Veterans’ Service Credit Legislation Sent to the Governor

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) announced today that Senate bill S.7839 has been sent to Governor Cuomo for his review and action.  This legislation, an extension of the Veterans Service Credit Law of 2000, would allow all honorably discharged veterans who are members of the New York State Public Retirement System to purchase up to three years of service credit for military service.  Currently, only public employees who served in the armed forces during certain military conflicts are permitted to receive this pension benefit.

“I am very happy this legislation has been sent to the Governor,” said Senator Larkin.  “Our veterans deserve this legislation.  It fixes a loophole that has excluded countless servicemen and women who served honorably.  This has been especially difficult for women veterans who have not had the opportunity to serve in combat positions and have been excluded from many of the previous service credit bills,” said Larkin.  “I urge the Governor to sign this bill into law and allow our veterans to purchase their hard-earned service credit.  

The Governor has ten days (Sundays excepted) to consider this legislation.