State Senate Enacts Legislation to Assist New York’s Veterans

Will Provide Veterans With Business, Employment & Education Assistance

Continuing his strong commitment to our veterans, State Senator Mike Nozzolio and his Senate colleagues adopted a package of legislative measures designed to help New York’s military veterans achieve success in business, employment, and education.  

“It has always been my belief that there is no greater debt of honor owed to anyone than that which every American citizen owes to our veterans.   These important measures will help ensure that our brave veterans have the opportunity to pursue an education, start a business or find a job right here in the Finger Lakes. As State Senator, I will continue my aggressive efforts to honor the dedication, commitment and sacrifices of our servicemen and women,” said Senator Mike Nozzolio.  

Legislation that was enacted by the State Senate includes measures to:

·    Establish a program to provide state contract preferences for small businesses owned by service disabled veterans.  This initiative would mirror a highly successful program at the federal level.

·    Grant veterans the right to temporary appointments by State agencies, rather than using temporary employment service companies. Temporary workers can be used to cover an employee's maternity leave, vacation time, or extended sick leave.

·    Allow any person who is serving or has served in active duty of the United States Military to be considered a New York resident for the purpose of paying in-state tuition rates at SUNY colleges and universities.

·    Exempt veteran's organizations from paying taxes on heating fuel.  Religious and charitable organizations are exempt from paying tax on non-highway diesel motor fuel used for heating purposes.  Under the current law, veterans organizations must pay the tax first and then submit a request for a refund.  

“These important measures will help our veterans to find work, while reducing the burden on local veterans' organizations that use diesel as a heating fuel.  Just as our veterans recognized their duty to honor and serve their Country, we too must recognize our duty as Americans to honor the profound sacrifices they made so that we can live our lives in freedom.  That is why I will continue fighting to enact measures that provide educational, business, and job opportunities for our veterans, and why I am hopeful that the State Assembly will work to approve these important measures without delay,” said Senator Mike Nozzolio.

     For more information regarding Senator Nozzolio’s efforts in the State Senate, please visit www.senatornozzolio.com or find him on facebook by clicking HERE.  You can also follow Senator Nozzolio on twitter @SenatorNozzolio.

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