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The bill removes the existing date of service limitations and expands eligibility for the military service credit to otherwise eligible veterans, who now work for the state or local government, regardless of when they served.
"The New York State Veterans Council, representing more than 30 veteran’s organizations would like to thank Assemblywoman Paulin, Senator William Larkin and the Governor for making this legislation a reality for all veterans with government service,” said Bob Becker, Legislative coordinator for the NYS Veterans Council. “It took three years and a bumpy road but the process worked and veterans are grateful that the State recognizes their service."
"Our veterans deserve all the respect and consideration we can possibly give them. By signing this bill into law we have shown our veterans that we care and that we acknowledge their contribution and sacrifice regardless of whether they volunteered in a time of conflict or a time of peace," Paulin said. "I would also like to thank all the veterans for their support in getting this bill passed and signed. We have worked long and hard and I am very proud of this piece of legislation."
Paulin said that veterans across the state have been rallying to get the bill signed for more than three years regardless of whether they would benefit from it or not. A large group of veterans were in Albany on May 24 urging the governor to sign the bill which he had already vetoed twice.
“VFW statewide Commander Marlene Roll and I are grateful and gratified that no veteran has been left behind in this legislation,” said John Pemrick Lewis, commander of the Robert L. Weininger Memorial VFW Post 8692. “It is our belief that this epic legislation keeps all veterans mindful that New York is a place to come home to and that their government remains the right choice for continued service.”
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