Rep. Chris Markey of Dartmouth is encouraging residents, especially veterans, to attend a town hall event with Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago on Thursday, July 17, at 11 a.m. at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

The town hall will focus on the HERO Act, a sweeping veterans benefits law passed in May that expands access to care, increases support for disabled veterans and aligns state definitions with federal standards to broaden eligibility.

“The HERO Act is a long-overdue reform,” Markey said. “I urge local veterans to attend, ensure they’re receiving the benefits they’ve earned and share their experiences with the New Bedford delegation.”

Santiago will join Reps. Antonio Cabral, Chris Hendricks, Mark Sylvia and others for the event.