Contact: Doug Finch, (315) 781-2030
Veterans Day presents a great opportunity to honor those who have faithfully and bravely served our nation. It is a chance to recognize the courage and commitment of America's service men and women for all the sacrifices they have made on our behalf. But it is also a time when we can emphasize ways to give back to our veterans.
As the father, son, brother and uncle of U.S. military veterans, I will always hold a profound appreciation for those who have protected our freedoms. As Leader of the Assembly Minority Conference, I enthusiastically support legislation that helps our nation's heroes succeed once they've left the battlefield.
LEGISLATION OUR VETERANS DESERVE
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, voters in New York State passed a Constitutional Amendment to give disabled veterans additional civil service credits after they have been promoted or appointed to a civil service position. The voters got it right - facilitating greater opportunities for disabled veterans to advance in the workplace is one of a number of policies I've supported on behalf of our nation's heroes.
In recent years I - along with my colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference - have developed legislation that assists men and women who have served in the military. We implemented the Hire-A-Vet Tax Credit, rewarding businesses that hire unemployed veterans in a full-time position; we protected jobs of military personnel by making it illegal for public employers to eliminate positions of those absent on military duty; and we passed legislation that prohibits protests at the funerals of fallen veterans.
As a society, we have an obligation to fight on behalf of those who fought for our nation. That basic principal serves as the foundation for measures that I have introduced and will continue to advocate for in the upcoming legislative session:
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Sampson Veterans Cemetery - allows Sampson Veterans Cemetery access to federal funds to provide a dignified place of military burial for veterans.
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Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise Act - extends state benefits now offered to minority and women-owned business enterprises to honorably-discharged veterans.
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College Tuition for Family Members of Fallen Military Personnel - allows the surviving dependent family members of New York State military personnel who die while on active duty to receive free tuition, room and board at SUNY or CUNY institutions.
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Photo Image Fee Elimination - eliminates the photo image fee for veterans who have their license amended with a veteran notation.
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Pavilion Rental Fee Waiver - waives the pavilion rental fees for recognized veterans' organizations at New York State Parks.
These are measures that commit to providing the highest quality of life for those who gave so much for our great nation. I am proud to have supported these proposals, and look forward to seeing New York's veterans prosper as a result of them.
THANK A VETERAN
We all owe a great deal to our nation's service men and women. Letting them know we are thankful is the least we can do. Attending one of the many Veterans Day parades in the area is a wonderful way to honor our past and present soldiers and pass along that tradition to our children and grandchildren.
What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.