Senate Passes Legislation To Honor Veterans In New York

The New York State Senate today passed 14 measures dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and honoring them for their exceptional service. The Senate today also celebrated the achievements of veterans from across the state during the Senate’s annual Veterans’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Senate Majority Leader and Coalition Co-Leader John Flanagan (R-C-I, East Northport) said, “All New Yorkers owe our veterans a tremendous debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and commitment to this great nation. Our annual Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame celebrates our true heroes who have fought to protect and defend our freedoms. Along with the bills passed, the Senate is committed to showing our veterans that we care and want them to succeed, and we are truly proud to support them.”

Senate Coalition Co-Leader Jeffrey D. Klein (D, Bronx) said, “For the distinguished men and women in uniform who have proudly served this country, the American people owe you a great debt of gratitude. I'm proud that the New York State Senate takes time each year to recognize the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for all of us through its annual Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.”

The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. Information about the 58 veterans recently inducted into the Hall of Fame can be seen by clicking here.

Legislation passed today that would benefit veterans includes:

(S3408) sponsored by Senator Robert Ortt (R-C-I, North Tonawanda) would make all veterans eligible for ‘Operation Recognition,’ which allows veterans to be awarded a high school diploma based on the knowledge and experience gained while in the military.

(S2263) sponsored by Senator Joseph Griffo (R-C-I, Rome) would allow those with military service and those who receive an honorable discharge to attend classes at the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) on a tuition-free audit basis.

(S932) sponsored by Senator Tony Avella (D, Bayside) would expand the public housing eligibility to veterans and their surviving spouses who served or are serving in United States Armed Forces from September 14, 2001 to December 31, 2016. The legislation also requires public housing authorities to grant preference to eligible veterans or families of veterans who have a military service related disability.

(S3134) sponsored by Senator Thomas Croci (R, Sayville) would expand the ‘Alternative Veterans' Exemption’ to include all active members of the military. The bill allows active members of the military to receive the exemption while they serve, instead of the current requirement that makes them wait until their service terminates.

(S2939) sponsored by Senator Croci would allow absentee ballots cast by service members who die in combat before the date of the scheduled election to be counted toward the election in which they were cast.

(S4852) sponsored by Senator Croci would allow all veterans who miss a civil service examination during active duty, including training, the opportunity to take a make-up examination.

(S862), sponsored by Senator Joseph Robach (R-C-I, Rochester) would permit any military personnel scheduled for deployment in less than 30 days to get married within 24 hours of receiving their marriage license.

The bills have been sent to the Assembly.