In honor of Veterans Day, Governor Kathy Hochul has highlighted legislation she recently signed to demonstrate the state’s appreciation of the service and sacrifice of New York’s veterans.
The legislative package designates the state of New York as a Purple Heart state, while expanding employment opportunities for disabled veterans and safeguarding the benefits received by veterans.
“Our veterans and service members made the selfless choice to step up to protect our nation and our liberties,” Hochul said. “Signing this legislative package ensures that those who served our country face fewer barriers to employment and benefits and are properly honored for their commitment to our country.”
Currently, under section 55-c of the Civil Service Law, the Civil Service Commission may make up to 500 positions eligible to disabled veterans — a majority of which currently go unfilled.
Legislation S2623A/A4751A is designed to increase awareness of the availability of employment opportunities for disabled veterans by requiring the Department of Veterans’ Services to amplify information about employment opportunities online. This bill also requires local veterans’ services agencies to inform veterans about the availability of jobs under section 55-c of the civil service law.
Legislation S8150/A8476 establishes a process intended to safeguard the benefits received by veterans. Pension poaching, and the theft of other benefits, has long been an issue faced by the veteran population.
This legislation protects veterans from fraud and unaccredited representatives; institutes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violation; establishes the class A misdemeanor crime of unaccredited representation of a veteran; and establishes a veterans’ services fund that consists of all civil penalties collected for violations of this act.
The fund will be used to give grants to certified veteran service organizations that assist veterans in preparing and presenting claims for benefits.
Legislation S1889/A29 designates the State of New York as a Purple Heart state, honoring combat veterans for their service and sacrifices made for the country and for the State of New York.
“Our veterans have served our country with dedication and sacrifice. Now, it is imperative we honor that service by providing them with the state resources and support necessary for their future success,” Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-119, said.
“Today may be Veterans Day, but our gratitude for our state’s heroes extends beyond, to me every day is Veterans Day. I want to thank the Governor for signing this legislation to support our veterans,” she continued.
“We should acknowledge and support our Veterans every day, not just on Veterans Day,” State Senator Dan Stec, R-45, said. “We owe our servicemembers a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. But these new laws help ensure that New York State’s Veterans receive the support and resources their sacrifices deserve.”