Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D, I-Utica/Rome) participated in a hearing regarding the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services in Albany on Thursday, October 21. The hearing focused on the structure and purpose of NYSDVS, including the possibility of elevating the Division to a department to better serve veterans.

“It is estimated that just 17 percent of veterans access the benefits they’ve earned and deserve. I’ve heard from veterans in the 119^th District who say they have become discouraged by a fragmented system. They’re having to communicate with and submit information to multiple departments, agencies and offices within state government. Changing Veterans’ Services from a division to a department will bring all of those benefits, services, and programs to one centralized location. Our service men and women have sacrificed so much for our country, we should make it easier for them to claim and receive the benefits they are entitled to.”

Assemblywoman Buttenschon is a member of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The committee chair, Didi Barrett, has proposed legislation that would, among other things, lift the Division of Veterans’ Services to a department. The bill, co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Buttenschon (A8294), would also create a new section of law of, Veterans’ Services, making those programs more readily accessible to veterans and their families.