Senate Majority Passes Veteran Protections In Honor Of Memorial Day

Today, the Senate Democratic Majority advanced legislation to protect the rights and well-being of New York’s veterans from Harlem to Hollis.

We are home to the fifth-largest veteran population, with nearly a million former service members residing in the Empire State. Today’s measures build on the Democratic Conference’s longstanding efforts to uphold and promote the best interests of those who have dedicated themselves to their country by improving the services and protections afforded to them. Although we cannot repay the debt that is owed to the brave men and women of New York, we can always advocate for their dignity and security in retirement. 

Chair of the Veterans Committee and Bill Sponsor, Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, said, “As Chair of the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, I am proud that this package of bills will work together to address many of the issues faced by our veterans after they complete their service to this country. Bill S5416, which I am proud to sponsor, will work to improve communication between our local veterans’ service agencies and our returning service men and women. By ensuring that these agencies are promptly notified upon their return, moving forward our State’s veterans will have immediate access to the vital services and resources available to them in order to successfully reintegrate into civilian life. This package is just another step that New York State is taking to actively support our veterans the way that they have always supported us.” 

The legislation passed by the Senate Democratic Majority includes:

• Timely Issuance of Certificates of Honorable Separation: This bill, S5416, sponsored by Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, relates to certificates of honorable separation from or service in the armed forces of the United States, in order to to ensure that local veterans’ service agencies are notified upon the return home of service men and women in order to better connect services available to veterans.

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