Brian Shortsleeve for Massachusetts BOSTON, MA — Today, Marine Corps veteran, successful business leader, proven government reformer, and Republican candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve released his “Honoring Our Veterans” plan, a comprehensive proposal designed to ensure Massachusetts veterans receive the respect, support, and dignity they have earned through service to this country.
Shortsleeve argued that Massachusetts has failed too many veterans through bureaucratic delays, fragmented services, and policies that leave veterans fighting for benefits they should already have access to.
As a Marine Corps veteran himself, Shortsleeve said the plan is rooted in a simple principle: no veteran who served this country should ever be left behind by the Commonwealth they defended.
“Veterans fought for this country, sacrificed for this country, and defended our freedom. The least Massachusetts can do is ensure they are treated with dignity, respect, and urgency when they come home,” said Shortsleeve. “Too many veterans are falling through the cracks because government systems are disorganized, slow, and disconnected. My administration will make Massachusetts the most veteran-friendly state in the nation because no veteran should have to fight bureaucracy after already fighting for America.”
Under the proposal, Shortsleeve outlined eight core reforms:
Honoring Our Veterans Plan
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Automatically match veterans with benefits using state data
Create a true “No Wrong Door” system that proactively connects veterans with benefits they qualify for through existing state data systems.
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Expand property tax exemptions for disabled veterans
Establish the strongest statewide property tax exemption standard for disabled veterans and fully reimburse municipalities for lost revenue so every veteran receives equal relief regardless of where they live.
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Prioritize homeless veterans for housing assistance
Strengthen enforcement of existing veteran housing priority programs to ensure homeless veterans receive faster access to housing and long-term care services.
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Create incentives for developers to build Veterans Preference Units
Encourage the construction of veteran-focused housing through tax incentives, expedited permitting, and density bonuses to increase affordable housing opportunities specifically for veterans.
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Guarantee same-week mental health appointments for veterans
Ensure veterans can access mental health services within the same week by expanding provider participation, offering targeted incentives, and increasing access to veteran-specialized care.
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Create a state veterans crisis response unit
Establish a dedicated statewide veteran crisis response team that coordinates with local law enforcement, EMS, veterans organizations, and mental health providers to respond rapidly to veterans in crisis.
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Expand tax credits for companies hiring veterans
Strengthen incentives for businesses to hire veterans by expanding and modernizing the state’s existing veteran hiring tax credit program.
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Create one unified Massachusetts Veterans Portal
Launch a centralized statewide portal where veterans can apply for benefits, locate verified resources, access crisis services, and connect with vetted nonprofits and housing providers through one application and one website.
Shortsleeve said the proposal is focused on delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life for veterans while making state government more responsive and accountable.
“Massachusetts veterans should never have to navigate a maze of bureaucracy just to receive the benefits they already earned,” said Shortsleeve. “This plan is about restoring common sense, improving coordination, and ensuring every veteran knows this state stands behind them the same way they stood behind this country. When I’m governor, veterans will never be treated like an afterthought again.”