Press Center

SENATE WORKS TO HELP VETERANS AND MILITARY MEMBERS

FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR KENNETH P. LAVALLE

6/3/2008

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle today announced that the Senate has passed several measures to help improve and expand benefits and protections for New York’s veterans and military personnel. The measures recognize military members’ sacrifices by providing better access to health and mental health services, employment opportunities, and family support services. In addition, the bills expand the ways to commemorate and honor those who serve our state and nation. “The men and women who serve our country put their lives on the line for the preservation of our freedoms,” said Senator LaValle. “It is only right that we do what we can to show our appreciation for their commitment and courage. The measures we passed build on the Senate’s ongoing effort to improve veterans benefits and provide resources that will help our military personnel move on with their lives when they return home.”

The package of measures passed in the Senate would:

• allow members of the armed forces to take special military make up civil service exams;
• permit the NYS Department of Civil Service to increase the number of noncompetitive class positions to promote the appointment of veterans with disabilities;
• authorize state and municipal employees to be paid for up to 45 days of military deployment each year;
• create “The Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative” to provide grants for the purpose of training social workers in the diagnosis and treatment of veteran specific mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse issues. The state budget included $250,000 for this purpose;
• extend the statute of limitations for actions involving exposure to Agent Orange;
• establish the Veterans Memorial Preservation Act;
• exempt military personnel serving in a combat zone from income tax on compensation for their service;
• prohibit the courts from making determinations in child custody proceedings when a parent is activated, deployed, or temporarily assigned to military service;
• allow the Defense Department 214 to provide as proof of service for Cold War veterans applying for a real property tax exemption.

Senator LaValle noted that in addition to the measures passed in the Senate, this year’s budget included $4.5 million to provide tuition assistance for veterans enrolled in an approved graduate, undergraduate, or vocational program. Veterans’ tuition assistance was increased to $4,350 per year, which is the cost of a full year at a State University of New York (SUNY) or City University of New York (CUNY). Those who wish to attend a private school may receive the equivalent towards their education costs. Senator LaValle would also like veterans to be aware that the state budget included $150,000 for the Canines for Veterans Program to provide combat injured veterans with working support dogs. In addition, the New York Business Development Corporation, www.nybdc.com , provides current or former veterans affordable, long term financial assistance for small business owners through its Veterans’ Loan Program. Veterans can apply for up to $150,000 in low interest loans to help start or grow a new business, or recover from the business consequences of their deployment. “The men and women of our military give up time from their careers and families in order to serve our country,” said Senator LaValle. “The measures passed in the Senate would provide assistance in securing jobs, pursuing educational goals, and receiving the health services they deserve.”