Press Release  Executive Office Of Veterans Services Celebrates First Anniversary Since Creation Of Cabinet Secretariat

Boston, MA — Throughout March, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) is celebrating its inaugural anniversary since the establishment of the Executive Office of Veterans Services.  

In March 2023, Governor Maura Healey appointed Jon Santiago, the state’s first-ever Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services, to spearhead the transformation of a cabinet-level secretariat focused on veteran care. Over the past year, the Executive Office of Veterans Services has overhauled operations and existing programs to redefine how veterans are cared for in Massachusetts. 

“From day one, our mission at EOVS has been simple: to honorably serve those who have served us,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “With the leadership of Governor Maura Healey and the support of our partners and stakeholders in the veteran community, our Executive Office is incredibly proud of our significant milestones, but we know there is much more work to do. We are just getting started and look forward to many years of making a difference in the lives of those who have bravely served our nation.”  

Some highlights from the past year include: 

• The HERO Act: Filed and testified on behalf of the HERO Act, the most comprehensive veterans legislative package put forth by a Massachusetts Governor in decades. 

• Transforming Massachusetts Veterans Homes: EOVS prioritized transforming, professionalizing, and enhancing care for residents at the Massachusetts Veterans Homes. At Chelsea, construction on the new, state-of-the-art facility was completed, federal and state licensing approved while all residents were safely moved into the new building. Furthermore, EOVS secured $264 million in federal funding for the new Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke, which will serve 234 veterans, and broke ground on the new facility in August 2023. 

• End Veteran Homelessness: In March 2024, Governor Healey, in partnership with EOVS and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), announced the campaign to End Veteran Homelessness in Massachusetts, the largest, targeted investment ever made toward bringing the state to “functional zero” in terms of veteran homelessness. 

• Enhancing Veteran Services: EOVS has committed to honorably serving over Massachusetts veterans and their families across three agencies, including allocating over $60 million to eligible veterans and Gold Star families. Additionally, new programs such as, Veterans Education, Employment and Training Office (VEET) were created, and capacity increased for the Women Veterans Network.   

• Commitment to Inclusivity and Representation: Established several advisory committees, including the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services and the Women Veterans Advisory Committee, to ensure greater representation of Massachusetts’ diverse community. The Veterans Equality Review Board was also established to ensure veterans dishonorably discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” access state benefits. At the same time, the Veterans Reintegration Advisory Committee was convened to address mental health issues.    

This past week, Secretary Jon Santiago testified before the House Ways and Means Committee in support of Governor Healey’s FY25 budget, which would allocate $194 million to operate EOVS for the next year. Key initiatives for the second year of EOVS include working to end veteran homelessness, bolster efforts related to mental health and suicide prevention, and increase our outreach and partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  

For more information, including detailed initiatives and accomplishments during the first year of EOVS, please visit our website: One Year of the Executive Office of Veterans Services | Mass.gov

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