New York (WRGB) — In honor of Veterans Day, Governor Hochul announced the signing of three bills aimed at expanding opportunities, protections, and recognition for New York’s veterans.
In a release, the legislative package designates New York as a Purple Heart State, enhances employment opportunities for disabled veterans, and strengthens safeguards to protect veterans’ benefits from fraud and exploitation.
Governor Hochul said,
Our veterans and service members made the selfless choice to step up to protect our nation and our liberties. Signing this legislative package ensures that those who served our country face fewer barriers to employment and benefits, and are properly honored for their commitment to our country.
Legislation S2623A/A4751A requires the Department of Veterans’ Services to increase awareness of civil service employment opportunities available to disabled veterans under Section 55-c of the Civil Service Law. The bill also requires local veterans’ service agencies to share information about these job openings to help connect more veterans to meaningful careers.
Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, who sponsored the bill, said,
There is nothing I respect more than the courage of those who put their lives on the line for our country. That is why I fought for my bill—today signed into law—to open the door of opportunity for veterans with disabilities who defended our freedom. One in five New York veterans lives with a service-related disability—more than 120,000 heroes who will now have greater access to good jobs and economic opportunity. This law makes New York a national leader in connecting our heroes to good jobs and economic security. On this Veterans Day, we renew our commitment to ensuring that every veteran has the opportunity, dignity, and support they have earned through their service.
Legislation S8150/A8476 establishes new penalties and protections to prevent pension poaching and benefits fraud targeting veterans. The bill creates a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violations and makes unaccredited representation of a veteran a Class A misdemeanor. It also creates a Veterans’ Services Fund to provide grants to accredited organizations that assist veterans with benefit claims.
Assemblymember Steve Stern, Chair of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said,
As the Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee of the New York State Assembly, I thank Governor Hochul for signing my bill to protect veterans from bad actors who attempt to take advantage of veterans by fraudulently seeking payment for services without proper accreditation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA benefits act will increase penalties on individuals and entities who act in violation of federal and state law, and ensure that the brave men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our great nation are not taken advantage of by scammers.
Legislation S1889/A29 formally designates New York State as a Purple Heart State, honoring combat-wounded veterans and recognizing their service and sacrifice.
State Senator Jacob Ashby said,
Since the American Revolution, the Empire State has played a central role in our nation’s military affairs. By officially marking New York as a Purple Heart state, we unlock new opportunities to commemorate the courage of our men and women who, time and time again, set the standard for service and sacrifice. I’m grateful to Assemblymember McDonald and Assemblyman Bendett for their tireless efforts to get this bill on the governor’s desk, and I’m so appreciative that she chose to sign it ahead of Veterans Day. Most of all, I’m inspired by New York’s Purple Heart heroes.
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, who co-sponsored the bill, added,
I was proud to sponsor this legislation designating New York as a Purple Heart State so that we, as New Yorkers, can collectively express our gratitude to the approximately 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients nationwide for their sacrifice and courage. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this important bill into law and for her continued support of our Veterans.
New York’s legislative leaders praised the Governor’s actions, emphasizing the importance of honoring veterans beyond a single day of remembrance.
State Senator Dan Stec said,
We should acknowledge and support our Veterans every day, not just on Veterans Day. The package of bills signed into law, from designating New York a purple heart state to expanding employment opportunities for disabled Veterans and safeguarding the benefits received by Veterans, go a long way toward improving the quality of life for those who’ve served our nation. We owe our servicemembers a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. But these new laws help ensure that New York State’s Veterans receive the support and resources their sacrifices deserve.
Assemblymember Stephen Hawley added,
As we honor the courage and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform this Veterans Day, I’m proud to stand behind legislation that not only pays tribute to their service but delivers real results. Bills like these, which expand job opportunities for disabled veterans and protect our heroes from pension poaching and fraudulent practices, ensure that New York’s gratitude is matched by action. Additionally, by designating New York as a Purple Heart State, we reaffirm our deep respect for those who have been wounded in defense of our freedom. Our veterans have given everything for this nation. It’s our duty to give back by ensuring they have the opportunities, protections and recognition they have earned.
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen praised the Governor’s leadership, saying,
These measures strengthen the promise we make to every person who wore the uniform of our nation: that their service will be honored, their benefits protected, and their opportunities expanded – not diminished – in civilian life. By safeguarding earned benefits, expanding pathways to meaningful employment for disabled Veterans, and formally honoring our courageous Purple Heart heroes, New York is once again proving that gratitude must be matched with action. We thank Governor Hochul for her steadfast allyship and for championing policies that uphold dignity, protect those who served, and ensure every Veteran and Military Family in our state is supported and empowered.
According to the release, the legislative package reinforces New York’s ongoing commitment to veterans — ensuring that the state’s gratitude is reflected in tangible actions, protections, and opportunities for those who served.
