“As a long-time cosponsor and advocate of the Veterans Equality Act, I am thrilled to see the governor has finally signed it into law,” said Ra. “The brave servicemen and women who selflessly serve in our armed forces deserve unwavering support upon their return. With this law we will correct the unfair requirements currently in place, and ensure that all of New York’s veterans are provided with the benefits they have honorably earned.”

This bill (A.9531) would allow honorably-discharged veterans enrolled in New York State’s public employee retirement system an opportunity to buy back up to three years of state pension service credit. Under current law, veterans are eligible to purchase pension credits if they served only in certain conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.