Nearly five months after winning a special election to represent the 11th Norfolk District in the state House of Representatives, Paul McMurtry has been appointed to the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, his first committee assignment.
The committee has oversight for the state Department of Veterans' Services, which advocates for veterans at the state level and represents them in matters involving the federal government. The committee also reviews all bills involving veterans' benefits.
McMurtry, D-Dedham, said yesterday that he sees the assignment as an opportunity to help veterans, expand some benefits programs and make sure veterans from his district are aware of all the potential benefits available to them.
"My father was a Marine reservist and that is one of the reasons why I am honored by this assignment," said McMurtry, whose district includes Dedham, Westwood and Precinct 8 in Walpole. "I never had the privilege to serve in the armed forces and this gives me a chance to help those that did."
This year the committee, which includes six members from the Senate and 11 members from the House, has been assigned 70 bills to review.
McMurtry said the committee will be looking at bills that would extend benefits available to National Guard members, such as fee waivers at state schools and death benefits for family members, to members of other branches of the military serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
McMurtry filled the House seat vacated by Robert Coughlin in a special election in May.
Typically, new representatives are given committee assignments soon after they are sworn in, but because McMurtry took office in the middle of the term, he had to wait until positions became available for his assignments.
"Speaker (Salvatore) DiMasi asked me to be patient when I was elected because with all the special elections in the state there would be openings in various committees throughout the year," McMurtry said. "This was the one he felt I was best suited for."
The Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee, in addition to veterans' issues, also deals with any legislative issues directly related to the federal government that affect the state.
"I have had the privilege of observing firsthand the zeal and earnestness Rep. McMurtry has displayed in representing his constituents," House Majority Leader John Rodgers, D-Norwood, said in a news release. "It's comforting to know he will carry those same qualities helping veterans in this district and throughout the commonwealth."
McMurtry was also appointed to the House Personnel and Administration Committee, which deals with issues involving legislators staff and space issues. He said an additional committee assignment could be made later in the year.
He said yesterday his first concern as a member of the veterans committee was to make sure residents of the district were aware of the "Remember a Vet" program by the Dedham Veterans Service Office.
The veterans office is collecting nonperishable items to be donated to the West Roxbury VA Hospital until Nov. 11. Residents can find a list of the items needed and drop off donations at Town Hall and the Dedham Community Theatre.
Daily News staff writer Patrick Anderson can be reached at 781-433-8336 or panderso@cnc.com.
