Legislative package supports New York vets, active duty members and their families

ALBANY | In honor of Veterans Day, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed six pieces of legislation to strengthen support for New York's veterans, service members and military families. The legislative package will expand access to benefits, reduce financial and administrative barriers and improve quality of life for veterans and active-duty service members. Gov. Hochul also directed 17 state landmarks to be illuminated green this evening as part of Operation Green Light. "The brave men and women who have worn our nation's uniform have made extraordinary sacrifices to defend our freedoms, and New York could not be more grateful for their service," Gov. Hochul said. "This Veterans Day, we honor the New Yorkers who have served our country and recognize the tremendous sacrifices made by them and their families by ensuring they have the support, recognition and resources they deserve." New York State Department of Veterans' Services Commissioner Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen said, "On Veterans Day, we are reminded that honoring those who served our Nation requires more than words of gratitude. It requires meaningful action that reflects the depth of our appreciation and the responsibility we share to stand beside them. Gov. Hochul continues to demonstrate that commitment through both powerful gestures of recognition and meaningful legislation that strengthens protections, expands benefits, and removes barriers for Veterans and Military Families. As landmarks across New York State shine green tonight, they will serve as beacons of gratitude, reminding every Veteran that their service matters, their sacrifices are remembered, and their well-being remains a priority in the State they proudly served." A10921A/S10398A will help lower the cost of making homes safer and more accessible for veterans with disabilities by allowing local governments to waive or reduce fees for home improvements needed to accommodate a veteran's service-connected disability. A9351A/S8571A makes it easier for veterans with a 100 percent disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to obtain license plates with the Universal Symbol of Access by allowing eligible veterans to use their existing federal disability rating to qualify. A11233A/S9806A will make it easier for members of the armed forces to keep their vehicle registrations up to date while serving by allowing them to renew early if their registration is set to expire while they are deployed or performing other official military duties. A3450A/S3194A will help ensure veterans who served during the Persian Gulf conflict can access the property tax benefits they have earned by clarifying the time period of the conflict used to determine eligibility. A5578A/S1788A makes it easier for veterans who served in combat zones to qualify for additional property tax exemptions by expanding the types of military records they can use to prove their eligibility, including discharge records, military awards and records of hazardous duty pay. A6001A/S7784A will make it easier for veterans with disabilities to access fitness and recreational opportunities at the State University of New York and City University of New York by providing for free or discounted memberships at campus gyms and swimming pools open to the general public. Additionally, the New York State Department of Veterans' Services announced $150,000 in funding for six nonprofit organizations through the Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Grant Program. Each organization will receive $25,000 to expand therapeutic outdoor recreation opportunities that support the physical, mental and emotional well-being of veterans across New York State. Since taking office, Gov. Hochul has made historic investments in supporting New York's veterans, service members and military families, including approximately $4.6 million for 73 veterans organizations through the Veterans' Nonprofit Capital Program, expanded educational opportunities through the Veterans Tuition Award, $350,000 for the Military Family Relief Fund and $1.1 million in State funding for suicide prevention initiatives. Her administration has committed more funding to veteran- and military-family-focused suicide prevention than any previous New York Governor, supporting initiatives including veterans outdoor recreational therapy, mental health and wellness programs, suicide prevention training, expanded telehealth access and specialized support for women veterans, military spouses and families. Gov. Hochul has also supported approximately $1 million in Justice for Heroes grants and multiyear funding commitments to expand free legal services for veterans and military families. OPERATION GREEN LIGHT The Lake Placid Olympic Gateway will be one of 17 landmarks illuminated in green to honor New York's veterans and service members as part of Operation Green Light: One World Trade Center Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Kosciuszko Bridge The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building State Education Building Alfred E. Smith State Office Building Empire State Plaza Lincoln Bathhouse at Saratoga Spa State Park State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct Albany International Airport Gateway Lake Placid Olympic Gateway MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal Moynihan Train Hall Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Launched in 2021 as a collaboration among the New York State Association of Counties, the New York State County Executives' Association, and the New York State County Veteran Service Officers' Association, Operation Green Light is a campaign designed to show support for our nation's veterans, raise awareness of the county role in providing support and resources to veterans and advocate for legislation that will strengthen counties' ability to support veterans. This statewide initiative has been adopted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and has spread to hundreds of counties and local governments across the United States.

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Legislative package supports New York vets, active duty members and their families

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