News from the Subcommittee on Women Veterans
New York State: Giving back to veterans
Operation Recognition

New York State recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans who left school before graduation by awarding them with a high school diploma. The experiences and skills learned in defense of freedom have given veterans unique knowledge and special insight most could never attain. This diploma reflects our pride and gratitude for their sacrifice and bravery.

To participate, veterans need only present ONE of the following as proof of service:

Candidates possessing a High School Equivalency (GED) diploma are also eligible for the program. Diplomas may be awarded to next of kin if eligibility is established.

The brave men and women who selflessly risked their lives to protect our country—whether they did so in World War II, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or any time in between—deserve all the help and support we can provide them and their families. That’s why New York State wants veterans to know about all the benefits and services available to them.

Providing property tax breaks

For those municipalities that offer it, the New York State Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption provides a partial exemption on real property taxes to wartime veterans, veterans who received expeditionary medals or the spouses of qualified veterans.

Qualified individuals must present the following as proof of eligibility:

An Application for Veterans Exemption from Real Property Taxation (form RP-458) must be filed with your local assessor. Check the government section of your phone book to find your local assessor’s contact information.

Taking care of veterans and their families

To help the thousands of New Yorkers who have disrupted their lives to serve, the state continues to support military families by:

For more information or to see if you’re eligible for any of the benefits listed, call toll-free 1-888-VETS-NYS (1-888-838-7697) or visit www.orps.state.ny.us.

Important Web sites

Counseling locations:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/counselor_location.html

Vocational Rehabilitation:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/voc_rehab.html

Protection for members of active duty:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/protections.html

Taking care of veterans’ families:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/military_service_recognition_scholorship.html
www.veterans.state.ny.us/gold_star_parent.html

Operation Recognition:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/operation_recognition.html

Veterans tuition assistance:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/veterans_tuition_award.html

Women Veterans’ Recognition Day

Monday, June 8 at 2 p.m.

In the Capitol, special seating for women veterans will be available in the rear of the Assembly Chamber and the 4th floor Visitors’ Gallery.

At this time, women veterans will be honored during the ceremony.

A legislative resolution will be adopted that will declare June 12, 2009, as “Women Veterans’ Recognition Day” in New York State.

Women Veterans’ Luncheon
Third Floor Terrace, Legislative Office Building
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP by Wednesday, June 3 to
Assemblywoman Donna A. Lupardo Chair, Sub-Committee on Women Veterans
phone: (607) 723-9047 • e-mail: lupardod@assembly.state.ny.us

Low-interest mortgage program for veterans

The Subcommittee on Women Veterans wants you to know about the state’s Homes for Veterans Program, which offers fixed-rate, low-interest mortgages to veterans and their spouses through the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA). Under the program:

For more information, visit www.nyhomes.org or call 1-800-382-HOME(4663).

Assemblywoman Donna A. Lupardo


Assemblywoman Donna A. Lupardo
Chair, Subcommittee on Women Veterans

State Office Building, 17th Floor
44 Hawley St., Binghamton, NY 13901
723-9047 • lupardod@assembly.state.ny.us




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