“Expanding New York State's MERIT Scholarship program to include the children, spouses and financial dependents of all active duty military members who die or are severely or permanently disabled puts the emphasis where it belongs -- on honoring not only our servicemen and women who put their lives on the line for our country, but also on supporting their children and families who in their own way serve and often pay a heartbreaking price."

Assemblymember Barrett serves as the chair for the Assembly Committee on Veteran's Affairs.