Americans Veterans (AMVETS) National Executive Director Joseph R. Chenelly joined members of the Assembly Minority for a press conference on March 10 proposing a pandemic relief package known as “Invest in Vets.” The proposal would invest $500 million within the New York State Budget to support services for veterans and veterans’ organizations, including $250 million in operational funding from the COVID-19 Public Health Response Fund and $250 million in capital funding for the State and Municipal Facilities (SAM) Program.
This package would support the Dwyer Peer Support Program for returning veterans, suicide prevention efforts, PTSD treatment and research, and many other endeavors supporting active duty and former military members. Notably, it would make funds available that could be used by veterans’ organizations like Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion to maintain their facilities. VFW Halls, American Legion Posts, and similar gathering places are valuable community resources for veterans, providing them a chance to connect with other former service members who can give them insight into their experiences transitioning to civilian life as well as the resources available to veterans locally.
“Our veterans have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and families. We cannot put support services for them on the backburners. They have selflessly served our country; the very least we should be doing is support critical services to help them navigate civilian life and ensure they have a place to call home. Veteran support must be a priority in this year’s final budget,” said Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R,C,I-Greece).
“If our state budget is going to be one of the largest in the nation, the support we offer our veterans should be among the most comprehensive in the country, but unfortunately, that is not the case,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia). “Today, I call on my partners across the aisle in the Legislature and Gov. Hochul to include this critical funding package within this year’s final budget to better support our veterans and help connect them to local resources in their communities.”
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