This week, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) joined his Assembly colleagues at a press conference announcing his support for the G.I.V.E. Back NY program (Giving Internships for disabled Veterans not fully Employed), an initiative that would invite disabled veterans to participate in the legislative process and secure valuable career experience through the New York State Assembly internship program.

“It is vitally important that we do everything we can to provide opportunities and assist our veterans, particularly our disabled veterans, in their transition from the battlefield to the civilian workforce. These dedicated and brave men and women deserve access to workplace opportunities, and this proposal is one small, but meaningful, step to tell these heroes how grateful we are for the sacrifice they have made for all of us.

Palmesano noted that a recent Washington Post article marked the jobless rate for disabled veterans at 12.5 percent, with 44 percent of Gulf War II veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life. “These numbers are simply unacceptable, and highlight the necessity of helping to provide opportunities for our brave servicemen and women to transition back into the workforce,” said Palmesano.

The G.I.V.E. Back NY program would designate a fixed percentage of Assembly Internship positions for disabled veterans. The initiative, which is the first of its kind in the country, would not increase any costs for taxpayers, but would provide new workforce opportunities for our veterans.