background and
expertise will be of tremendous value to the commission as it works to find
ways to make higher education more accessible and affordable to the many men
and women who have proudly served our nation.”
The special commission was created as part of An Act relative to veterans’ benefits,
rights, appreciation, validation and enforcement, also known as the BRAVE Act, which was signed into law on August 9, 2018 as Chapter 218 of the Acts of
2018. Representative DeCoste previously
served on the conference committee that finalized the bill, which provides for
expanded property tax exemptions and other benefits for Massachusetts veterans
and their surviving spouses.
Veterans Services Secretary Francisco Urena and Higher
Education Commissioner Dr. Carlos Santiago are chairing the special commission,
which will also include a member of the Student Veterans of America appointed
by Governor Charlie Baker. In addition
to Representative DeCoste, nine other legislators will serve on the special
commission, including the House and Senate chairs of the Joint Committees on
Higher Education, Veterans and Federal Affairs, and Ways and Means.
The commission is scheduled to file a report on its findings
and recommendations with the Legislature by July 1, 2019.
Representative DeCoste is a 22-year veteran of the United
States Army, where he achieved the rank of Major. He currently serves on the Joint Committee onVeterans and Federal Affairs, as well as the Joint Committees on Housing and
Public Service.
Representative DeCoste previously served as a member of the MassachusettsPost-Deployment Commission, which was created in 2016 to develop recommendations
for programs to assist the state’s service members as they transition to
civilian life after deployment.
Representative DeCoste represents the Fifth Plymouth
District, which is comprised of the towns of Hanover, Norwell and Rockland.
