Albany -- Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-88) is proud to announce that A.9531/S.7160, her legislation that would remove the existing date of service limitations and expand eligibility for the military service credit to otherwise eligible veterans regardless of when they served, was signed by the Governor into law on Tuesday.

“I am thrilled that Governor Cuomo decided to sign this bill into law,” Paulin said. “Our veterans deserve all the respect and consideration we can possibly give them. By signing this bill into law we have shown our veterans that we care and that we acknowledge their contribution and sacrifice regardless of whether they volunteered in a time of conflict or a time of peace.

“I would also like to thank all the veterans for their support in getting this bill passed and signed. We have worked long and hard and I am very proud of this piece of legislation.”

Veterans across New York State had been rallying to get this bill signed for more than three years regardless of whether they would benefit from it or not. A large group of veterans were in Albany on May 24 urging the Governor to sign the bill which he had already vetoed twice. They praised Paulin for her efforts and the Governor for signing the bill.

"The New York State Veterans Council, representing more than 30 veteran’s organizations would like to thank Assemblywoman Paulin, Senator [William] Larkin and the Governor for making this legislation a reality for all veterans with government service,” said Bob Becker, Legislative coordinator for the NYS Veterans Council. “It took three years and a bumpy road but the process worked and veterans are grateful that the State recognizes their service."

“VFW state wide Commander Marlene Roll and I are grateful and gratified that no veteran has been left behind in this legislation,” said John Pemrick Lewis, Commander of the Robert L. Weininger Memorial VFW Post 8692. “It is our belief that this epic legislation keeps all veterans mindful that New York is a place to come home to and that their government remains the right choice for continued service.”

Larkin (R-39) sponsored the bill in the Senate.

“Allowing veterans to improve their retirement to assure a greater financial security is a small price to pay for all they have done for our State and our Country,” Larkin said. “It was an absolute shame that our Afghanistan veterans and those who have fought in other recent conflicts were not eligible for this military service credit.”