“I applaud the governor for signing legislation that will allow our veterans who work in public service to buy up to three years of pension credit for time served in the military, regardless of how they served. This law will also allow female veterans, who were previously denied the opportunity to purchase pension credit, to be able to obtain the benefits they have rightfully earned. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for us, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive exceptional services and support when they return home.

“Although today’s accomplishment is a step in the right direction in repaying our veterans for their service, there is much more that needs to be done. We must fight harder to clear avenues to job opportunities, prevent and eliminate homelessness for our soldiers when they return home and ensure accessibility to other vital resources that our veterans desperately need across New York State.”