BUFFALO NEWS: State senate leaders hosting meeting with veterans on June 27

Local military veterans will get a chance to rub elbows with the two top leaders of the New York State Senate when they come to town next week to discuss issues they’re facing, including high unemployment among younger vets.

State Sen. Mark J. Grisanti, a member of the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, announced Tuesday that the meeting with Senate coalition leaders Dean G. Skelos and Jeffrey D. Klein is set for 3 p.m. June 27 at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park at Canalside.

In urging veterans to attend the meeting, Grisanti, R-Buffalo, said it is important for state leaders to receive direct input from former members of the armed forces.

At the top of the list to be addressed is the state’s unemployment level for post-9/11 veterans, Grisanti said. That rate is currently 10.7 percent.

“There is no good reason for these men and women to be out of work at such a high rate,” said Klein, a Bronx-Westchester Democrat. “That is why we are doing everything we can to get them into the private sector, where I know they will succeed.”

“We simply cannot allow this type of employment environment to continue for our veterans,” Grisanti added.

The lawmakers are hoping to find ways to make veterans aware of different legislative initiatives accomplished this year to assist job-seeking veterans, including tax credits for businesses hiring veterans.

Skelos, a Long Island Republican from Rockville Centre, is expected to highlight additional legislation that helps veterans.

Those interested in attending are asked to contact Grisanti’s Buffalo office, 854-8705, in advance.

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