Brian Shortsleeve for Massachusetts BOSTON, MA — Today, Marine Corps veteran, successful business leader, proven government reformer, and Republican candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve announced that Marine Corps veteran Mike McGee will serve as Chairman of the campaign’s Veterans for Shortsleeve coalition – a grassroots effort focused on mobilizing veterans across Massachusetts behind Shortsleeve’s campaign – and reaffirmed his commitment to the recently released Honoring Our Veterans plan.
“Mike understands service, sacrifice, and what leadership looks like,” said Brian Shortsleeve. “I’m grateful for his service to our country and honored to have him on our team leading Veterans for Shortsleeve. Veterans deserve more than speeches and ceremonial recognition. They deserve a state government that moves with urgency, removes barriers, and stands behind them the same way they stood behind America. Mike shares that mission, and I’m excited to work alongside him.”
McGee said he joined the effort because he believes Shortsleeve is the candidate best prepared to deliver real results for veterans.
“Brian Shortsleeve understands veterans because he’s seen what we go through both when we’re deployed and when we come home,” said McGee. “He served our country, succeeded in the private sector, and took on difficult challenges in government. His Honoring Our Veterans plan isn’t vague rhetoric, happy talk, or a collection of platitudes; it’s a serious roadmap to make Massachusetts a state that actually delivers for veterans and their families. I’m proud to lead Veterans for Shortsleeve and help elect a governor who will put veterans first.”
Shortsleeve said the coalition will work to engage veterans across the Commonwealth and build support for policies that improve access to services, reduce barriers, and ensure no veteran falls through the cracks.
Honoring Our Veterans Plan
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
The Veterans for Shortsleeve Coalition is comprised of distinguished military veterans supporting Shortsleeve’s candidacy and leading his outreach to fellow veterans across Massachusetts:
CHAIR: Mike McGee (Sergeant, USMC)
Allie Burns (Lieutenant Junior Grade, USN)
Matt Casaubon (Specialist, USA)
Dave Campisano (Staff Sergeant, USA)
Peter Cifichiello (Lieutenant Commander, USN)
Lance Despain (Captain, USMC)
Rob Dickson (Sergeant, USMC)
Major General Raymond C. Fox, USMC (Ret.)
Peter Grieve (Captain, USMC)
Seth Jordan (Captain, USMC)
John Lowry (Lieutenant Colonel, USMC)
J.J. Leonard (Captain, USMC)
Dan Magoon (Sergeant, USA)
Corrie Mays (Major, USMC)
Gabe Mays (Captain, USMC)
Tom McInerney (Captain, USMC)
Matt McKnight (Major, USMC)
Bill Madden (Captain, USMC)
Anoop Prakash (Captain, USMC)
Ken Starr (Major, USMC)
Keith Thomas (Commander, USCG)
Ward Warren (Master Sergeant, USMC)
Chris Whipps (Commander, USN)