Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Dutchess/Columbia) and Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) announced their bill to make all military uniformed service members and veterans equally represented in New York has been signed into law. The legislation, S.243/A.291-A, ensures members of the United States Space Force, the nation’s newest service branch, are included in the definition of veterans and uniformed services under New York State law. The United States Space Force (USSF) was established in 2019 as the space service branch within the Department of Defense with the mission to secure the nation’s interests in, from, and to space. It is one of the six armed forces of the United States, one of the eight uniformed services of our nation, and the second independent space force to be formed in the world.

“We are living in an age where the freedom to maintain prompt and sustained space operations is vital for the safety and progress of the United States,” said Senator Skoufis. “I am proud to have carried legislation alongside Assemblywoman Barrett that will benefit the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to that mission. It is only right that all veterans, regardless of branch, are equally represented in New York State, and I am deeply gratified to see our legislation enshrined into law.”

“The Space Force is our nation’s newest service branch and this timely legislation brings parity across New York State law by ensuring that the brave men and women who serve in the Space Force are able to access the same state benefits offered to active duty members and veterans in the other branches of the military,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this bill to ensure all of our veterans have access to the services, resources and benefits they have earned.”