Senate Bill S718

                                BILL NUMBER:S718

TITLE OF BILL:
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY
proposing an amendment to section 6 of article 5 of the constitution, in
relation to veterans' credits for civil service appointments and
promotions

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This legislation increases the point of credit for veterans and
disabled veterans with regard to civil service appointments and
promotions.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section 85 of the civil service law to
increase from 10 to 15 additional points on an appointment
exam for disabled veterans, and 7.5 points on a promotional
exam.  Also increases from 5 to 10 additional credit for
non-disabled veterans for original exams, and from 2.5 points
to 5 on a promotional exam.

JUSTIFICATION:
Veterans across New York State are struggling
to find employment in private-sector industries hit hard by
the recession. Unemployment among all veterans in New York is
over 7 percent. Unemployment has reached a staggering 20 percent
              

for veterans under the age of 30 who recently returned from Iraq
and Afghanistan. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
a significant number of recently returned veterans have reported
service-connected disabilities.

Our servicemen and women put their lives on the line to
protect our freedom. We are therefore responsible for
enhancing their economic opportunities to provide for themselves
and for their families when they return home. This bill will
achieve this by providing tax relief to businesses that hire
returning and wounded veterans.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S.6081 of 2011-2012

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

RESOLVED (if the Assembly concur), That the foregoing be referred to the
first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding
general election of members of the assembly, and, in conformity with
section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months
previous to the time of such election.