Gov. Maura Healey is continuing to receive strong support on a bill she filed in November that has been recognized as the first “comprehensive and expansive” veterans-focused legislation put in front of state lawmakers in over two decades.

Dozens of veterans and advocates praised Healey’s package, loaded with 17 different spending and policy initiatives aimed at improving veterans’ lives, during a Tuesday hearing at the State House.

An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Servicemembers and Veterans, or the HERO Act, looks to modernize services, commit to “inclusivity and greater representation,” and expand state veterans benefits.

Many veterans, especially those who are disabled and aging, are having a hard time gaining or holding onto employment, forcing them to rely on VA and state benefits to support their “most basic needs,” said Bob Kinzman, commander of the Disabled American Veterans of the Department of Massachusetts.

But Healey’s package could go a long way in flipping the script, said Kinzman, whose organization supports more than 25,000 veterans across the Commonwealth.

If approved, disabled veterans would see their annuity boosted from $2,000 to $2,500 while veterans would be reimbursed for outpatient behavioral health treatment. Businesses would also gain a $2,500 tax credit for hiring disabled or low-income veterans.

Jon Santiago, secretary of Massachusetts’ first Executive Office of Veterans Services, highlighted how the HERO Act looks to align the state definition of veterans closer to the federal definition.

The update would allow for more veterans to be eligible for annuity, Chapter 115 benefits, access to veterans homes, among other benefits, he said.

“What’s frustrating to me is that there are many veterans out there who may be receiving federal benefits but they’re not eligible for state veteran benefits due to this definition issue,” Santiago said. “The HERO Act begins to address this by opening up the doors to veterans so they can receive their benefits.”

Healey’s administration is looking to allow municipalities to double their veterans property tax exemption and remove the fee for veterans license plates through the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The HERO Act would also initiate a pilot program for LGBTQ+ couples denied IVF reimbursement by the Veterans Health Administration, and codify  medical and dental benefits.

Roughly 243,000 U.S. military veterans call the Bay State home today.

“Our veterans population has evolved significantly, our laws and regulations have not always kept pace. This will be a really good opportunity to make sure we are meeting the needs of today’s veterans,” said Coleman Nee, a former state secretary of veterans services and now an officer for Disabled American Veterans.

Healey’s bill would also establish a working group to study the “health benefits of psychedelics as treatment for veterans suffering from physical or mental health disorders related to their service.”

Tuesday’s showing of support came after Healey received a standing ovation from a roomful of current and former military service members after she explained new veterans legislation during a Veterans Day event at Faneuil Hall.

“Our state’s leadership and all that we’ve been able to do as a great Commonwealth was only made possible because of the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served and of their families,” the governor told the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “Today in putting forward this HERO Act, it’s an opportunity to honor that.”

Clemente Acosta poses for a photo with some family members after the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment Sendoff Ceremony at the DCU Center.(Chris Christo/Boston Herald)
Marc Nickerson a member of the 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment hands out flags for guests attending the Sendoff Ceremony at the DCU Center.(Chris Christo/Boston Herald)
Major General Gary W. Keefe speaks during the Sendoff Ceremony for the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment held at the DCU Center. (Chris Christo/Boston Herald)
Members of the 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment stand at ease during the Sendoff Ceremony at the DCU Center.(Chris Christo/Boston Herald)
eople hug after the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment Sendoff Ceremony at the DCU Center.(Chris Christo/Boston Herald)