Avella Bill Expanding Public Housing Preference to Veterans of Recent Conflicts Passes Senate

Queens, NY – Today, Senator Tony Avella’s bill (S1482) to expand New York State public housing preference to veterans who served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces from September 14, 2001 to December 31, 2017 passed the New York State Senate unanimously. This bill will also mandate an admission preference be given to veterans, or families of veterans, who have a military service connected disability.

Under current public housing law, veterans who served during the period covered by the Vietnam War (1961-1975) are afforded specific eligibility into public housing projects at income levels slightly higher than the income levels set for the general public. This legislation will extend those eligibility provisions to veterans who have served or are serving in the armed forces from September 14, 2001 through December 31, 2017. This time frame reflects the period from the Joint Resolution authorizing the use of force against those responsible for the September 11 terrorist attacks through December 31, 2017, which will hopefully coincide with the time that all United States armed forces are no longer engaged in active combat duties.

“I have always believed that it is our duty to care for the men and women of the military who have made profound sacrifices for our country. Given the incredible sacrifice which is made by our military personnel serving during a time of war it seems more than appropriate that we mandate and extend these specific eligibility provisions and preferences to veterans and their families,” Senator Avella said.

“Extension of the veterans' eligibility and preference provisions for public housing will not take these soldiers out of harm's way, or alleviate the suffering of those who served in prior conflicts, but it will help to ease their concerns for their families' financial futures. And just maybe this little bit of solace will help them endure the difficulties that they face every day in their efforts to protect us,” concluded Senator Avella.