1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

First, I want to thank you sincerely for the work you have done as Governor. I know leading the Commonwealth is not an easy job, and I deeply appreciate your steady, values-driven leadership. I am excited to cast my vote for you in November and continue supporting your vision for Massachusetts. I am writing to urge you to protect and restore full funding for the Office of the Veteran Advocate (OVA) as you finalize the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and consider any supplemental appropriations during the year. As you know, the conference committee budget substantially reduces funding for the OVA, cutting the office’s resources nearly in half. This cut will seriously weaken independent oversight of veteran services, slow complaint investigations, and limit the outreach that connects veterans and their families to critical benefits and protections. Even if full restoration is not immediately possible, I respectfully ask that you reduce the size of the cut so the OVA is not forced to absorb such a large, destabilizing reduction all at once. Since its creation under M.G.L. c. 115B, the OVA has been an indispensable, independent resource for veterans in Massachusetts. In my work with veterans, I have relied on the OVA when serious issues arise, including negative incidents involving the VA, private health care providers, and potential elder abuse. The office has helped investigate complaints, navigate complex systems, and ensure that veterans receive timely, dignified, and effective services. The OVA also strengthens local efforts by conducting outreach that informs veterans about offices like mine and directs them to the right services and benefits. Any effective resource for veterans should be level funded at minimum—especially once it is hitting its stride and demonstrating clear impact in the field. Cutting the office now sends the wrong message to those who have served and depend on strong, independent advocacy. I respectfully ask that you: 1. Use your authority in finalizing the FY27 budget to prioritize protecting the OVA from harmful reductions wherever possible and, at minimum, significantly reduce the magnitude of the cut. 2. Publicly affirm the importance of the OVA’s independent oversight role and its value to veterans and families across the Commonwealth. 3. Commit to including restoration of OVA funding in any supplemental or deficiency budget you file or support during FY27, so that the office can operate at full strength. Massachusetts veterans deserve more than symbolic support—they need a fully resourced office that can investigate complaints, resolve problems, and hold systems accountable. Your leadership in safeguarding and restoring OVA funding will make a concrete difference in their lives. I would welcome the opportunity to share specific examples of how the OVA has helped veterans in our communities and to discuss ways we can further strengthen support for those who have served. Thank you for your consideration and for your commitment to veterans and their families.