Legislation

2022 Legislative Agenda

The National Guard Association of Massachusetts (NGAMA) is the only organization solely dedicated to the more than 8,000 members of the Massachusetts Army and Air National Guard, as well as veterans of the Massachusetts National Guard and their families. NGAMA’s mission is to help ensure the Massachusetts National Guard is fully funded, staffed, equipped, and trained to perform its state and federal mission and that members and veterans receive the benefits they have earned.

Always ready to serve the Commonwealth, the Massachusetts National Guard must retain quality people, and replace those who have completed their commitments or retired. Accordingly, NGAMA’s legislative, budget and mission priorities reflect the critical need to attract, train and retain quality women and men in the Guard and recognize organizations and institutions that support the Massachusetts National Guard.

NGAMA adopts this 2022 Legislative Agenda to strengthen the Guard by specifically focusing on the following priorities:

State Legislative Priorities

An Act Relative to the Massachusetts National Guard Family Education Program

H.3672-Sponsored by Representative Meghan Kilcoyne

S.2396- Sponsored by Senator Julian Cyr

Currently part of omnibus legislation that is being considered for floor
action.
Mirrors the Federal Post 9-11 GI Bill by allowing members to transfer any unused education benefits to dependents
To be eligible, members must complete their initial 6-year commitment, and re-enlist for an additional 6 years

An Act Establishing a Tax Credit for Employment of National Guard Members

H.2857-Sponsored by Majority Leader Claire Cronin

S.1900- Sponsored by Senator Eric Lesser

Currently before House Ways & Means
Provides a $2000 tax credit for employers that hire members of the National Guard
Limited to businesses with 100 or fewer employees
Limited to $1M annually

An Act Relative Military-Spouse Licensure, Portability, Education and Enrollment of Dependents

H.3648- Sponsored by Representative Linda Dean Campbell

S.2429- Sponsored by Senator Walter Timilty | PASSED

Passed the Senate. Currently in House Ways & Means
Streamlines professional licensing requirements for military spouses transitioning to Massachusetts
Adopts several Department of Defense “best practices” for transitioning service members and their dependents related to education benefits and school enrollment

Write to Congress

Every year, NGAMA, together with NGAUS, develops priorities based on grass-roots input and expertise from our members: the Soldiers and Airmen of the Massachusetts National Guard. We advocate on Becon Hill and in Congress to ensure they have the capabilities, equipment, and benefits to successfully execute their Total Force mission.

Take action on issues important to your Soliders and Airmen by emailing your representatives. Use the link below to find your Massachusetts Legislators and write your respresentatives about issues and topics important to the National Guard community.

Take Action Now