Senator Persaud and the Senate Democratic Majority Celebrate ‘Veterans Hall Of Fame’ Day And Pass Veteran Support Legislation

“The Senate Democratic Majority will not stop working for those who have bravely served for us,”Senator Persaud said. “New York State has over 800,000 veterans, and we must value their commitment and honor them for their service. It is our responsibility as lawmakers to continuously improve veterans’ services and connect veterans to opportunities when they return to civilian life.”

The legislation advanced by the Senate Majority includes:

Campus Services Survey: This bill, S.2469, sponsored by Senator James Sanders Jr., requires the State University of New York and the City University of New York to examine and conduct a study on the availability of campus services, programs, and resources for veteran students.
Veterans Service Organizations Fund: This bill, S.2740-A, sponsored by Senator Joe Addabbo, creates a voluntary contribution on the state personal income tax return for congressional chartered veterans service organizations.
Mobile APP for Veterans’ Services: This bill, S.4477-A, sponsored by Senator Anna Kaplan, requires the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services to post on its website information related to the Division’s veterans’ services mobile application that is available for download.
Protects Veterans’ Pensions: This bill, S.4807, sponsored by Senator David Carlucci, prohibits any entity from receiving compensation for helping veterans and their dependents prepare a claim, except as permitted under the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ standards. It would also prohibit charging unreasonable fees for services, and it would ban pledging that an individual will receive a specific amount of veterans’ benefits money.

The bills passed by the Senate Majority builds on previously passed legislation this session to support veterans and military families by expanding benefits and easing the transition back to civilian life. Additionally, Senator Persaud and the Senate Majority passed legislation to help veterans by better publicizing veterans’ service agencies and programs and highlighting state agency positions that are specifically designed to be filled by disabled veterans.

“I am proud to be a part of a Senate Majority that continues to reaffirm the gratitude and support the citizens of New York have for those who have bravely defended our county," Senator Persaud concluded.