Albany, New York – Yesterday Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) passed a bill through the NYS Assembly, A.8096, that would amend the executive law as it relates to the powers and duties of local veterans’ service agencies across the state. The bill would require local veterans’ service agencies to assist veterans who are in the process of submitting an application for discharge upgrade to the Discharge Upgrade Advisory Board at the NYS Division of Veterans’ Service. Senator Rachel May (D, WF- Syracuse) sponsored the bill in the NYS Senate, S. 6527, and passed the bill through the chamber today.

“This bill seeks to help the veterans who are in the process of upgrading his or her military discharge by having the staff of the Local Veterans Service Agencies assist the veteran in completing their application for a discharge pursuant to the Division of Veterans' Services Discharge Upgrade Advisory Board standards of review,” Pheffer Amato said. “As state and federal governments move to streamline services so we can improve quality of service for those who have sacrificed so much, I am proud to make this modest, but important contribution. I appreciate all of my Assembly colleagues especially Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for her guidance and support on this legislation. I look forward to continuing to make those who have served a high priority throughout my tenure in Albany.”

“I am proud of this bill, which adds common sense support for our veterans to help them submit paperwork which can be long, cumbersome, and extremely technical. Many times, requests for discharge upgrades come because of changes in policy -- such as the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell -- or for those separated due to PTSD,” May said. “Easing the application process will help our eligible vets gain access to benefits such as the GI Bill, and other services like the VA, which will improve life for them and their families. I am thrilled this bill passed in both the Assembly and the Senate, and urge Governor Cuomo to sign it.”

The bill will be sent to the Governor for his signature in the coming weeks.