Package of bills to expand veterans' services approved ahead of Memorial Day

Just ahead of this Memorial Day weekend, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. joined his Senate Colleagues in approving a package of bills to support the well-being and success of our veteran community. These bills will assist veterans with education, housing, employment, business opportunities and support, while also ensuring they continue to receive the recognition they deserve for their dedication to our country.

“I am proud to represent so many Queens Veterans who are deserving of endless gratitude and ongoing support,” said Addabbo, a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. “Individuals who serve in the armed forces are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect their family, friends, and neighbors so we must make every effort to give back to these local heroes,” Addabbo added. “Transitioning from military to civilian life can be overwhelming for many, factor in a combat disability and these Veterans face additional financial hardships as they seek employment. I am always honored to sponsor and co-sponsor legislation that will help ease that transitional burden through well-deserved tax exemptions, housing assistance, Veteran Career Assistance Programs, and more,” Addabbo concluded.

The package of bills passed by the Senate includes:

• S.2918A (Addabbo bill) - Establishes a real property tax exemption for veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability; Delivered to Assembly Real Property Taxation for consideration  
• S.2291 - Requires the state university of NY  (SUNY) and the city university of NY (CUNY) to examine and conduct a study on the availability of campus services, programs and resources for veterans; Delivered to Assembly Higher Education for consideration  
• S.2680A - Allows the granting of academic credit at state operated institutions (SUNY & CUNY) to veterans; Delivered to Assembly Higher Education for consideration  
• S.3945 - Expands public housing eligibility to veterans and their surviving spouses, who served or are serving from September 14, 2001 to December 31, 2020. It further requires public housing authorities to grant preference to eligible veterans or families of veterans who have a military service-related disability; Delivered to Assembly Housing for consideration  
• S.4069A (Addabbo bill) - Creates a voluntary contribution on the state personal income tax return for congressional chartered veterans service organizations; Delivered to Assembly Ways and Means for consideration  
• S.666A - Requires the Division of Military and Naval Affairs to provide information on benefits for members of the National Guard and their family in both printed form and on the Division’s website; Passed both houses, awaiting Governor’s approval 
• S.1504 - Waives business incorporation fees for veterans within 5 years of being honorably discharged from military service, receiving confirmation of a qualifying condition from NYS Division of Veterans’ Services (DVS), or receiving confirmation of their status as a discharged LGBT Veteran from DVS pursuant to the Restoration of Honor Act, so that they will face fewer administrative and financial barriers when starting and growing their own business when their military service is complete; Delivered to Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions for consideration 
• S.1961B (Addabbo Co-sponsor) - Directs the Department of Labor to create a standardized workplace posting that includes basic information about veterans’ benefits and services. Employers are required to display this posting in an area accessible to employees; Passed both houses, awaiting Governor’s approval 
• S.1373 (Addabbo Co-sponsor) - Requires courts overseeing custody matters to review a childcare plan submitted by the parent prior to their deployment or anticipated time away from home, providing needed stability to military families; Delivered to Assembly Judiciary for consideration 
• S.9037 (Addabbo Co-sponsor) - Allows veterans who have purchased military service credit in the NYS and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) to attribute this credit to the NYS Health Insurance Plan (NYSHIP) service credit; Delivered to Assembly Governmental Employees for consideration 
• S.7068A (Addabbo Co-sponsor) - Enables certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprises to access the Excelsior Linked Deposit program which offers reduced rate financing for investments to expand and grow while having a better chance to obtain government procurement contracts; Passed both houses, awaiting Governor’s approval 
• S.8729 - Directs the Division of Veterans’ Services to develop a veterans memorial registry to create a searchable database of the military memorials located in the State of NY; Passed both houses, awaiting Governor’s approval 
   
  
  “Though every day we give thanks to our veterans, Memorial Day is an important opportunity to memorialize those who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. By passing these bills we acknowledge that those who volunteer to serve our country should be afforded unique benefits and support in recognition of their service and willingness to go above and beyond for their country," concluded Addabbo.