SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Veteran officials gathered at Springfield Technical Community College on Wednesday to discuss the HERO Act. The HERO Act supports veterans and makes sure that they are aware of all of the benefits and services available to them. 22News spoke to some local leaders about why acts like this are so important. Veterans also known as the country's heroes made the ultimate sacrifices fighting for the freedom of Americans and to show appreciation--- Massachusetts passed the HERO Act to ensure that veterans are getting the care, compassion, and services that they need and deserve. The Secretary of Veteran Services Jon Santiago told 22News that this is the most comprehensive legislation for veterans to ever get passed in the Commonwealth. He says it will make a huge impact on veterans' lives. "It's incredibly important," Santiago says. "These are people who signed their name to a contract to serve their country. As a veteran myself this is something I care a lot about and the least we can do is honor their service, their commitment, and patriotism." The HERO Act was signed by Governor Maura Healey over the summer and it's designed to increase benefits and promote inclusivity for veterans. The act helps to expand access to behavioral health treatment by allowing veterans to be reimbursed, Increases the disabled veteran annuity, and gives veterans options to increase property tax exemptions. State Senator Adam Gomez comes from a family of veterans. He explains why other states should get on board, "Coming from that direction and knowing how important our veterans are because freedom is not free. I think this is a step forward in the right direction and hopefully, the country sees what Massachusetts is doing and that we can get something passed and do more work for veterans across the nation." Local News Headlines Urgent need for blood donations this holiday season HCC opens Marieb Center for Student Parents Palmer rail stop site evaluation continues by MassDOT Springfield council rejects pay raise proposal WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.