Committee on
Veterans' Affairs

Darryl C. Towns - Chair
Sheldon Silver - Speaker




15 December 2005

Honorable Sheldon Silver
Speaker
New York State Assembly
Room 932 Legislative Office Building
Albany, New York 12248

Dear Mr. Speaker,

It is with great pleasure that I forward the 2005 Annual Report of the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

In late January, I was honored Mr. Speaker to be named by you chair of this important committee. I hope to continue the Assembly tradition of leadership that has been established since the committee was created in 1983.

Several significant measures became law this year, among them Patriot Plan III and several bills to help the personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and veterans who return from that service. These measures included legislation to attempt to restore the original intent of the alternative veterans’ exemption, which will provide a viable means by which to help war-time veterans maintain home ownership even in areas of the State where the value of real property has risen dramatically. The second measure would allow members of the organized militia or reservists who due to military service miss a scheduled competitive examination to take a make-up exam. It also allows a member of the organized militia or reservist who missed the application deadline due to military service but has returned from such duty before the date of the scheduled exam to take such exam. Another law creates the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame.

Other measures include: authorizing cities and towns to appropriate funds to assist in defraying the rental or maintenance expenses or both of meeting rooms for the Navy Club of the U.S.A.; providing that campus rules and regulations may exempt any veterans attending the State University as a student from certain motor vehicle fees; and encouraging the state police headquarters, substations, and training academy to display the prisoner of war and missing in action flag on all days the flag of the Untied States is displayed.

While much has been accomplished this year, much more remains to be done. Among the focus of the Committee in 2006 will be the returning veterans who have served Iraq and Afghanistan. Among the issues the Committee will examine are homeless veterans and continued outreach to women veterans.

I wish to extend my appreciation and many thanks to the members of the Committee, the Committee staff, and the veterans of New York State and to you, Mr. Speaker, for your unwavering support for veterans.

Sincerely,
signature
Darryl C. Towns
Member of Assembly




ANNUAL REPORT
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
STANDING COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS



Honorable Darryl C. Towns
Chair

Majority

William L. Parment
Catherine T. Nolan
Audrey I. Pheffer
Robert K. Sweeney
Thomas P. DiNapoli
William Magnarelli
Amy R. Paulin
John W. Lavelle
Adam T. Bradley
Michael J. Cusick
Patricia Eddington
Darrel J. Aubertine
Mark Schroeder
Minority

Jeff Brown
Ranking Minority Member
Daniel L. Hooker
Roy J. McDonald
Staff

Joanne Barker, Legislative Coordinator
Joanne B. Martin, Principal Analyst
Elizabeth Hogan, Counsel
Natashua Rice, Committee Clerk
Kathleen Quackenbush, Program and Counsel
Secretary



  1. COMMITTEE JURISDICTION AND SUMMARY
  2. 2005 LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
    1. Veterans’ Cemetery
    2. Real Property Tax Exemptions
      1. Town of Burke, Franklin County
    3. Special Recognition
      1. Navy Club of the U.S.A.
      2. Prisoner of War and Missing In Action Flag
      3. "Erie County Veterans’ Memorial Highway"
      4. Veterans Attending State University Campuses
  3. PATRIOT PLAN III
    1. Patriot Plan III
    2. Chapter Amendment to Patriot Plan III
    3. Military Civil Service Exams
    4. New York State Veterans Hall of Fame
    5. Persian Gulf Distinctive License Plates
    6. "Rensselaer County Veterans Memorial Highway"
    7. Increasing Veterans Exemptions
  4. BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
    1. The Division of Veterans’ Affairs
      1. Veterans’ Counseling
      2. Blind Veterans’ Annuity Assistance
      3. Veterans’ Education Program
      4. County and City Veterans’ Service Agencies
      5. New York State Supplemental Burial Benefits
    2. Division of Military and Naval Affairs
      1. Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program
      2. New York State Military Museum and Veterans’ Research Center
    3. New York State Urban Development Corporation
  5. BILLS THAT PASSED THE ASSEMBLY ONLY
    1. Veterans’ Affairs Committee
      1. Transfer of the Real Property Tax Exemption In Cases of Veterans Moving Within the Same Municipality
      2. Expansion of Qualifications For Veterans’ Real Property Tax Exemption
      3. Expansion of Real Property Tax Exemption For Those Eligible For Pecuniary Assistance
      4. Exemption From Real Property Tax A Person Certified To Receive A Disability Pension
      5. Extension of Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Holiday To Certain Employees (A.6356, Towns; Passed Assembly)
      6. Changes to the Commencement Date of the Vietnam War
      7. Speakers Education Program Within the Division of Veterans’ Affairs
      8. Veterans’ Disability Income
    2. Other Committees
      1. Cities Committee
      2. Corporations, Authorities & Commissions Committee
      3. Local Governments Committee
      4. Ways and Means Committee
      5. Banks Committee
      6. Governmental Operations Committee
  6. BILLS REPORTED BY OTHER COMMITTEE THAT HECAME LAW
    1. Aging Committee
    2. Education Committee
    3. Election Law Committee
    4. Higher Education Committee
    5. Judiciary Committee
    6. Local Government Committee
    7. Governmental Employees Committee
      1. Service Credits To Members of the Military Called to Active Duty
      2. Staff Sgt. Christopher William Dill
    8. Governmental Operations Committee
      1. DD-214 Discharge Papers
      2. Extends One Year Suspension of Public Retirement Loan Obligation For Those On Active Duty
    9. Transportation Committee
      1. Eighth Air Force Historical Society License Plate
      2. Long Island National Veterans Cemetery Signage
      3. "Hudson Valley POW/MIA Memorial Highway"
      4. "Justin Wrisley Garvey Memorial Bridge"
      5. "Private Gregory Huxley, Jr., Memorial Bridge"
  7. HONORING VETERANS THROUGH LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS
    1. Commemorating the Dignity Vietnam Wall Experience
    2. Paying Tribute To The Life and Accomplishments of John L. Howe, Sr.
    3. Commemorating the United States Army’s 230th Birthday Celebration
    4. Commemorating the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima
    5. Commemorating the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa
    6. Paying Tribute to the Veterans of the United States Who Served in the Vietnam War and Commemorating the Thirtieth Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam Era
    7. Encouraging All New York State Residents to Observe a Moment of Silence In Honor of Veterans of All Wars Each Year on November 11, Veterans Day
    8. Urging The New York State Congressional Delegation to Effectuate Passage of H.R. 369 to Provide Greater Recognition of Veterans Day Each Year
    9. Honoring the Honeoye Hemlock American Legion Post #1278
    10. Honoring Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790 Upon The Occasion of It’s Seventy-fifth Anniversary
    11. Paying Tribute to Captain Philip J. Landrigan
    12. Honoring Chief Master Sergeant Karl W. Meyers
  8. HONORING SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN THROUGH LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS
    1. Commending the Second Battalion, 108th Infantry Unit of the New York Army
    2. Honoring Captain Patrick S. Lane from the Village of Menands for His Service In Operation Iraq Freedom
    3. Commending Army Specialist Jeffrey Guerin of Marcellus, New York
    4. Commending the Members of the New York Air National Guard 106th Rescue Wing
    5. Honoring Master Sergeant Mark Mann
    6. Mourning the Untimely Death of Several Men and Women Who Died In Iraq
  9. OTHER ACTIVITIES BY THE COMMITTEE
    1. Subcommittee on Women Veterans
      1. Commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the U.S. Army Women’s Museum
      2. Urging the US Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the New York State Congressional Delegation to Ensure that the Laws, Regulations, and Policies Pertaining to Women Veterans' Health Care Are Enforced
    2. BRAC Commission
    3. CARES
    4. Public Hearings/Roundtables
  10. OUTLOOK FOR 2006
APPENDIX A: 2005 Summary of Action On All Bills Referenced To The Assembly Committee on Veterans' Affairs
APPENDIX B: List of Bills That Passed The Assembly That Became Law
APPENDIX C: Bills That Passed The Assembly Only



  1. COMMITTEE JURISDICTION AND SUMMARY

    The Assembly Standing Committee on Veterans’ Affairs evaluates legislation affecting 1.25 million New York State residents who selflessly served their nation in the United States armed forces. This number includes the nearly 60,000 women veterans who volunteered to serve in the military. Their jobs ranged from nurses to switchboard operators. The Committee’s work is geared toward safeguarding programs and promoting legislation benefiting veterans and their families. In addition, the Committee maintains on ongoing dialogue with the veterans’ community and addresses developing issues affecting the lives of New York State veterans.

    Veterans’ issues impact a number of titles of New York State statute, principally: Civil Service Law, Executive Law, Military Law, Education Law, Real Property Tax Law, Public Health Law, and Retirement and Social Security Law. Amendments to the State Constitution that would affect veterans are also considered by the Committee. New York State currently offers a variety of veterans’ assistance programs, including a real property tax exemption program, educational assistance for certain veterans and their family members, and a state veterans nursing home program.

    This past Legislative session, the Committee held five meetings at which it considered seventeen bills. Nine bills passed both houses of the Legislature, all of which were signed into law. The Committee was represented at the American Legion’s Eighty-fifth Convention in Binghamton, New York, the Moving Wall Memorial at the New York State Fairgrounds, and the sixtieth Anniversary of V-E Day Remembrance Ceremonies at the New York State World War II Memorial.

    While the Standing Committee on Veterans’ Affairs has jurisdiction over legislation that affects veterans’ benefits and programs that help veterans and their families, the Committee does not work alone. Some initiatives advanced by individual veterans and organizations are referred to other standing committees, such as Energy, Transportation, Health, and Corporations, Authorities and Commissions. As a result, the Committee's chairs, members, and staff must work closely with other committees to ensure that this unique population’s needs are met. To meet this goal, the Committee may analyze legislation referenced to other Assembly standing committees or conduct joint public hearings with other committees.




  1. 2005 LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
    1. Veterans’ Cemetery

      The Department of Veterans’ Affairs State Cemetery Program was established in 1978 to complement the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. The program assists states in providing gravesites for veterans in those areas where VA’s national cemeteries cannot fully satisfy their burial needs.

      The grants may be used only for the purpose of establishing, expanding, or improving veterans’ cemeteries that are owned by a state or U.S. territory. A grant request may only be made by a state official. New York State has not yet participated in this program.

      New York State Veterans’ Cemetery Siting Committee Extension
      (A. 7959, Towns; Chapter 152 of the Laws of 2005)

      This measure extends the reporting date of the New York State Veterans’ Cemetery Siting Committee until June 30, 2006, and extends the effectiveness of such chapter to December 31, 2006. The report must be presented to the Governor, the Temporary President of the Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly as to the feasibility of establishing one or more veteran's cemeteries within New York State and to identify and evaluate potential sites based on geographical need.

    2. Real Property Tax Exemptions

      The veterans’ real property tax exemption has a long history in New York State. Veterans’ tax exemptions are available to men and women who served in the armed forces of this country since the time of the American Revolution. Essentially, the exemptions take the form of freedom from levy and freedom from taxes on the property acquired through military service. This benefit is a special way of recognizing the sacrifices of those men and women who served in the time of war.

      Virtually all real property tax exemptions granted to veterans in New York State fall into two categories: the fixed dollar amount "eligible funds" category (Real Property Tax Law, Section 458) and the percentage-of-exemption value "alternative" category (RPTL, Section 458-A). The "alternative exemption" was enacted in 1984 as a local option replacement for the "eligible funds" exemption. The "alternative exemption" provides a property tax exemption of fifteen percent of assessed value to veterans who served during wartime, and an additional ten percent to those veterans who served in a combat zone. The law also provides an additional exemption to disabled veterans, equal to one-half of their service-connected disability rating.

      Two measures were enacted to help veterans’.

      1. Town of Burke, Franklin County
        (A.7848, Ortloff; Chapter 693 of the Laws of 2005)

        This measure authorizes the town of Burke in Franklin County, to provide by local law for the adjustment of the exemption provided for in subdivision five of section 458 of the Real Property Tax Law for the 2006 and subsequent tax rolls. Under Chapter 410 of the Laws of 1994, local governments have the option to increase the eligible funds exemption for veterans in direct proportion to the general increased in assessments throughout the community. This is known as change in level of assessment. This legislation allows the Town of Burke to do this for the 2006 assessment rolls.

      2. See G under Patriot Plan III

    3. Special Recognition
      1. Navy Club of the U.S.A.
        (A.6467, Parment; Chapter 328 of the Laws of 2005)

        This law authorizes cities and towns to appropriate funds to assist in defraying the rental or maintenance expenses, or both, of meeting rooms for the Navy Club of the U.S.A.

      2. Prisoner of War and Missing In Action Flag
        (A.6977-A, Gunther; Chapter 411 of the Laws of 2005)

        This law encourages the state police headquarters, substations, and training academy to display the prisoner-of-war and missing-in-action (POW/MIA) flag on all days on which the flag of the United States of America is display. On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed Public Law 101-355, which recognized the POW/MIA flag and designated it "as the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoners, missing, and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation."

      3. "Erie County Veterans’ Memorial Highway"
        (A.8115-A, Schroder; Chapter 277 of the Laws of 2005)

        United States Route 219 would be designated as the "Erie County Veterans’ Memorial Highway" under this law.

      4. Veterans Attending State University Campuses
        (A.7815, Towns; Chapter 699 of the Laws of 2005)

        This measure would allow the campus rules and regulations to be amended to allow any war-time veterans attending the state university as students to be exempt from any fees for parking or registering a motor vehicle.



  1. PATRIOT PLAN III

    The current deployment of members of the United States Armed Forces and reserve components have placed a strain on both military personnel and their families. In an effort to help these unprecedented circumstances the legislature has passed and the Governor signed into law a package of bills to help both the family of service member’s and the person in uniform.

    Patriot Plan III included several pieces of legislation.

    1. Patriot Plan III
      (A.8291, Abbate; Chapter 105 of the Laws of 2005)

      The plan’s benefit enhancements include: ensuring that survivors of eligible public employees who die while on active duty in the Armed Forces receive the same death benefits and health insurance as survivors of all others who die while working as public employees and reimbursing premium payments sufficient to assume the costs of $250,000 worth of Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) for members of the New York State organized militia during periods of active service. It also creates a new "War on Terror" license plate, which shall be issued, upon request, to veterans of the Persian Gulf or Afghanistan conflicts.

    2. Chapter Amendment to Patriot Plan III
      (A.8856, Abbate; Chapter 681 of the Laws of 2005)

      Subsequent to the introduction of Patriot Plan III, federal legislation was passed, effective September 1, 2005, that raised the maximum cap on SGLI insurance available to members of the armed forces from $250,000 to $400,000. This bill would amend Patriot Plan III legislation to reflect the change of the federal level under Public Law No. 109-13 (H.R.1268).

    3. Military Civil Service Exams
      (A.8476-B, Towns; Chapter 425 of the Laws of 2005)

      This measure would allow members of the organized militia or reservist, who missed the application deadline and the examination due to military service or a call to active duty other than training for a scheduled competitive examination for civil service by the State of New York or its subdivisions to take a special make-up exam. It also allows a member of the organized militia or reservist who missed the application deadline due to military service but who has returned from such duty before the date of the scheduled exam to be granted a waiver of the application requirement and allowed to take the exam.

    4. New York State Veterans Hall of Fame
      (A.1233-A, Tokasz; Chapter 434 of the Laws of 2005)

      This measure establishes the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, to be administered by the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame Council. The governing body’s responsibilities include establishing a permanent New York State Veterans Hall of Fame and a traveling exhibit and to promulgate the rules and regulations for the operation of the Veterans Hall of Fame, including the manner of choosing nominees for induction.

      The New York State Veterans Hall of Fame would be temporarily located on the concourse level of the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza outside the New York State Museum until a permanent site is located.

    5. Persian Gulf Distinctive License Plates
      (A.5624, Magnarelli; Chapter 493 of the Laws of 2005)

      This law creates a distinctive license plate for veterans who served in the Persian Gulf or the spouse of such veterans and provides for a one-time fee of ten dollars for such plates.

    6. "Rensselaer County Veterans Memorial Highway"
      (A.7626, Canestrari; Chapter 305 of the Laws of 2005)

      This measure designates a portion of the state highway system constituting Interstate Ninety in the county of Rensselaer, from the Albany county line to the exit B-1 toll barrier of the New York State Thruway to be known as the "Rensselaer County Veterans Memorial Highway."

    7. Increasing Veterans Exemptions
      (A.4742-A, Towns; Chapter 256 of the Laws of 2005)

      The first part of this bill creates three new categories of higher exemptions available to municipalities: $30,000, $20,000, and $100,000; $33,000, $22,000, and $110,000, and $36,000, $24,000, and $120,000. The second part creates for real property purposes only the category of a "high-appreciation municipality," which is defined as (A) a special assessing unit that is a city; (B) a county for which the state board has established a sales price differential factor for purposes of the STAR exemption authorized by section four hundred twenty-five of the Real Property Tax Law in three consecutive years; or (C) a city, town, or village which is wholly or partly located within such a county. The municipal entities under this proposal may elect to increase maximum exemptions to $29,000, $26,000, and $130,000; $42,000, $28,000, and $140,000; $45,000, $30,000, and $150,000; $48,000, $32,000, and $160,000; $51,000, $34,000, and $170,000; or $54,000, $36,000, and $180,000. The third part of the bill amends Section 922 to require tax bills to show full value exemption amounts.



  1. BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
    1. The Division of Veterans’ Affairs
      1. Veterans’ Counseling

        The Division of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) operates three principal programs. The largest is the Veterans’ Counseling Program, which provides counseling and claims services throughout a statewide network of State veterans' counselors. The counselors, all of whom are veterans, and support staff help veterans complete and file applications for benefits and services, and file for federal, state, local, and private veterans' benefits. Counselors also service constituents through outreach to Veterans' Affairs medical centers, senior centers, state veterans' nursing homes and local nursing homes, and public assistance offices. With the enactment of the New York Patriot Plan in 2003, State veterans’ counselors help to ensure that active duty military personnel and their families receive the supplemental benefits to which they are now entitled.

        State veterans’ counselors receive professional training in veterans’ benefits counseling. When successfully completed, a certificate is awarded to allow these counselors to assist individual veterans to file claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Counselors receive on-going training, as well as technical information and manuals.

        $500,000 was appropriated in the 2005-06 State budget for services and expenses related to veterans’ counseling and outreach for the 2005-06 budget year.

        $50,000 was appropriated for this training.

      2. Blind Veterans’ Annuity Assistance

        In 2000, Chapter 453 raised the New York State Blind Veterans’ Annuity Program stipend from $500 to $1,000 a year. The benefit was first created in 1913, and the 2000 chapter was the first time the benefit was increased. Chapter 251 of the Laws of 2004 allows for the annual adjustment of the annuity now payable plus a percentage increase, if any, for compensation and pension benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs in the previous year. The director of the Division of Veterans’ Affairs must publish by February first of each year the amount of the annuity as adjusted.

        The State Budget appropriated $ 5,000,000 to this vital program. Up to $15,000 of the appropriation may be transferred to state operations for postage costs associated with this program.

      3. Veterans’ Education Program

        The Veterans’ Education Program was previously under the jurisdiction of the Department of Education. In October 1997, the Governor requested that this federally funded program be moved to the jurisdiction of the DVA. The Veterans’ Education Bureau approves and supervises educational institutions offering programs for veterans and other eligible persons. According to federal law, no veteran can receive G.I. educational benefits, such as those granted pursuant to the Montgomery G.I. Bill, unless the program in which the veteran is enrolled has been approved and is supervised by a state-approved agency. Eleven personnel were transferred to DVA to operate this program. For the 2003-04 budget year, twelve positions are funded.

        The Budget included a $1,775,000 federal operating grant to operate this program.

      4. County and City Veterans’ Service Agencies

        County and city Veterans’ Service Agencies are mandated by state law to inform members of the armed forces, reserves, organized militia, veterans, and their families about education, retraining, medical, and other rehabilitative services and facilities. As well, they are to inform veterans about federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to their rights as veterans and families of veterans.

        In the budget for SFY 2005-2006, $680,000 was allocated for this program. This reflects an $105,000 adjustment increase in General Fund appropriation reflecting the latest census count for the county and city veterans’ service agencies. This is the first increase since 1997.

      5. New York State Supplemental Burial Benefits

        Pursuant to Chapter 106 of the Laws of 2003, New York State offers a supplemental burial benefits program to eligible families of military personnel killed in combat or duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger, as defined in 37 U.S.C. Section 310 (a) (4). In the adopted budget, $200,000 was included for this program and for transfer of such amounts as are necessary to state operations for related administrative expenses.

      6. Medicaid Cost Avoidance Program

        In 1994, the Division established eligibility, through the Department of Social Services, for federal reimbursement for Medicaid cost-avoidance activities under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. Counselors were to identify veterans who were Medicaid-eligible or Medicaid recipients and recommend services that qualify for federal reimbursement as Medicaid cost-avoidance activities.

        The federal reimbursement would offset the General Fund’s share of administrative costs as well as the costs that would have assumed by the State’s Medicaid program. An appropriation of $264,000 has been included each budget year since SFY 1995-96 to implement the program.

        In this year’s budget, there is a $264,000 increase in General Fund appropriations reflecting an administrative Medicaid offset adjustment. According to Division of Budget, this program was never implemented by the DVA.

    2. Division of Military and Naval Affairs
      1. Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program

        Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996 established the Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program to provide eligible members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, and the New York Naval Militia with a tuition benefit for undergraduate study.

        In the budget for 2005-06, $3,300,000 was included for this vital program. This program also was extended to March 31, 2011 under Article VII language.

      2. New York State Military Museum and Veterans’ Research Center

        The New York State Military Museum and Veterans’ Research Center is located at the Saratoga Armory in Saratoga Springs, New York.

        In the budget for SFY 2005-2006, $1,000,000 was appropriated for services and expenses related to youth academic and drug reduction programs, the New York State Military Museum and Veteran'’s Research Center, and the preservation of historic artifacts.

    3. New York State Urban Development Corporation

      In 2005, the federal government conducted a round of military base closings. On the Pentagon's original list of bases to close was the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and the accounting center at Rome. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) recommendations were sent to the President on September 9. Congress will have until November 7 to reject the proposals in their entirety or they will go into effect. President Bush concurred with and sent the 2005 BRAC report to Congress on September 15 for legislative review. On October 27, 2005 the House of Representatives voted to accept the recommendations.

      The State budget included funds for efforts to retain NY bases:

      For services and expenses of military base retention efforts $1,000,000.
      For services and expenses of Griffiss air force base redevelopment $1,400,000.
      For services and expenses of Niagara Falls air force base $100,000.



  1. BILLS THAT PASSED THE ASSEMBLY ONLY
    1. Veterans’ Affairs Committee
      1. Transfer of the Real Property Tax Exemption In Cases of Veterans Moving Within the Same Municipality
        (A.974, McEneny; Passed Assembly)

        The bill would authorize municipalities to adopt a local law or ordinance allowing the assessor to transfer and prorate a real property tax exemption granted a veteran when such veteran sells the property receiving the exemption and purchases property within the same municipality.

      2. Expansion of Qualifications For Veterans’ Real Property Tax Exemption
        (A.3511, Tonko; Passed Assembly)

        This measure would allow a qualified veteran to apply for the veterans’ real property tax exemption within thirty days of the transfer of property when purchased after the taxable status date or after the levy of taxes. Guidelines would be established for a review and complaint process for such applications.

        The bill would also establish a formula that assessors could use to determine the exemption for property purchased after the taxable status date but before the levy of taxes and allow municipalities to opt for this method of recomputing the exemption.

      3. Expansion of Real Property Tax Exemption For Those Eligible For Pecuniary Assistance
        (A.2747, Towns; Passed Assembly)

        The purpose of this bill is to include seriously disabled veterans who are eligible to receive pecuniary assistance from the federal government to acquire or adopt a home to their needs in the category of those qualified for the eligible funds exemption under Section 458(3) of the Real Property Tax Exemption.

      4. Exemption From Real Property Tax A Person Certified To Receive A Disability Pension
        (A.6892, Schroeder; Passed Assembly)

        The bill would exempt from real property taxation, real property owned by a person certified to receive a Department of Veterans Affairs disability pension, pursuant to 38 U.S.C., Section 1521, and allow an award letter from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to be submitted as proof of the disability.

      5. Extension of Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Holiday To Certain Employees

        This measure would amend Section sixty-three of the Public Officers Law to require an extra day of paid leave on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day for veterans who are employed by a school district, board of cooperative educational services (BOCES), or other educational institution that receives state funding.

      6. Changes to the Commencement Date of the Vietnam War
        (A.6944, Aubertine; Passed Assembly)

        This measure would change the date upon which the Vietnam war is deemed to have commenced from December 22, 1961, to February 28, 1961, in various sections of law.

      7. Speakers Education Program Within the Division of Veterans’ Affairs
        (A.7089, Towns; Passed Assembly)

        The purpose of this bill is to establish within the Division of Veterans’ Affairs a speakers education program. New Yorkers, especially young people, should be aware of the contributions of the men and women who served our nation in the time of war. Veterans would volunteer to participate in this program.

      8. Veterans’ Disability Income
        (A.6636, McLaughlin; Passed Assembly)

        This bill would add veterans’ disability compensation, as defined in Title 38 of the United States Code, to the list of types of income not included in determining income eligibility for the senior citizen real property tax exemption.

    2. Other Committees
      1. Cities Committee
        Veteran Vendor Flags
        (A.5939, Towns; Passed Assembly)

        This bill would authorize the advisory committee of disabled veteran vendors to design and create a universal flag to identify vendors with specialized vending licenses.

      2. Corporations, Authorities & Commissions Committee
        Small-and Medium-Sized Business Relief
        (A.727, Sweeney; Passed Assembly)

        This bill would provide financial assistance to small-and-medium-sized businesses that have been adversely affected by the loss of an owner, manager, or key employee who has been called to active military duty.

      3. Local Governments Committee
        Increase Annual Appropriations For Patriotic Organizations
        (A.7088, Towns; Passed Assembly)

        This measure would permit towns to increase from $125 to $300 the annual appropriation to defray the costs of rooms for patriotic organizations in an adjoining town when the town does not have a post within its boundaries. The bill also would allow a town board to appropriate a sum not exceeding $1,000 for each post in any year for the purpose of holding meetings.

      4. Ways and Means Committee
        Special Fund For Income Tax Credit For State Veterans Homes
        (A.3206, McLaughlin, Passed Assembly)

        This bill would allow an individual in any taxable year to elect to contribute to the support of the New York State veterans’ homes. The bill would also create a fund in the custody of the State Comptroller to help fund the nursing homes.

      5. Banks Committee
        1. Financial Information For Those in the Military
          (A.7420, Nolan; Passed Assembly)

          This bill would establish the financial literacy program for military families to be managed by the banking department. Such program would gather and establish procedures for distributing information regarding mortgage and rental protections and obligations, credit card payments and fees, and guidance with parental and other family obligations. It would include state and federal protections.

        2. Payday Lenders Protection For Military Personnel
          (A.7288, Nolan; Passed Assembly)

          This bill would offer protections to military personnel who are targeted by payday lenders. The bill would establish procedures governing payday loans made to military borrowers. A licensed lender would be prohibited from garnishing any wages or salary paid for service in the armed forces when collecting any delinquent payday loans. This bill also would require the lender to defer all collection activity against a military borrower who has been deployed to combat or combat supporting posting, prohibit the lender from contacting the military chain of command of a military borrower in an effort to collect a delinquent payday loan, would require the lender to honor the terms of any repayment agreement between a licensee and a military borrower, including any repayment agreement negotiated through military counselors or third party credit counselors, and would prohibit the lender from making loans to military borrowers if a military base commander had declared that a specific location of the licensee’s business if off limits to military personnel.

      6. Governmental Operations Committee
        1. United States Flag
          (A.6809-A, Nolan; Passed Assembly)

          This bill would require that any state park must display the flag of the United States of America.

        2. American Gold Star Mothers Day
          (A 4576, Carrozza; Passed Assembly)

          This legislation would add a day honoring American Gold Star Mothers to the list of days of commemoration in the State of New York.



  1. BILLS REPORTED BY OTHER COMMITTEES THAT BECAME LAW
    1. Aging Committee
      Disabled Veterans

      (A.1092-A; Stringer; Chapter 188 of the Laws of 2005)

      Current law helps low-income senior citizens to remain in their homes by authorizing local governments to exempt them from rent increases in rent-controlled, rent-subsidized or Mitchell-Lama housing. Landlords receive real property tax abatements equal to the foregone rent increases. This law authorizes municipalities to extend these provisions to people with disabilities, including disabled veterans. Upon passage of an appropriate local law, a person with a disability who meets statutory income criteria would qualify for the rent increase exemption upon demonstrating that he or she has a disability.

    2. Education Committee
      Operation Recognition

      (A.239-A, Cusick; Chapter 652 of the Laws of 2005)

      This law authorizes the commissioner of education to expand Operation Recognition to Vietnam veterans. Those veterans who were unable to complete a secondary education for any reason would be eligible to receive a high school diploma based on knowledge gained while in military service.

    3. Election Law Committee
      Military Ballots

      (A1872-A, Wright; Chapter 237 of the Laws of 2005)

      This measure extends the time to receive military ballots seven days after a primary election and thirteen days after a general election and a presidential primary.

    4. Higher Education Committee
      Waiver of Residency Requirements for Awards For Military Families
      Higher Education Service Corporation Department Bill

      (A.8658, Canestrari; Chapter 630 of the Laws of 2005)

      This law waives the New York State residency requirements for awards administered by the Higher Education Service Corporation (HESC) if the applicant is a member or the spouse or dependent of a member of the armed forces of the Untied States on full-time active duty and stationed in New York State.

    5. Judiciary Committee
      Marriage License For Members of the Military

      (A.5101-A Galef; Chapter 723 of the Laws of 2005)

      This measure extends the period of time, after obtaining a marriage license, during which a marriage maybe solemnized for a member of the armed forces on active duty. The sixty-day requirement is no longer applicable to the general population but is especially onerous for armed forces personal on active duty since they do have flexibility in their schedules. This law maintains a 24-hour buffer period between receipt of the license and formalization of marriage but extends the expiration date from sixty days to 180 days.

    6. Local Government Committee
      Village of Granville

      (A.5152, McDonald; Chapter 13 of the Laws of 2005)

      The trustees of the Village of Grandville passed a local law in 2000 with the intent to authorize a veterans' real property tax exemption (Section 458 (5) (a) and (b.) However, due to a clerical error, the wrong exemption was referenced in the local law and the law was not filed with the Secretary of State. After much input from local veterans who believed they were entitled to this exemption, the village passed a local law in 2004 granting the veterans' exemption. The village has filled the appropriate paperwork with the Secretary of State; however, the exemption would not under prior law take effect until the 2006 tax rolls. This measure makes the local law effective for the 2005 tax rolls.

    7. Governmental Employees Committee
      1. Service Credits To Members of the Military Called to Active Duty
        (A.5969, Nesbitt, Silver; Chapter 326 of the Laws of 2005)

        This law grants service credit to members of the state administrative public retirement systems called to active duty on or after September 11, 2001, and prior to January 1, 2006. It provides for a non-contribution service credit for members of the New York State and local retirement systems to New York State and local police and fire retirement system and the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System.

      2. Staff Sgt. Christopher William Dill
        (A.8346, Schimminger; Chapter 280 of the Laws of 2005)

        This law provides an accidental and special death benefit to eligible survivors of Staff Sgt. Christopher William Dill, a Buffalo City firefighter killed in Iraq as a member of the New York State Army National Guard.

    8. Governmental Operations Committee
      1. DD-214 Discharge Papers
        Attorney General Bill #21

        (A.7516, McEneny; Chapter 298 of the Laws of 2005)

        This law amends the Military Law to limit disclosure of an honorable discharge certificate, or the information it contains, only to those individuals who are authorized to obtain a certificate of such record, or to public officials acting within the scope of their official duties. This section is also amended to conform with the Civil Rights law, by permitting access to the representatives of the estate of a deceased veteran.

      2. Extends One Year Suspension of Public Retirement Loan Obligation
        For Those On Active Duty

        (A.7517, Destito, Chapter 150 of the Laws of 2005)

        This law extends for one year suspension of public retirement loan repayment obligations for members on active military duty.

    9. Transportation Committee
      1. Eighth Air Force Historical Society License Plate
        (A.6672, Lafayette; Chapter 266 of the Laws of 2005)

        This is a chapter amendment to Chapter 483 of the Laws of 2004, which created the Eighth Air Force Historical Society license plate. The annual service charge of fifteen dollars will be deposited to credit the Eighth Air Force Historical Society Fund to be used for veterans’ counseling service provided by local veterans’ service agencies under DVA.

      2. Long Island National Veterans Cemetery Signage
        (A.4790, Hooper; Chapter 495 of the Laws of 2005)

        This law authorizes the department of transportation to post a sign on the Southern State Parkway and Interstate 495 at Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, indicating the direction to the Long Island National Cemetery.

      3. "Hudson Valley POW/MIA Memorial Highway"
        (A.4435-A, Galef; Chapter 496 of the Laws of 2005)

        This measure designates Route 9D within Dutchess, Putman and Westchester counties excluding the J. Donald Synnett Memorial Bridge in the village of Wappingers Falls, as the "Hudson Valley POW/MIA Memorial Highway."

      4. "Justin Wrisley Garvey Memorial Bridge"
        (A.3703, Sayward; Chapter 551 of the Laws of 2005)

        The bridge on County Road 12 across interstate 87, exit 32, in the town of Lewis, county of Essex, shall be designated as the "Justin Wrisley Garvey Memorial Bridge" under this measure. Sgt. Justice Wrisley Garvey was a member of the 101st Airborne, who died while serving in Iraq.

      5. "Private Gregory Huxley, Jr., Memorial Bridge"
        (A.8916, Rules at the request of Townsend; Chapter 594 of the Laws of 2005)

        This law designates a portion of the state highway system in the town of Forestport, Oneida county, constituting the bridge on Route 28 over the Forestport reservoir as the "Private Gregory Huxley, Jr., Memorial Bridge." Private Huxley, Jr., died while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom on April 6, 2003.



  1. HONORING VETERANS THROUGH LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS
    1. Commemorating the Dignity Vietnam Wall Experience

      The Dignity Vietnam Wall Experience was on display at the New York State Fairground in Syracuse, New York, from May 5-8, 2005. The Dignity Vietnam War Experience is a traveling, three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This resolution commemorates the events connected to the exhibit in Syracuse. (AL 660, Towns)

    2. Paying Tribute To The Life and Accomplishments of John L. Howe, Sr.

      John L. Howe, Sr., served as an Infantry Sergeant with the Eighty-second Airborne and as a Weapons Platoon Sergeant in the Twenty-fifth Infantry Division. He was wounded twice in Vietnam, earning him two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. After his military service, Mr. Howe became a writer and was an expert on the social history of blacks in the military and was sought by the United States Army’s prestigious Command and General Staff at Fort Leavenworth. Mr. Howe also is remembered for his extensive research on the subject of the late Sergeant Henry Johnson and was the driving force behind the Department of Army decision to award the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously to Sergeant Henry Johnson of the World War I 369th Infantry Regiment. This resolution mourns his death. (AL 1011, McEneny)

    3. Commemorating the United States Army’s 230th Birthday Celebration

      The United States Army can trace its history back to the militias of the thirteen original colonies. It has served as a bulwark against foreign and domestic threat for more years than the existence of the Republic. Whether is be the tyranny of an eighteenth century king or the megalomaniacal militarism of a twentieth century dictator, the active duty personnel of the United States Army has never hesitated to heed their country's call to duty. This resolution commemorates the United States Army 230th birthday celebration held at Fort Drum on May 25, 2005.(AL 826, Aubertine)

    4. Commemorating the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

      Iwo Jima was the first Japanese soil invaded by the Americans in World War II. The battle started on February 19, and ended on March 16, 1945. The American Flag Raising on Mt. Suribachi took place on February 23, 1945, the fifth day of the battle. Twenty-seven Congressional Medals were awarded in the Battle of Iwo Jima, more than were awarded to Marines and Navy in any other battle of our country’s history. This resolution commemorates this important battle of World War II. (AL 196, Reilly)

    5. Commemorating the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa

      The Battle of Okinawa, fought on the island of Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands (south of the four big islands of Japan) was the largest amphibious assault during the Pacific campaign of World War II. This resolution commemorates the largest sea-land-air battle in history, running from April through June 1945. (AL 1164, Schroeder)

    6. Paying Tribute to the Veterans of the United States Who Served in the Vietnam War and Commemorating the Thirtieth Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam Era

      Vietnam era veterans and their families are to be commended for their service sacrifice and devotion to duty during a most trying time in the history of the United States. On May 7, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law officially ending the Vietnam era. This resolution pays tribute to those New Yorkers who served in the Vietnam War and commemorates the end of the Vietnam era. (AL 772, Towns)

    7. Encouraging All New York State Residents to Observe a Moment of Silence In Honor of Veterans of All Wars Each Year on November 11, Veterans Day

      Observing a moment of silence annually at 11:00 a.m. on Veterans Day, November 11, would provide all New Yorkers with an opportunity to honor the veterans of United States wars and conflicts and to memorialize those members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in the defense of the United States. This resolution encourages all New Yorkers to observe a moment of silence on Veterans Day of each year. (AL 919, Rules at the request Sweeney)

    8. Urging The New York State Congressional Delegation to Effectuate Passage of H.R. 369 to Provide Greater Recognition of Veterans Day Each Year

      Under H.R. 369 American are encouraged to demonstrate their support for veterans on Veterans Day each year by treating that day as a special day of reflection. The bill encourages the houses of worship and other institutions to ring their bells at 11:00 a.m. (local time) on Veterans Day each year and the American people to then observe a moment of reflection in recognition of those persons who have served as members of the Armed Forces. (AL 920, Rules at the request of Sweeney)

    9. Honoring the Honeoye Hemlock American Legion Post #1278

      The Honeoye Hemlock American Legion Post #1278 was first charted in April 1945. This year, the Post is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary by dedicating the veterans' memorial to celebrate the lives of those who have served their post, community, state, and nation. The memorial is a five-pointed star with a service flag at each point and the American flag in the center. Along the outer edge of the star are bricks dedicated to veterans, living and deceased. This resolution honors the Post on the occasion of its sixtieth anniversary. (AL 868, Errigo)

    10. Honoring Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790 Upon The Occasion of It’s Seventy-fifth Anniversary

      On February 11, 1930, a group of about 26 World War I veterans became charter members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790 and held their first official meeting in the old Village Hall. In May 1930, the VFW’s Ladies Auxiliary received its charter and twelve women made up its initial roster. The resolution honors the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790 upon the occasion of its seventy-fifth anniversary. (AL 909, Barra)

    11. Paying Tribute to Captain Philip J. Landrigan

      Captain Philip J. Landrigan, MD, is a pediatrician, epidemiologist, and chair of the Department of Community and Preventive Medicine of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Captain Landrigan’s service in the uniformed services of the United States spans forty-one years, first in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and then in the United States Naval Reserve. Captain Landrigan served from 1996 to 2005 in the Medical Corps of the United States Naval Reserve. He has been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal twice, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service for his work on the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board. This resolution pays tribute to Captain Landrigan on his retirement after more than four decades of naval service. (AL 876, DiNapoli)

    12. Honoring Chief Master Sergeant Karl W. Meyers

      Chief Master Sergeant Karl W. Meyers was born in Utica, New York. He is the command chief master sergeant of the Air Education and Training Command based at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Chief Meyers advises the AETC commander and senior staff on morale, welfare, and effective utilization of more than 34,000 enlisted people, recruiting, training and educating personnel at locations worldwide, including more than 350,000 enlisted students per year. Chief Meyers has earned the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak clusters, Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal with four oak clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star. This resolution honors Chief Master Sergeant Karl W. Meyers on his retirement from the United States Air Force. (AL 312, Destito)



  1. HONORING SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN THROUGH LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS
    1. Commending the Second Battalion, 108th Infantry Unit of the New York Army

      The members of the Morrisonville-based Second Battalion, 108th Infantry Unit of the New York Army National Guard had been deployed for fifteen months as part of Operation Iraq Freedom, spending much of that time in Iraq conducting combat patrols and raids. This resolution commends the Second Battalion, 108th Infantry Unit of the New York for their valiant military service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. (AL 169, Ortloff)

    2. Honoring Captain Patrick S. Lane from the Village of Menands for His Service In Operation Iraqi Freedom

      In 2004, Captain Patrick S. Lane was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, to support his fellow soldiers in Operation Iraqi Freedom. During that period of time he suffered a shoulder injury sustained by a roadside explosion. In 2005, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. The resolution pays tribute to Captain Lane. (AL 328, Reilly)

    3. Commending Army Specialist Jeffrey Guerin of Marcellus, New York

      On October 14, 2004, Specialist Guerin was severely wounded while serving as a front line medic in Afghanistan. He has received the Purple Heart and Presidential Coin. This resolution honors Specialist Guerin. (AL 276, Barclay)

    4. Commending the Members of the New York Air National Guard 106th Rescue Wing

      On April 3,2005,the 106th Rescue Wing was called into action by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. It dispatched two HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters, each staffed with pararescue jumpers, as well as an HC-130 Hercules, an airborne command and control vehicle, with an on-board flight surgeon. The 106th Rescue Wing brought six individuals to safety, who were stranded by rising flood waters in the Delaware Water Gap. This resolution commends the members of the 106th Rescue Wing for their heroic efforts. (AL 628, Thiele)

    5. Honoring Master Sergeant Mark Mann

      Mark Mann has been a member of the New York State National Guard for thirteen years. He currently holds the rank of Master Sergeant in the Air National Guard and is the Aerial Port Deployment Manager of the 109th Airlift Wing located at the Stratton Air Base in Scotia. Master Sergeant Mann is the recent recipient of the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award from the Stratton Air Base and the New York State Air National Guard. Called to active duty in January 2004 through February 2005, Mann’s unit served five months at Baghram Air Base in Afghanistan coordinating logistics as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. This resolution honors Master Sergeant Mark Mann’s personal accomplishments and dedicated military service. (AL 928, Canestrari)

    6. Mourning the Untimely Death of Several Men and Women Who Died In Iraq and Afghanistan

      Seven resolutions were adopted to honor the men and women that were residents of New York State who served in the United States Armed Forces, and who were killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

      Sergeant Cari Anne Gasiewicz AL 145, Tokasz
      Corporal Mark P. O'Brien AL 146, Tokasz
      Specialist Wilfrado Urbina AL 601, Barra
      First Lieutenant Ronald Winchester AL 615, Barra
      Staff Sergeant Christopher W. Dill AL 650, Schimminger
      Corporal Kelly Matthew Cannan AL 807, Scozzafava
      Lieutenant Colonel Terrence K. Crowe AL 1058, Hoyt



  1. OTHER ACTIVITIES BY THE COMMITTEE
    1. Subcommittee on Women Veterans

      The Subcommittee on Women Veterans sponsored the eleventh annual Women Veterans’ Recognition Day in the Assembly. This year the Subcommittee honored women veterans of all wars and conflicts. The history of women's service in America’s military conflicts is as old as our independence, and as timeless as our reverence of freedom and democracy. Historically, women's involvement in the military has surged in wartime; between World War II and Vietnam, women comprised two percent of the armed forces; as recently as the 1991 Gulf War, the figure increased to eleven percent. Operation Iraq Freedom involves the largest deployment of women service members. Also honored were: Ali Macdonald, U.S. Air Force; Bridgette Volpi, U.S. Army; Theresa Hannigan, U.S. Army; Doris Richardson, WAC; and Alice Early Fay, U.S. Marine Corps. (AL 1001, Rules at the request of Eddington)

      The subcommittee also sponsored two additional resolutions.

      1. Commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the U.S. Army Women’s Museum

        The U.S. Army Women’s Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to Army women and is located inside the main gate of Fort Lee, Virginia. The museum was established at Fort McClellan, Alabama by Lieutenant Colonel Eleanor C. Sullivan, U.S. Women’s Army Corps (WAC) Center and School. The U.S. Army Women’s Museum's purpose in 1955 was to promote the pride in the accomplishment of the WAC, to preserve the history of the Corps, and to provide a source of information to new WAC’s, those in-service, former, and retired members and the public on the achievements of WAC and women serving in the Army. The mission has expanded to cover all women in the Army across all branches and organizations of the Army. This resolution commemorates the Fiftieth Anniversary of the U.S. Army Women’s Museum. (AL 981, Eddington)

      2. Urging the US Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs and the New York State Congressional Delegation to Ensure that the Laws, Regulations, and Policies Pertaining to Women Veterans’ Health Care Are Enforced

        Eligible women veterans are entitled to complete health care, including gender-specific illnesses, injuries, and diseases at federal Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) facilities. A General Accounting Office report found that problems continue to confront women veterans when attempting to gain access to federal Department of Veterans’ Affairs health care services and the DVA remains unable to fully ensure privacy for women veterans. This resolution calls upon the U.S. Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs and the New York State Congressional Delegation to ensure that the laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to women veterans’ health care are enforced. (AL 783 Eddington)

    2. BRAC Commission

      On May 13, 2005, the Department of Defense recommended the closure of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and Rome Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) facility as well as the realignment of the Sensors Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome and four C-130s at the Stratton Air National Guard Base. The DOD on that same day recommended that several New York installations remain open, including Army installations such as Fort Drum, Fort Hamilton, West Point, Watervliet Arsenal, and Air National Guard installations such as Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, the Northeast Air Defense Sector (NEADS) in Rome, Stratton Air National Guard base in Scotia, Stewart Air National Guard base in Newburgh, and Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton. The Department of Defense also recommended keeping the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome.

      The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) reversed the decision to close the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, rejected the DoD’s recommendations to close the Rome DFAS facility, consolidated the Information Directorate to Rome by moving an information directorate facility from Wright Patterson to Rose, and maintained the Pentagon’s decision to realign the positions at Rome Lab Sensors Directorate. The BRAC Commission also voted to preserve the four C-130 aircraft at Stratton Air National Guard Base and recommended that the United States Army Military Academy Preparatory School be moved from Fort Monmouth in New Jersey to West Point.

      The BRAC Commission sent their final report to President Bush on September 8th. The President accepted the report and on September 15th sent the recommendations to Congress. On October 27, 2005 the House of Representatives voted to accept the recommendations. The Senate accepted the recommendations in early November 2005.

    3. CARES

      The Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) program is the VA’s effort to produce a national plan for modernizing health care facilities.

      Several New York State VA hospitals are being evaluated by the CARES process. Each has a Local Advisory Panel to review the Business Plan Option and recommend which options should be studied further, propose additional options, and address specific concerns from the community. The hospitals being reviewed are: Brooklyn-Manhattan; Montrose/Castle Point; St. Albans; and Canandaigua.

    4. Public Hearings/Roundtables

      The Veterans’ Affairs Committee along with the Subcommittee on Women Veterans held a public hearing on issues related to the transition of women veterans returning from a combat zone to civilian life and the State actions that may assist this process. This hearing was held at the Long Island State Veterans Home located on the State University of New York at Stony Brook campus.

      The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs conducted a roundtable on issues surrounding returning veterans. It was held in Albany. Invited guests included representatives from the VA, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the Department of Labor.



  1. OUTLOOK FOR 2006

    The Assembly Standing Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is looking forward to a productive year in 2006. The Committee will continue to work with the Division of Veterans’ Affairs, Division of Military and Naval Affairs, other State agencies, veterans' organizations, and individual veterans throughout New York State to develop programs and services to assist the veterans of this state.

    The issues the Committee will pursue include:

    • recently returning veterans from areas of combat

    • veterans’ supplemental income for those retired veterans from the state;

    • education benefits for veterans;

    • outreach to women veterans;

    • outreach to older veterans;

    • long-term health care needs for veterans;

    • Hepatitis C education program for Vietnam Veterans;

    • homelessness among veterans; and

    • service for veterans who suffer from alcohol and substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder.

    The Committee will continue to strive to uphold its responsibilities by addressing the needs of New York State’s approximately 1.25 million veterans and their families.




APPENDIX A

2005 SUMMARY OF ACTION ON ALL BILLS REFERRED TO
The Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Final Action Assembly
Bills
Senate
Bills
Total Bills
Bills Reported With or Without Amendments

To Floor; Not Returning to Committee
To Floor; Recommitted and Died
To Ways & Means Committee
To Codes
To Rules Committee
To Judiciary

Total


1
0
13
1
2


17


0
0
0
0
0


0


1
0
13
1
2


17
Bills Having Committee Reference Changed

Total



0



0



0
Senate Bills Substituted or Recalled

Substituted
Recalled

Total


0
0

0


1
0

1


1
0

1
Bills Defeated in Committee 0 0 0
Bills Never Reported, Held in Committee 37 4 41
Bills Never Reported, Died in Committee 0 0 0
Bills Having Enacted Clauses Stricken 0 0 0
Motions to Discharge Lost 0 0 0
Total Bills in Committee 54 5 59
Total Number of Committee Meetings Held 5    



APPENDIX B

LIST OF BILLS THAT PASSED THE ASSEMBLY

Bill No. Sponsor Chapter Description
A.6467 Parment 328 Authorizes cities and towns to appropriate funds to assist in defraying rental or maintenance expenses, or both, for the Navy Club of the U.S.A.
A.7959 Towns 152 Extends the reporting date of the New York State Veterans’ Cemetery Siting Committee until June 30, 2006.
A.4742-A Towns 256 Creates an additional local option to increase the maximum exemption allowed under the alternative veterans exemption; creates for real property tax purposes "high-appreciation municipalities" and requires tax bills to show full value exemption amount for taxing purposes.
A.8115-A Schroeder 277 Designates a certain portion of the state highway system as the "Erie County Veterans Memorial Highway."
A.6977-A Gunther 411 Encourages the state police headquarters, substations, and training academy to display the prisoner-of-war and missing-in- action flag on all days which the flag of the United States is displayed.
A.8476-B Towns 425 Allows members of the organized militia or reservists, who missed the application deadline and the exam due to military service or call to active duty other than training to take a special make-up exam for a scheduled competitive examination on the state or local level; also allows a member of the organized militia or reservist who missed the application deadline due to military service but returns before the exam to take the exam.
A.1233-A Tokasz 434 Establishes the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, to be administered by the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame Council.
A.7815 Towns 699 Provides that campus rules and regulations may provide that any veteran attending the State University as a student shall be exempt from certain motor vehicle fees.
A.7848 Ortloff 693 Authorizes the town of Burke in Franklin County to provide by local law for the adjustment of the exemption under subdivision 5 of section 458 of the Real Property Tax Law for the 2006 and subsequent tax rolls.



APPENDIX C

BILLS THAT PASSED THE ASSEMBLY ONLY

BILL SPONSOR DESCRIPTION
A. 974 McEneny Would authorize municipalities to adopt a local law or ordinance allowing the assessor to transfer and prorate a real property tax exemption granted a veteran when such veteran sells the property receiving the exemption and purchases a property within the same municipality.
A.2747 Towns Seriously disabled veterans who are eligible to receive pecuniary assistance from the federal government to acquire or modify a home to adopt it to their disabled needs would be included in the category of those qualified for the eligible funds exemption under section 458(3) of the Real Property Tax Law.
A.3511 Tonko Would allow a qualified veteran to apply for the veterans’ real property tax exemption within thirty days of a transfer of property when property was purchased after the taxable status date or after the levy of taxes.
A.6356 Towns Would require day of paid leave on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day for veterans who are employed by a school district, board of cooperative educational services (BOCES), or other educational institution that receives state funding.
A.7089 Towns Would establish within the Division of Veterans’ Affairs a speaker’s education program.
A.6636 McLaughlin Would add veteran disability compensation, as defined in Title 38 of the United States Code, to the list of the types of income not be included in the determining income eligibility for the senior citizens real property tax exemption.
A. 6892 Schroeder Would exempt from real property taxation, real property owned by a person certified to receive a Department of Veterans Affairs disability pension, pursuant to 38 U.S.C., Section 1521, and allow an award letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs to be submitted as proof of the disability.
A.6944 Aubertine Would change the date on which the Vietnam war is deemed to have commenced from December 22, 1961, to February 28, 1961, in various sections of law.


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