Senator Seward Welcomes Veterans to Albany

ALBANY, 03/12/19 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref – Oneonta) met today in Albany with American Legion representatives from throughout the 51st Senate District.  The meeting was part of the American Legion Department of New York annual legislative day.

“Our proud servicemen and women make great sacrifices defending our rights and freedoms,” said Senator Seward.  “I was pleased to discuss their concerns and learn more about legislation supported by the American Legion.  Now it’s my turn to go to work for our veterans and take action on measures that will better their lives – they’ve earned that consideration and so much more.”   

During 2018, Senator Seward helped secure state budget funding to support valuable services for veterans from mental health counseling to job training and many other helpful topics.  

Senator Seward also helped advance two key bills that were signed into law to help the families of soldiers who are suffering economically as a result of line-of-duty related injury or illness, and to make it easier for minority veteran business owners to become recognized as a certified minority or women-owned business enterprise (MWBE).

Now, as the state budget debate intensifies, Senator Seward will again be advocating for funding to support vital programs important to veterans. 

“One issue that stands out is the tragic increase in the number of suicides among our veterans.  While some steps have been taken, it is clear that more state support is needed to help our veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues,” Seward concluded.

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