Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today applauded the veterans’ buy-back bill that overwhelmingly passed the Assembly Wednesday. The bill, A.8174-A, will allow veterans to purchase up to three years of their military service from New York State toward their public retirement benefits. Hawley, Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, called for a vote on the bill in May.

“As the son of a veteran and a veteran myself, I know, firsthand, the sacrifice and commitment it takes to serve in the armed forces,” Hawley said. “I called on legislative leaders back in May to bring this bill to the floor for a vote, and I am proud to see we are showing appreciation for some of New York’s most courageous men and women. Unlike a similar bill that was passed by both houses and vetoed by the governor last year, this bill includes a state appropriation to fund the program so it will not cause financial hardship to counties and municipalities. Gov. Cuomo should do the right thing and sign this bill into law immediately.”