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Hochul announces new laws to support veterans and their families

Posted 11 November 2022 at 6:43 pm

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul announced new laws that will strengthen protections and support for veterans and their families.

The Governor has signed eight pieces of legislation in appreciation of Veterans Day, underscoring the administration’s commitment to supporting American service members who have risked their lives to defend the nation.

In addition, Governor Hochul issued this proclamation and directed that 17 state landmarks be illuminated green this evening as part of Operation Green Light, which began in New York State and has spread throughout the country to recognize veterans and service members from all eras of military service.

“We owe our service members so much more than gratitude, and it is our responsibility to support them and their families,” Governor Hochul said. “From waiving fees for veterans’ organizations to providing no interest loans, we are working hard to remove any obstacles in the way of our veterans’ success here in New York. I thank them for protecting our freedoms and look forward to providing continued support in the future.”

  • Legislation (S.2089B/A.357A) establishes the Vietnam War Commemorative Medal and authorizes the Governor to present it to members of the armed forces or organized militia serving abroad in the Vietnam War between November 1955 and May 1975.
  • Legislation (S.2091C/A1310B) amends the military law to establish the Korean War Service Medal and authorizes Governor to present it to members of the armed forces or organized militia serving abroad in the Korean War between June 1950 and January 1955.
  • Legislation (S.1961B/A3913B) requires employers to display a poster containing information on veterans’ benefits and services which shall be created and distributed by the Department of Labor. The poster must be displayed in an area accessible to all employees by employers with more than 50 full-time equivalent employees.
  • Legislation (S.6022B/A.5278B) adds veterans who have qualifying conditions or who were unfairly discharged because of their LGBTQ identities to certain provisions that apply to veterans who have been honorably discharged or released from military service. The law extends the Retirement and Social Security Law, in relation to providing credit for military service to members of the State public retirement systems.
  • Legislation (S.2238B/A6551B) establishes a “reserved bed day” policy for persons residing in State Veterans’ Homes, including veterans, spouses and widows of veterans, Gold Star Parents, and their dependents. A “reserved bed day” is a day for which the State pays a New York State Veterans’ Home to hold the bed open for a qualified resident while he or she is temporarily hospitalized so the resident has a bed to return to in the State Veterans’ Home.
  • Legislation (S.7068A/A.7728A) provides for no interest rate for certain linked loans for certified service-disabled veteran-owned business enterprises and provides support and financing necessary to carry out a procurement contract with an agency or authority or other entity of the state or federal government.
  • Legislation (S.8729/A.9590) directs the Division of Veterans’ Services to develop a searchable database of veterans’ memorials located within the state that includes information regarding the location of a memorial and which veteran or battle the memorial is honoring.
  • Legislation (S.8367/A.9183) authorizes Niagara County to waive by local law certain fees for veterans’ organizations, including but not limited to building permit review fees and fees associated with capital improvements to any post or hall owned by a veterans’ organization located in the county.

These 17 landmarks and bridges will be illuminated in green as part of Operation Green Light to recognize the service and commitment of veterans and service members: 1WTC, 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, State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center, Niagara Falls, The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge, Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct, Albany International Airport Gateway, The Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex, The Lake Placid Olympic Center, MTA Long Island Rail Road – East End Gateway at Penn Station, Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal and Moynihan Train Hall.