Skoufis Hosts Legislative Breakfast for Veterans

**PRESS RELEASE**

Skoufis Hosts Legislative Breakfast for Veterans 

Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) hosted a legislative breakfast for veterans in his Senate District earlier this week.  Skoufis invited leaders of veteran organizations from throughout the district to come together for a discussion on legislative priorities and local concerns. 

The conversation focused on financial and employment opportunities, housing and transportation services as well as issues facing active duty men and women. The group also discussed reducing the stigma that veterans and those in active-service are often confronted with. 

“We all have a duty to support veterans— leaders in our community who risked their lives to protect us— which is why it’s important to me to take the time to listen to and understand the obstacles they face,” said Senator James Skoufis. “I was honored to host this roundtable on this past legislative session with our district’s veterans, what major issues their communities are facing, and what they feel should be my priorities in Albany next session. I highlighted the services my office can provide for members of veterans groups and will continue to do my part to learn how to best support the very people who sacrificed so much to provide safety and freedom for all of us.” 

Jerrold Oser Sr. of Harriman Post 1573 said, “It was a delight to have the opportunity to speak with Senator Skoufis and other veterans about this year’s legislative session. We focused on issues that veterans are facing here in the Hudson Valley and thank Senator Skoufis for bringing us together for this important discussion. We look forward to working with him to ensure veterans are top-of-mind in state government.” 

Senator Skoufis is committed to providing resources and access to services for New York’s veterans. In this past legislative session, Skoufis introduced a bill to expand the Operation Recognition program to create more opportunities for veterans to get their high school diploma. In the 2019-2020 state budget, Skoufis also secured $200k for Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to support the organization’s Veterans and Military Families Advocacy Project. 

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