VETERANS' DAY UPDATE: CURRAN, GOV., LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT ON VETERANS' BENEFITS

Assemblyman says it’s a good deal, advocates for inclusion of Cold War and peacetime veterans

Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21st AD) is pleased to announce on this Veterans’ Day, that Gov. Andrew Cuomo, legislative leaders and sponsors of the veterans’ bills recently vetoed, have come to an agreement that would amend existing law to expand the scope of veterans who can receive pension credits for military service. Curran said the agreement would include the veterans benefit bill (A.8174-A/S.5937) and other bills that were vetoed by the governor and called it a fitting way to honor our bravest who have served. Curran also said that he wants to see more in the agreement, including Cold War and peacetime veterans, but attributed this victory to the veterans and supporters who have helped him sign and circulate a petition calling on an override of the veto on Facebook and other mass media platforms.

“This is a momentous occasion and a nice surprise to truly represent and honor our brave men and women who have served this country with distinction,” said Curran, a long-time veterans’ advocate and Ranking Member on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “I want to thank everyone who signed our petition, and thank Governor Cuomo and bill sponsors for listening to the voices of our veterans and the people. We’ve had a great success here, but our work does not stop here. I remain steadfast in my commitment to assisting our military men and women, veterans and active duty alike who deserve our support and gratitude. That having been said, I will certainly be advocating that Cold War and peacetime veterans also be included in the final budget bill and I will make sure that this is not forgotten about and is sought through to fruition in the next legislative budget. In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to working with all parties involved to make that happen.”

According to a press release by the governor’s office, legislative leaders have agreed to advance legislation during the next state budget to provide up to three years of additional public pension credit for an expanded pool of eligible state and local employees who served in the military. Governor Cuomo also signed legislation today to provide additional benefits to veterans throughout the State.

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