Addabbo Announces Senate Approval of Bills to Support the Well-Being and Success of Our Veteran Community

(Queens, NY) May 29, 2024: Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., a member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, joined his Senate colleagues in approving a package of bills that will recognize military men and women and support the well-being and success of our veteran community. These bills will create a voluntary contribution for veterans’ service organizations on state personal income tax, allow combat veterans to transfer Veterans Tuition Award Program scholarship benefits to their dependents, and provide a utility bill discount for veterans.

“I am proud to represent so many Queens Veterans deserving of endless gratitude and ongoing support,” said Addabbo. “Individuals who serve in the armed forces are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms of their family, friends, and neighbors so we must make every effort to give back to these local heroes,” Addabbo added. “I am always honored to sponsor and co-sponsor legislation that will assist and honor our veteran population,” concluded Addabbo.

The legislation package passed by the Senate includes:

●   S.2019 (Sponsor) – Creates a voluntary contribution on the state personal income tax return for congressional chartered veterans service organizations

● S.1201-B (Co-sponsor) – Provides a utility bill discount for NYS veterans

● S.1938 (Co-sponsor) – Updates the “period of war” definitions in the alternative veterans’ exemption to include recent and current hostilities in Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and the Global War on Terrorism

●   S.2119-A (Co-sponsor) – Allows combat veterans eligible for the Veterans Tuition Award Program (VTAP) scholarship to transfer their benefits to their dependent

●   S.3284 (Co-sponsor) - Designates September 22nd as Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day

●   S.4459-A (Co-sponsor) - Designates NYS as a Purple Heart State

●   S.5530 (Co-sponsor) – Allows a close friend to sign for a veteran’s burial rights

 This package of bills complements other veteran legislation approved earlier this year by the Senate. Those bills are

 ● S.1811 (Sponsor) - Provides a warning period for veterans’ organizations to rectify a violation before imposing a fine.

● S.2028-A (Sponsor) - Establishes a real property tax exemption for veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability

● S.5018 (Co-sponsor) - Establishes the Veteran Career Assistance Program within the SUNY and CUNY systems to provide veterans with assistance in resume writing and employment placement services

●   S.5442-A (Co-sponsor) - Creates a real property tax exemption for property owned by certain persons performing active duty in a combat zone

● S.6525 (Co-sponsor) – Ensures veterans with service-related disabilities are among those who receive preferences in the Affordable Home Ownership Development Program

“Our appreciation for veteran’s service must be reflected in our actions: by ensuring the availability of good jobs, educational opportunities, and affordable housing,” said Addabbo. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done in the NYS Senate but recognize there is much more we can do to care for our veterans. I’ll continue fighting for programs and services that provide for our veterans and their families,” Addabbo added.

 After passing the Senate, the package of bills was sent to the Assembly for consideration.