Bill > S411

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture Program, a new initiative designed to help veterans transition into agricultural careers and support those already working in the field. The program will be managed by the Department of Agricultural Resources in collaboration with the Department of Veteran's Affairs, who will jointly create rules and regulations, develop program support, and recruit and train eligible veterans. To fund this program, a dedicated Massachusetts Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture Program Fund will be created, separate from the state's General Fund, which will receive money from voluntary check-off donations on state income tax returns, as well as public and private gifts and grants. This fund will be used exclusively for program administration, and the state treasurer will ensure the funds are invested to earn the highest possible interest while remaining readily accessible. Additionally, the bill amends tax law to allow individuals filing state income tax returns to voluntarily contribute all or part of their refund, or add an amount to their tax payment, to this new program, with the Commissioner of Revenue responsible for ensuring taxpayers are aware of this donation option.