New Fund Offers Emergency Support for Veterans and Their Families
In a unanimous vote Monday night, Reading Town Meeting members approved the creation of a Special Municipal Veterans Assistance Fund, a measure aimed at providing immediate support to local veterans and their dependents facing financial hardship.
The initiative, presented under Article 7, adopts Massachusetts General Law Chapter 60, Section 3F, enabling the town to add a voluntary donation option to property tax and motor vehicle excise bills. Residents will be able to contribute any amount they choose, with funds earmarked exclusively for emergency needs such as food, heating oil, and transportation.
“This is another way to thank our veterans and make a small difference in their lives,” said Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, noting that the program is entirely optional and carries no cost to taxpayers unless they choose to donate. The fund will be managed by Reading’s Veterans Services Officer, Will Valliere, with oversight from the Finance Department and investments handled by the town treasurer.
The measure drew strong support from multiple committees whom previously voted:
- Finance Committee voted 8–0 in favor.
- Bylaw Committee unanimously recommended adoption.
- Members of the Select Board expressed “enthusiastic support,” citing the program’s alignment with community values.
Several residents spoke in favor, sharing personal stories of veterans struggling to pay for basic necessities.
I’ve seen how a veterans officer can step in and prevent a family from falling into crisis,” said Linda Snow Docker of Precinct 1. “In one case, a family couldn’t pay their oil bill and was struggling despite Meals on Wheels. That assistance made all the difference. I’m grateful we’re taking this step.”
Questions from the floor focused on mechanics: donations will be added to tax bills as a separate line item, and contributors can select any amount. Importantly, officials confirmed that contributions qualify as charitable deductions under federal tax law, offering an additional incentive for participation.
Town Meeting approved the article without opposition, a decision that coincides with Veterans Day observances this week. Implementation details, including the design of the donation checkbox on bills, will be finalized by the Treasurer’s Office in coordination with Veterans Services.
