Addabbo Announces Passage of Legislative Package to Provide Support, Tax Relief, and Expanded Benefits for Veterans

Queens, NY (May 29, 2025): NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, proudly announced sponsorship and support of a comprehensive legislative package to address the critical needs of New York’s veterans. The package includes bills that expand tax relief eligibility, housing, and enhance veterans’ access to essential programs and services.

 

“As a longstanding member of the Senate Veterans Committee and advocate for our service members, I am committed to ensuring that individuals who have bravely and selflessly served our nation are not left behind or forgotten when they return home,” said Addabbo. “This legislative package provides real solutions for our veterans who may struggle with mental health issues, face barriers, or have been excluded from well-earned benefits,” Addabbo added.

The Veterans Package of Legislation includes:

 

●     S.1183 (Addabbo) - Establishes a real property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability.

●     S.1192 (Addabbo) - Establishes an alternative resolution program for veterans and service members charged with certain felonies, recognizing that military-related trauma,         such as PTSD or TBI, may have contributed to their criminal behavior. Veterans who complete a court-ordered treatment plan may have their charges reduced or dismissed,         providing a pathway to rehabilitation over incarceration.

●     S.1788 (Co-Sponsor) - Expands the existing 10% property tax abatement to veterans who served on classified missions or submarines during wartime—groups that often         cannot produce standard proof of service due to the nature of their assignments. This legislation ensures these heroes receive the same benefits as other wartime veterans.

●     S.2068A - Provides a property tax exemption for an active service member whose military duty station is within the boundaries of New York State and has served in a combat         zone at any time during the taxable year.

●     S.2289 (Co-Sponsor) - Expands the Mitchell-Lama admissions preference for veterans to include veterans and surviving spouses from all eras of combat service, not just         those who served during a time of war.

 

●     S.2623A (Co-Sponsor) - Ensures state and local veterans’ service agencies include disabled veterans in their employment assistance obligations.

●     S.4152A (Co-Sponsor) - Establishes September 22nd of each year as a day of commemoration known as “Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day.”

●     S.4358 (Co-Sponsor) - Expands the veteran’s tuition awards program to allow the transfer of unused benefits to a spouse, survivor or child.

●     S.6281 (Co-Sponsor) - Directs that money in the veterans' home services fund shall be payable on vouchers certified by the commissioner of veterans' services.

 

“Each of these bills is a tribute to our veterans—not just with words, but with laws that protect their dignity, give them a second chance, and honor their sacrifice,” Addabbo concluded. “I urge my Assembly colleagues to pass this important package of bills.”

 

Apart from Senate bill S.2623A, which passed both houses and now awaits final approval by the Governor, the remaining bills in the package have been sent to the Assembly for consideration.