State Representative Susan Williams Gifford, (R-Wareham), joined with her colleagues in the House of Representatives to unanimously approve legislation that improves housing and employment opportunities for Massachusetts veterans.

The bill – An Act relative to Housing, Operations, Military Service and Enrichment, or the HOME Act – calls for the creation of a new Office for State Veterans’ Homes and Housing within the Department of Veterans’ Services. In addition to giving veterans preference in state-assisted public housing units, the bill also makes veterans a protected class for hiring purposes.

“The HOME Act seeks to address the needs of our veterans, particularly as it relates to housing,” said Gifford. “With Memorial Day fast approaching, it’s only fitting that we take these steps now to recognize our veterans and remember the many sacrifices they have made on our behalf.”

The proposed Office for State Veterans’ Homes and Housing will provide oversight of the Chelsea and Holyoke Soldiers’ Homes. The office will abe responsible for making recommendations to address veterans’ housing needs.

Although veterans currently are given preference in public housing, this preference generally applies only to housing units within the community in which the veteran resides. The HOME Act includes a provision championed by Assistant Minority Leader Brad Hill (R-Ipswich) to give veterans statewide preference for public housing. The bill also prohibits housing authorities from counting as income any veterans benefits for service-connected disabilities in excess of $1,800 when calculating rent.

The HOME Act also contains provisions to assist veterans with securing employment. Under current law, recipients of the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross can be appointed to civil service positions without having to taken an exam. The HOME Act extends this exemption to recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal and Silver Star Medal.

The HOME Act now moves to the Senate for further action.