Legislation passed in the state Senate aims to improve job access for N.Y. veterans

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- One of Staten Island’s state legislators wants New York to do a better job connecting veterans to new career opportunities.

State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn), who serves as the chair of the state Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, recently announced that a new bill that would require the Department of Labor (DOL) to create and maintain a list of available careers and job openings for veterans in New York has passed in the Senate.

“There are so many career opportunities for our veterans here in New York, but many don’t know where or how to start looking once they re-enter civilian life,” said Scarcella-Spanton. “Our veterans are more than qualified for so many fulfilling careers, and they can make a real difference in so many fields, if they are just given the chance to apply and interview.”

“We should be doing everything we can to help our veterans transition back to civilian life, and the state should be consolidating all of these opportunities in one place. I will always fight to help spread the word to our veterans about any opportunities that can help them grow their career after they leave the military,” she added.

The bill is just one of many veteran-focused pieces of legislation sponsored by Scarcella-Spanton that passed in the state Senate in recent weeks.

“This bill will ensure that their families are taken care of, regardless of whether a service member dies during war or peace. Supporting our veterans and their families during their toughest times is our duty as legislators -- standing by them just as they have always stood by us. This bill is one way to make sure they receive the help and support they need” Scarcella-Spanton said.

“New York is home to at least 800,000 veterans, yet only an estimated 17% access the benefits they are eligible for,” the senator said. “This legislation is designed to improve this percentage by making state agency information easily accessible to veterans, their families and veteran advocates. We owe it to our veterans to provide clear, accessible pathways to the benefits and support they deserve.”

Another piece of legislation, which has also passed both the Senate and Assembly, will establish a maternity care coordination program specifically for pregnant and postpartum veterans.

“This bill introduces a tailored maternity care coordination program that addresses the unique mental and behavioral health needs of veterans who have bravely served our country,” she said. “Supporting our veterans’ maternal health should always be a priority. My goal is to create a supportive and informed healthcare environment for veterans, especially during such a critical time in their lives.”

“I know firsthand how challenging it was to track down the resources and services available to our family, and then figure out how to access them. This bill will help other veterans and their families by ensuring they have that guidance — a person dedicated to cutting through all the red tape. By informing and assisting them, we are opening many doors for our veterans, doors they didn’t even know existed,” said Scarcella-Spanton.

“Our veterans here in Southern Brooklyn deserve to be commemorated for all that they have done to protect our freedoms. This highway designation is a small but meaningful way to honor their sacrifices and ensure their legacy lives on,” said Scarcella-Spanton.

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