Cold War Veterans Blog

For Immediate Release:



Assembly Passes Legislative Package Aimed At Providing Education And Training For Veterans

Comprehensive package provides educational seminars,
benefit outreach and mentor programs




Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Adriano Espaillat announced the Assembly passage last week of comprehensive measures aimed at bringing additional services, training and educational programs to New York State veterans.

The four-bill package contains legislation which, if enacted, would offer assistance programs and seminars for returning veterans, educational opportunities and outreach services for current veterans and evaluations for prospective veterans returning to New York.

The lawmakers stressed that the package represents the Assembly Majority's continued commitment to assisting state veterans long after they return from service. This comprehensive package would help New York veterans by providing ongoing assistance programs through the Division of Veterans' Affairs, the Office of General Services and by establishing a veteran program consolidation council to promote efficiency, cost effectiveness, oversight and outreach for veterans residing in New York.

"Veterans sacrifice so much of themselves to serve the people of our nation. As part of the Assembly Majority's continued commitment to support returning veterans and their families throughout the state, this legislation would bring assistance and opportunities to New York State veterans. Our programs will help these individuals transition back into their civilian lives through education, mentorship and training. The heroes who have answered the call of duty deserve our help in making this an easy transition," said Silver.

"New York State is home to millions of individuals whose lives have been impacted by military service. Friends, families, jobs and homes have all been left behind," said Espaillat. "The Assembly has been evaluating the State's role in addressing the needs of veterans returning to our state and ways to prepare these soldiers for an easier transition. This legislative package will offer services, information and outreach for veterans residing in New York."

Provisions of the package would:

Establish a veteran program consolidation council to promote efficiency, cost effectiveness, oversight and outreach for veterans residing in New York.
(A.11650 (Espaillat) /S.8605; passed Assembly and Senate)

Direct the Division of Veterans' Affairs to host a series of four or more seminars annually across New York State. These seminars would provide information and training focused on veteran-owned businesses successfully obtaining procurement contracts from New York State agencies, municipalities, and authorities.
(A.11648 (Destito) /S.8596; passed Assembly and Senate)

Authorize the Division of Veterans' Affairs to study and evaluate the number of military personnel expected to return to New York and report its findings.
(A.11651(Espaillat) /S.8595; passed Assembly and Senate)

Establish mentoring programs for state agencies that engage in a significant amount of service or construction contracting. These mentor programs will focus on providing training and other assistance to qualified veterans.
(A.11652 (Peoples) /8606; passed Assembly and Senate)