In the 2025 legislative session, Senator Ryan proudly voted for greater funding and increased benefits to NY Vets 

This Veterans Day, Senator Christopher J. Ryan (NY-50) honors those who served their country from Central New York and beyond. With over half a million veterans residing in the state, and tens of thousands active duty, guard and reserve members who will one day join the veteran community, Senator Ryan is dedicated to ensuring that all those who served can live peacefully and with dignity. 

“Every veteran deserves more than our gratitude — they deserve action that honors their service with opportunity, stability, and care,” said Senator Ryan. Whether it’s expanding mental health support, easing the transition to civilian careers, or ensuring families are never left behind, I’m proud to stand with those who stood up for us. This Veterans Day, we recommit to serving those who served.”

In his first Senate term, Senator Ryan voted to grant full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans and those who serve in combat zones; sought to create a veteran career assistance program at SUNY and CUNY and provide academic credit at SUNY and CUNY for military training.

To support veterans looking to transition professionally, Senator Ryan voted to extend the Hire a Vet tax credit for three years, looked to establish a DOL job listing board for veterans in search of employment, and secured $275,000 total for Helmets to Hardhats, a program dedicated to helping veterans connect with union construction trade.

This year, Senator Ryan was a strong voice on continued veteran mental health resources, delivering $3 million in increased funding to expand suicide prevention initiatives, including $350,000 total for Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI) and $8 million for the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer to Peer Services Program, including $192,400 for Onondaga County and $104,000 for Oswego County.

Recognizing the sacrifices made by the family members of those who served, Senator Ryan also proudly voted for legislation that would allow veterans eligible for the Veterans Tuition Award Program scholarship to transfer their tuition award to an immediate family member, and expanded the Veteran Annuity payment to spouses and minor children of veterans who died on active duty.