PHOTO: State Sen. Addabbo is the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. File Photo
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr.’s (D-Howard Beach) message to all current and retired military service members this Veterans Day included a note of appreciation, and a pledge to push for the passage of several bills he introduced during the 2014-15 legislative session in Albany that would benefit vets and/or organizations that advocate for them.
In order to help advance the education of veterans returning from service, Senate Bill S.4233 would require state-run universities to provide college course credits for any curriculum that was part of a veteran’s military training or service, provided that it meets the standards of the American Council on Education. This would recognize the years of knowledge and skill gained by veterans during their time in the service, Addabbo explained, and help them get a head start on their college education upon returning home.
Senate Bill S.2497 would create the Congressional Chartered Veterans Service Organizations Fund, a nonprofit that would help connect veterans with benefits and services available to them. These benefits – including tax credits, education opportunities or health insurance – can often be difficult to access, Addabbo noted, especially if you do not know where to start. This fund would provide assistance in cutting through the red tape and helping put more veterans in touch with the services to which they are entitled. The bill would allow New Yorkers to voluntarily contribute to this fund through their income tax returns.
To combat the heavy financial burden that code violations place on veterans organizations such as American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Addabbo said that Senate Bill S.2495 would require that congressionally chartered veterans organization facilities are given a 120-day warning period to correct certain violations issued by state and city agencies before any fine can be charged. These fines can be detrimental to veterans groups that have lost a great deal of financial support in recent years; and allowing them a grace period to correct the violation before imposing a monetary penalty can go a long way toward helping veterans’ posts last, he added. S.2495 passed the Senate in May, and Addabbo said he plans to reintroduce the bill in the upcoming session beginning in January.
Providing additional financial relief for congressionally chartered veteran organizations, S.2496 seeks to exempt certain facilities from tax on the sale of beer, wine and soda. This helps alleviate the cost of putting on events that are crucial to the financial future of organizations such as the VFW. This legislation passed the Senate in June and will be reintroduced in January, Addabbo added.
“As the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, I fully understand the important role that government and legislation plays in providing assistance to our veterans once they return from service,” Addabbo said. “I am always looking for ways to do my part to give our veterans the thanks and appreciation they deserve, whether that be through new laws that provide better opportunities for education and healthcare, or helping veterans find employment and return to a normal life after they leave the military or sponsoring my annual Veteran BBQ. As we mark another day of appreciation for all our veterans who have selflessly served our great country, I remain committed to making sure that these brave men and women are not only appreciated for what they do, but that we fulfill our obligation to help them succeed once they return home.”
By Forum Staff
