Senator Gallivan Co-Sponsors Bills Related to Veterans Issues

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) is co-sponsoring legislation that would benefit New York veterans and their families.  The package of five bills range from increased compensation for the families of service men and women killed during a time of war to the creation of Service Medals for certain conflicts.  

“We can never fully compensate our veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made, but we can and must do more to recognize their service to our great nation,” Gallivan said.  “These initiatives support and honor those who have served and their loved ones.” 

The bills Senator Gallivan is co-sponsoring include:

• S.1199A – This legislation would allow the Gold Star Parent Annuity to increase by the annual cost of loving.  Under existing law, an annual income eligible annuity of $500 is provided to Gold Star Parents, those who have lost a son or daughter in the armed services during a time of war.  The annuity is recognition of the emotional loss and the financial implications to parents of the deceased.  The annuity has not been increased since its implementation in 2008.

• S.1200A – This bill raises the annual annuity for blind veterans from $1299 to $1500.  The blind annuity was established in 1923 to provide a yearly payment for legally blind New York State wartime veterans or their surviving un-remarried spouses.

• S.1214A – The bill creates a New York State Korean War Service Medal to recognize the service and sacrifice of Korean War veterans.  Approximately 1.8 million Americans served in the conflict.

• S.1382 – The legislation would create the New York State Vietnam War Service Medal to show appreciation to veterans of the Vietnam War.  Over 2.7-million Americans served in Vietnam between 1965 and 1974.

• S.1383 – This bill would allow New York veterans who served during the Iranian Hostage Crisis and from November 21, 1979 to October 20, 1981 to earn civil service credit and promotional points.  Currently, veterans who served during the Lebanon, Granada and Panama crisis may be eligible for certain benefits, but not those who served during the Iranian Hostage Crisis.  

The various bills have been sent to committee for the consideration.