Under the bright lights of Boston City Hall, city councilors gathered to address pressing issues affecting veterans and military families. The meeting, held on March 21, 2025, focused on three critical topics: services for women veterans, new cancer presumptions announced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and lung cancer rates among Black veterans.

Councilor Flynn, who sponsored the discussions, opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of ensuring veterans have access to essential health benefits and services. He highlighted that women veterans are the fastest-growing demographic within the VA, making up nearly 70% of all new patients. This statistic underscores the need for tailored services to support this group, particularly as 300,000 of these veterans are of reproductive age.

The council also addressed new cancer presumptions related to exposure to toxic substances during military service. Since the signing of the PACT Act in 2022, over 3.5 million service members and veterans have become eligible for benefits due to exposure to burn pits and Agent Orange. The councilors expressed concern over the elevated risk of lung cancer among veterans, particularly those exposed to asbestos, which can increase their risk by 25% to 75%.

As the meeting progressed, the discussion turned to the impact of federal budget cuts on VA services. Councilor Flynn noted the importance of understanding how these cuts might affect essential programs and services for veterans. He recalled a recent protest at the VA medical facility in West Roxbury, where he joined Commissioner Rob Santiago and Congressman Lynch to advocate against the cuts.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring ways to enhance support for veterans and their families, ensuring that they receive the care and resources they deserve. As the city council moves forward, the discussions held on this day will play a crucial role in shaping policies that affect the lives of those who have served the nation.