Boston City Council members are pushing for significant enhancements to veteran and senior services in the upcoming FY26 budget, with a strong emphasis on transportation and funding. During a recent Ways & Means meeting, Councilor Flynn highlighted the urgent need to increase the veterans' budget by $1 million, citing the exceptional work of the city's veterans' commission and the ongoing challenges faced by veterans returning home.

Flynn passionately advocated for veterans, stating, "The priority, in my opinion, are veterans and seniors. You helped build this city. You helped build this country." His remarks underscored the importance of supporting those who have served, particularly in light of potential federal budget cuts affecting veterans' services.

In addition to veterans' needs, the discussion also focused on expanding transportation options for older adults. The Age Strong program is exploring partnerships with local hospitals to secure additional funding for medical rides, which could also allow for an expansion of social ride services. The city is considering becoming a Medicaid provider to accept insurance payments for these medical rides, aiming to create a comprehensive transportation strategy that addresses the needs of older residents.

Councilor Pepin emphasized the value of direct feedback from seniors, noting that their experiences shape the council's priorities. The meeting highlighted a collective commitment to ensuring that both veterans and seniors receive the support they deserve, with plans for further discussions on budget amendments and service expansions in the coming weeks.