All veterans deserve critical support

Each year I am touched anew by the meaningful Veterans Day observances held in so many of our Hudson Valley communities commemorating those who put their lives on the line to protect our country and our freedoms. While Veterans Day is celebrated only once a year, the need to support retired servicemen and women increases every day. It is a privilege to hear from veterans in my district, and as a member of the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am committed to working to make New York state ever more supportive.

For example, last year a veteran called our office to say his local tax assessor had denied him the Veterans’ Alternative Real Property Tax Exemption because the time in which he served, Operation Iraqi Freedom, was not listed as part of the Persian Gulf conflict. In response, we authored legislation to ensure assessors across New York state understand that the Persian Gulf conflict, referenced in law, includes ALL operations associated with the global War on Terror (A.2368-A). We passed this bill twice in the Assembly, but it still awaits action in the Senate.

Another important piece of legislation, which I co-sponsored, would extend the Military Service Pension Credit to all veterans in New York who have served in the military, regardless of when or where (A.8174-A). Veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the 1980s and 1990s conflicts are currently eligible, but not a host of other veterans, including those who fought in Afghanistan, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo and more. This bill would finally make those veterans eligible, and remove barriers preventing servicewomen from getting additional pension credits. For two years this measure has passed the legislature but was vetoed, despite bipartisan support. Just last week the governor agreed to advance this legislation as part of the 2016 state budget, hopefully bringing equity to the many veterans currently denied this credit.

I am especially focused on the needs of women veterans returning from duty, who often face a unique set of challenges. Currently 201,400 women serve in active duty in the armed forces, and many don’t identify as “veterans” when they get home. As a result, they don’t tap into the opportunities and services that are available to them and their families. A good resource, funded in part by New York state, is Legal Services of the Hudson Valley’s new Veterans and Military Families Advocacy Project which provides free legal service and representation to women veterans. Services include: VA benefits, housing, domestic violence, Social Security/SSI Disability claims and more. For more information, stop in at their new office at 331 Main St., Poughkeepsie, or visit http://www.lshv.org/assets/pdfs/LSHV_Veterans_Bro_090915.pdf

We, as a nation, did much to ensure the Greatest Generation was given the tools to succeed following World War II. After Sept. 11, 2001, many men and women stood up to terror and dutifully served our country, despite the ambiguous nature of the armed conflicts. The state not only owes them a debt of gratitude, but should provide them, too, with the resources, opportunities and tools to succeed now.

If you have any questions about this or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to contact our office, and check our Veterans Page for helpful information: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Didi-Barrett/story/56400

Democratic Assemblywoman Didi Barrett represents District 106. “Legislative Spotlight,” written by federal, state, county and municipal leaders, provides insight on topical issues. To submit a column, call 845-437-4979 or email Barbara Gallo Farrell at bfarrell@poughkeepsiejournal.com