Queens leaders drive state, city veteran initiatives

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Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (right), a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, advocates for a package of measures to support veterans across the state. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the new laws Monday. Photo via New York State Assembly.

Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (right), a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, advocates for a package of measures to support veterans across the state. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the new laws Monday. Photo via New York State Assembly.

By Victoria Merlino

A slate of state and city programs, pushed by a pair of Queens lawmakers, will benefit New Yorkers who have served in the U.S. military. Queens Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer Amato and Nily Rozic advocated for the reforms, which were announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday, Veteran’s Day.

Cuomo signed a package of veteran-based laws that include awarding high school diplomas to vets who joined the military before they finished high school, waiving property taxes to those currently serving in the military who are seriously injured, mandating a study on the homeless veteran population and making it easier for vets to take certain public service tests, such as the NYPD and FDNY tests. 

“As state and federal governments move to streamline services so we can improve quality of service for those who have sacrificed so much, I am proud to make this modest, but important contribution,” said Pheffer Amato, who serves on the New York State Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Assemblymember Nily Rozic advocated for state measures to support New York City veterans. AP Photo/Mike Groll.

Assemblymember Nily Rozic advocated for state measures to support New York City veterans. AP Photo/Mike Groll.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that New York's veterans have full access to the educational opportunities and social services they need regardless of when they served,” Rozic added. 

Meanwhile, de Blasio debuted a host of veterans’ mental health initiatives, including mental health and PTSD support for veterans living in New York City. The city will also establish additional legal services, better holistic programs — such as more service animals for vets, as well as peer-to-peer support.

“As the son of a World War II veteran, I know the men and women who serve our country can carry a tremendous pain that is still felt years or decades later,” said de Blasio. “New York City is here to help its veterans shoulder the load, and today that means providing them with new tools to look after their mental health.”