THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records the votes of local representatives and senators on roll calls from the week of May 14-18.

The Valor Act to help veterans (S 2241)

House, 154-0, approved its own version of a bill that would expand financial, housing and education benefits and many other services for veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families. The Senate has already approved a different version and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Provisions include facilitating seed money for the start-up and expansion of veteran-owned businesses; expanding eligibility for the Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund that provides help with the cost of food, housing, utilities and medical services; requiring Massachusetts to join 42 other states in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children that makes it easier for the children of military personnel to transfer between school districts and states; and permitting cities and towns to provide a property tax exemption of up to $750 for veterans who do volunteer work in their community.

Supporters said the state should provide these additional benefits and opportunities to the thousands of Bay State veterans who have risked their lives to protect freedom.

(A "Yes" vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Kate Hogan: Yes

Senate approves health care changes (S 2260)

Read more:

Beacon Hill Roll Call: Valor Act, health care changes