Governor Appoints Commissions to Address Veterans' Health and Quality of Life

12:07PM / Saturday, April 12, 2025Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced the appointment of members to two new commissions established under the HERO Act: the Veterans Alternative Therapy Working Group (VAT) and the Veterans Quality of Life Commission (VQL). These commissions will explore treatments and develop solutions aimed at improving the well-being of veterans in Massachusetts.

The HERO Act, signed into law in August 2024, includes provisions for the creation of these commissions to examine innovative therapies and enhance veterans' quality of life.

The Veterans Alternative Therapy Working Group will evaluate the potential of psychedelic therapies, including psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA, for treating mental health disorders in veterans. The group will analyze research and expert opinions to assess the safety and effectiveness of these treatments under medical supervision.

According to Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, this working group will provide evidence-based guidance on potential treatments for conditions such as PTSD and depression.

The members of the Veterans Alternative Therapy Working Group are Franklin King (Chair), John Bradley, Paul Morrissey, Paul Jones, Rob McLaughlin, Jason Main, Michael Allard, Roxanne Sholevar, Sharmin Ghaznavi, and Colin Beatty.

The Veterans Quality of Life Commission is tasked with studying and developing proposals to improve the overall quality of life for veterans in Massachusetts. The commission will focus on areas such as employment, healthcare access, and housing stability. It will collaborate with veterans’ organizations and policy experts to create actionable recommendations.

Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago stated the commission will identify areas for improvement and develop solutions based on the needs of veterans.

The members of the Veterans Quality of Life Commission are Cory Ahonen, Scott Pita, Leroy Ashwood, Ashley Booker, Al Tenorio, Sarah Bateman, Senator Dylan Fernandes, Sergeant Ryan Puzzo, Bill LeBeau, Robert Breaker, and Melissa Alden.

The establishment of these commissions indicates a focus on evidence-based approaches to veteran care in Massachusetts.

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Rename

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to rename the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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