Ashby calls on state to release donated funds intended for veterans

ALBANY — A bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling for more money to be spent to address veterans’ issues, including homelessness, family assistance and funeral expenses. But rather than calling for more state funding, the legislators are asking for money that has already been donated by New York taxpayers.

The donations for homeless veterans total more than $1.3 million, while the home assistance fund has more than $360,000 and the military family relief fund has more than $230,000, according to the audit.

State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, chair of the Senate Veterans Committee, said that the push to release these funds — and ensure that they are not withheld again — has bipartisan support across both chambers.

Scarcella-Spanton, a Staten Island Democrat, said that it's the responsibility of the Department of Veterans’ Services to make organizations aware of the donations through tax check-offs and to disperse them promptly.

Scarcella-Spanton and Ashby also pointed to concerns that neighboring states are spending more funds on veterans’ issues. Ashby noted that New York has three times as many veterans as New Jersey, but spends half as much money on them. Scarcella-Spanton said that increasing spending on veterans could be a reason for them to stay in the Empire State, pointing to ongoing outmigration concerns as New York continues to lead the nation in population decline.

Lawmakers also pushed for Scarcella-Spanton’s bill that would require the Department of Veterans’ Services to maintain a public database of resources available to veterans and their families.

Scarcella-Spanton said that the legislation would be a step forward for New York in welcoming veterans back following their military service by making it clear where they can seek help.

“I really do think it's our duty as a state to be welcoming for those veterans who have no idea how to navigate the complicated system that is New York state government and all these nonprofits that serve,” Scarcella-Spanton said.

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