Sag Harbor, NY– On Thursday, May 1, 2025, Assemblyman Schiavoni hosted a press conference at SUNY Suffolk County Community College alongside Suffolk County officials and local veteran advocates in support of A.6001/S.1040, introduced by Assemblyman Schiavoni and Senator Palumbo.

A.6001/S.1040 would require SUNY, CUNY, and community college campuses across the State of New York that offer membership programs to provide disabled veterans with pool and health club memberships for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities.

The Suffolk County Community College system has already adopted this policy at all applicable campuses, and state and county leaders in attendance emphasized the importance of statewide implementation to better support New York’s veteran population.

New York State Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni said: “This state-wide initiative would alleviate a financial burden for New York’s veterans, increasing access to a more fit, healthier lifestyle. I am proud to sponsor A.6001, and I urge my colleagues in the legislature to join me in supporting those who served our country with bravery and honor.”

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo said: “With one of the largest veteran populations in the nation, it is critical for New York State to be on the forefront of providing support and services to assist our veterans and their families. This commonsense measure will greatly help disabled veterans by providing them with free access to fitness and aquatic facilities on State campuses. I applaud Suffolk County for taking the lead in supporting our local veterans with these important services and will continue to ensure that all veterans throughout the state have the support they have earned.”

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said: “I urge New York State to follow Suffolk County’s lead and require SUNY, CUNY and Community Colleges to allow disabled veterans health club and pool access. Permitting disabled veterans to utilize these facilities at no cost improves mental and physical health outcomes. Thank you to our East End State delegation for leading the charge in Albany on this important endeavor.”

New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern said: “As the Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee of the New York State Assembly, I am proud to co-sponsor this important legislation that will enable our disabled veterans to utilize pools and fitness facilities at SUNY and CUNY campuses statewide at no cost to them. Physical fitness is an important part of overall health and wellness, and this initiative will ensure that those who have sacrificed so much for our great nation have access to activities that help with rehabilitation, provide support and camaraderie and show our veterans and their families that we always have their backs.”

Suffolk County Legislator and Chairman of the Veterans Committee Nicholas Caracappa said: “So many veterans call Suffolk County their home and Suffolk County supports its veterans community in so many ways. I applaud this legislation sponsored by NYS Assemblyman Schiavoni and NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo which will allow our disabled veterans access to all SUNY-CUNY Health Club and Pool facilities including our very own SCCC Eastern Campus facility. This act of giving back to those who served and sacrificed for our country, will go a long way in allowing these veterans to maintain their physical conditioning but perhaps more importantly, will help make a significant positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing which is a critical need at this point.”

Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker said: “As the daughter and sister of a veteran, a member of Suffolk County’s Veterans Committee, and a lifelong swimmer, fitness advocate, ocean lifeguard, and collegiate rower, I strongly support this legislation. Our disabled veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices and providing them access to aquatic and health and fitness facilities throughout the state is a meaningful way to honor their service. Congratulations to Suffolk County Community College for leading the way with this critically important policy. It’s not just about physical exercise—the mental health benefits of physical activity are well documented. This bill removes a barrier, opening doors to existing programs without creating new infrastructure. It’s a smart, cost-effective solution that makes a real difference. I commend Assemblymember Schiavoni and Senator Palumbo for championing this bill, which is a visionary step toward better care and access for those who’ve given so much.”

Suffolk County Legislator Catherine Stark said: “This legislation is about respect - giving our disabled veterans access to the health and wellness resources they've earned. We should work with our campuses to support those who've served and sacrificed.”

Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue said: “Due to the leadership of our Board of Trustees, disabled veterans of the armed forces have enjoyed free access to our pool and health facilities for many years, which has supported our community and encouraged health and wellness. The College is proud to have been an early adopter of such open access, and we join with our veterans and public officials in advocating for the same access statewide.”

Veterans of Foreign Wars Suffolk County District Commander William M. Hughes, Jr. said: “The Veterans of Foreign Wars, District 11 Suffolk County, are more than grateful for the support of this great legislation by the sponsors and co-sponsors from Suffolk County and others throughout New York State. Although this helps disabled veterans with maintaining good physical condition even more importantly it is vital for the mental health of veterans. This great legislation is a win for disabled veterans and a win for the taxpayers of our State, as it helps the disabled veteran and does not overburden our taxes.”