Governor Establishes Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans' Services

04:00PM / Saturday, May 27, 2023Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Governor Maura Healey, joined by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Secretary Jon Santiago, signed Executive Order #613, creating the Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans' Services to inform the Governor about veterans' issues in Massachusetts.

The Council will complement the work that Secretary Santiago and the recently elevated Executive Office of Veterans Services are doing to assess current programs, services, and regulations for veterans and make recommendations to the Governor.

"Today's announcement signifies a major step in amplifying the voices and influence of Massachusetts' veterans," said Governor Healey. "In the few months since we established the Executive Office of Veterans' Services and appointed Secretary Santiago, we've made important progress to improve the state's support for and engagement with veterans and their families. This Council represents another step forward in our mission to prioritize the diverse experiences of our service members and will play a crucial role in our efforts to elevate veterans' services statewide."

The Council represents Massachusetts' diverse veteran community, in terms of geographic region, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, immigration status and economic status. Secretary Santiago will be an ex officio Council member to keep the Executive Office of Veterans' Services informed. Governor Healey will appoint all Council members, including a Chair and a Chair of the Women's Advisory Council.

"Our Administration remains committed to honoring the veterans of our Commonwealth by providing them with the respect, service, and benefits they have rightfully earned," said Lt. Governor Driscoll. "As the proud daughter of a Navy veteran, this Executive Order has deep personal meaning to me, and I look forward to seeing and supporting the important work that this council will do."

Effective immediately, Executive Order #613 supersedes Executive Order #573, signifying a new chapter of progress and innovation. Upon appointment, each Council member will serve at the Governor's discretion in an advisory capacity for three years. In addition, the Council will convene at least quarterly and provide a comprehensive written report every two years, summarizing the remarkable initiatives they undertake.

"The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Executive Office of Veterans' Services stand firmly committed to supporting and engaging veterans of all backgrounds and zip codes,” said Veterans Secretary Jon Santiago. “The membership of this esteemed Council will encompass the diverse range of experiences among thousands of service members across our state.”

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Pittsfield Council OKs Funds for Plow Truck; Refers Council Pay Recommendation

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
10:16AM / Saturday, October 31, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Winter is right around the corner, and Pittsfield plans to purchase a vehicle to increase its snow-plowing capacity.

On Tuesday, the City Council approved the transfer of $200,000 from the Public Works Stabilization Fund for equipment. The Department of Public Services will purchase a one-ton truck equipped with an all-season body, snowplow, wing, and spreader.

Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said it is something the department would like to have for supervision and expanding its work.

"We need this piece of equipment to have a supervisor be able to go on the mains with a wing plow and assist on that as needed, and be able to pick up that wing and go to a neighborhood street and be able to assist with snow plowing in a neighborhood street," he explained.

"And at the same time be able to jump throughout the city because he's supervising as well, making sure that there's volume."

A comparable truck is included in Pittsfield's capital plan.

These vehicles normally need to be ordered 10 to 12 months ahead of delivery, but Morales said Pittsfield identified one that can be expedited; he did not say how quickly.

"Approving funding now gives us the best chance of having the truck built and in service for the coming snow season," he wrote in a communication to the council.

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