Helping Our Heroes: New Law Assists Service Disabled Vets

As your Senator, I have always worked together in a bipartisan way to provide support for New York State's courageous veterans.   

That's why I am pleased to report that an important new proposal to help New York’s Service Disabled Veterans pursue successful new business ventures has just been signed into law.

Modeled after a highly successful federal initiative, New York’s new law will establish a new contract preference “set-aside” for service disabled veterans.

Information about the program can be found at veterans.ny.gov/business including a contact form that businesses can use to begin the certification process and a list of frequently asked questions. Businesses can also contact OGS directly by calling 844-579-7570 or sending an email to veteransdevelopment@ogs.ny.gov.

This important new law will provide an enormous boost to our service disabled veterans, opening the door to major new business opportunities. It will also help send a loud and clear message that when New York’s servicemen and women return home, they will be welcomed with the promise of economic opportunity.

In addition to the new law, this year’s State Budget provides assistance to our veterans, including:

• $3.1 million for Veterans assistance programs; 
• Expanded eligibility for the Gold Star Parent Annuity, to remove the income requirement to receive this $500 annual state provided payment; and 
• A new measure that will include veteran businesses within the Department of Economic Development’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program.

These heroic individuals have sacrificed so much to serve our nation, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid.