Senate Passes Senator Helming's Bill to Help Veterans Earn a High School Diploma

ALBANY - The New York State Senate recently passed legislation sponsored by Senator Pam Helming to honor veterans who put their lives on hold to serve the nation. This legislation (S.397-B) would allow the state to award a high school diploma to veterans who were unable to graduate due to their military service.

“As a State Senator with strong military family roots, I truly appreciate all that the men and women of our armed forces have done and continue to do to protect our freedoms and liberties. Many of these brave men and women were unable to complete their high school education because of military service obligations. My legislation recognizes the knowledge and experience they gained while in the military and allows New York State to grant them a diploma. We are very fortunate that many of these extraordinary men and women have made their homes here in the Wayne-Finger Lakes region. These veterans help to strengthen our local communities and serve as pillars of our region as a whole. This legislation is an important step forward in our efforts to recognize and honor all veterans for their service and sacrifice,” Senator Pam Helming said.    

Current law only allows veterans who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to receive diplomas from their schools of attendance if they were unable to complete their high school education. This measure expands eligibility to cover additional generations of New York veterans by allowing anyone who has been honorably discharged from active military service to be awarded with a diploma if they did not finish high school.

This legislation has been sent to the Assembly for consideration.