Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) is pleased to announce that the governor has signed the Veterans Equality Act into law. The legislation (A.9531), which Palmesano co-sponsors, will allow veterans enrolled in the New York State retirement system to purchase up to three years of service credit as a small compensation for their years of service.

The law will allow all veterans to purchase back time. Before passage of this legislation, only those who served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War were eligible to purchase service credit.

“I am glad the governor has finally signed this bill into law. It is unfortunate that he took three years to do it,” said Palmesano. “Recently, Memorial Day provided us with a reminder of how important it is to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our families safe. We can honor the memories of those we lost by remembering, thanking and paying tribute to those veterans who are still with us. This legislation is a small but important gesture that pales in comparison to the sacrifices that these brave men and women have already made for us.”

The bill’s path to the governor’s desk was unusually long and dramatic. After he vetoed it twice, the governor said he would include the popular provision in his executive budget this year. When he didn’t, legislators like Palmesano continued to advocate for its passage.

”What matters is that we came together to help some of our nation’s heroes access retirement benefits they deserve more than anyone. This was simply the right thing to do,” said Palmesano.