Patriot Plans I, II and III are intended to assist returning veterans (and their families), who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan transition back to civilian life. Chapter 106 of the Laws of 2003, commonly known as Patriot Plan I provides new and enhanced benefits to New York State military personnel that minimize the disruptions that military activation may cause in their lives and the lives of their families. Chapter 418 of the Laws of 2004, commonly known as Patriot Plan II, is intended to simplify and enhance the protections offered to military personnel and their families when dealing with issues such as evictions, canceling insurance policies, and suspending auto leases. Additionally, the chapters of 2005 known as Patriot Plan III, ensure that survivors of eligible public employees who die while on active duty receive the same death benefits and health insurance as public employees (Chapters 105 and 681); increased the veterans exemptions allowed under the alternative veterans exemption (Chapter 256); addresses military civil service exams when members of the organized military reservist miss the application deadline due to activation (Chapter 425) and established the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame (Chapter 434). This hearing will review the implementation of these measures and examine their impact on the needs of returning veterans and their families.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Hon. Philip R. Ramos
Member of Assembly
Chairman
Committee on Veterans' Affairs

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on the Implementation and Effectiveness of Patriot Plans I, II and III are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: