Addabbo Joins Senate Colleagues in Passing Legislation to Honor Veterans

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.

March 30, 2020

Senator Addabbo and his colleagues approved legislation supporting New York veterans and active duty military personnel on the same day the Senate celebrated the 9th Annual Fort Drum Day. These bills build on the work Senator Addabbo has done to support the brave men and women who serve in the armed forces.

Legislation co-sponsored by Senator Addabbo, “The Outdoor RX Act” (S.6706A), requires the Division of Veterans’ Services to work with other state offices to review issues facing veterans, and their abilities to access state parks, lands, and facilities. Outdoor-based therapeutic programs have been effective for people suffering with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorder. The "Outdoor Rx Act" will be the first step in the progress of how New York can better address the needs of those veterans who are trying to readjust back to the civilian life by being outside. After unanimously passing the Senate, the bill was returned to the Assembly where it already received approval on February 13^th.

A second bill co-sponsored by Addabbo (S.2570), provides an increase of the Alternative Veterans exemption for a household with two qualifying veterans. A household with two veterans who served during wartime would receive an exemption up to 22.5% of the assessed value of the property with an additional 15% if both veterans served in a combat zone. Each county must still opt in to grant this alternative exemption. This legislation properly recognizes and rewards all veterans who have served their country and who own property in NYS.

“Every year Fort Drum Day provides us with the unique opportunity to personally thank our military and demonstrate our continued support while they serve and upon their return to civilian life. I am proud to join my colleagues in passing these bills to help our veterans have greater access to employment, affordable housing, counseling, education and other necessary services. I consider every day to be Veterans Day, so to all veterans - Thank you”, stated Addabbo, a long-time member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee.

Other legislation passed by the Senate:

· S.3471A - Veteran Career Assistance Program: Creates a program within SUNY and CUNY systems to assist veterans in resume building and career searching. It will provide veterans with the tools to translate their military experiences and skills into a resume, and supportive employment placement services.

· S.3647 - Veteran Civil Service Credit: Allows anyone who has served in the military to receive preferences and additional credits on competitive examinations for civil service appointments. Currently, the credit is only available to veterans who served during a time of war.

· S.2930A - Tax Exemptions for Property Owners: Authorizes municipalities to offer real property tax exemption for residential property owned by active duty military personnel.

· S.6057 - Establishes Military Opportunities Day: Establishes November 1^st of each year as Military Opportunities Day, to show support and encouragement of military service recruiters and those who seek to enlist in military service.

The package of bills were delivered to the Assembly and have been referred to the appropriate Committee.