Senator Anna M. Kaplan and Long Island Senate Majority Members Announce Introduction of "Gold Star" Bill in Senate

Senator Anna M. Kaplan (D-Great Neck) and the NYS Senate Majority Long Island delegation stood together at the VFW Wade Burns Post 7279 this morning to announce the introduction of the "Gold Star" bill (s5187) in the State Senate. The bill provides free college tuition expenses for dependent family members of NYS military personnel who have died while performing official military duties, become severely and permanently disabled, or are classified as missing in action.

Senator Anna M. Kaplan said, “Our nation and our state owe a significant debt of gratitude to those who make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation, protecting our dearly held freedoms. Extending the opportunity for children and spouses of our fallen heroes to attend college without financial burden is a small gesture of thanks on behalf of a grateful community that we can all support.”

“Our heroic service-members who fall in the line of duty and make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation are owed a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid,” said Senator John E. Brooks, who is the bill sponsor. “That is why I am proud to sponsor legislation that will ensure their children are provided free tuition for all SUNY and CUNY schools. I will continue to work with my colleagues in State government to have this important legislation passed into law."

The legislation, which is sponsored by Senator John E. Brooks and co-sponsored by Senator Anna M. Kaplan and a bi-partisan group of senators, differs from prior legislation as it takes into account the concerns raised by the VFW for the need to define “official duties.” Additionally, the effective date is changed to April 1, 2020 (rather than immediately) to allow the state to appropriate funds in the FY21 budget for the support of this measure.