Memorial Day Message from Governor Cuomo

I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend.

The following message was e-mailed over the weekend from our Governor's office. May we always remember and protect those that served our nation. Thank you to everyone that served.

Gregory
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Dear Fellow New Yorkers,

Today we honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the service of our country. Memorial Day is a time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by members of the armed services and express our gratitude for the protection they continue to provide. During this time of war, we must always keep in mind the families who will forever be separated from their loved ones. We mourn their loss and honor the sacrifice of heroes of all generations. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I would like to thank the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, both from New York and across the nation, for their dedicated service.

Sincerely,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

KLEIN SUPPORTS NEW PROGRAMS TO BENEFIT NEW YORK'S SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN

Here is a post related to legislation advocating various benefits or protections for our veterans and active military personnel, supported by NY State Senator Klein.

Gregory
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KLEIN SUPPORTS NEW PROGRAMS TO
BENEFIT NEW YORK’S SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN

ALBANY, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) voted to pass a package of legislation that extends or creates programs to honor our brave veterans and active military personnel who continue to serve our nation.

“We can never repay our veterans and active military personnel for their selfless sacrifice but we can continue to recognize and honor their service to our country. By passing this package of bills, it gives us the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, as well as their families and expand their opportunities. This legislation is the least we can do to show our continued support for their deep commitment and honorable service," said Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/ Westchester).


The package is comprised of the following bills:



S656: Authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to designate organized fishing events to provide physical and emotional rehabilitation for current and former members of the armed forces. A fishing license would not be required to participate.


S1728: Make the desecration of a veterans grave site, regardless of the value of the damaged or stolen property a class E felony.


S2421: Allows ballots of deceased military personnel to be counted toward the election for which they were cast even if the person dies before the election.


S1431: Gives the authority to the Adjutant General to present a burial flag to those who have served in the New York Guard.

S1504: Prohibits the unauthorized sale, purchase or transfer of any cemetery marker, flag holder, monument, statue or other physical memorabilia that is over 75 years old that commemorates the life or death of a veteran or groups of veterans.


S2424A: Establishes the “New York State Veterans Cemetery Act”, to conduct an investigation and study on establishing a New York State veterans cemetery.


S3484: Extends the program established in 1996 which offers tuition waivers and incentive benefits that service personnel may receive until March 31, 2017. The program was set to expire on March 31, 2011.


S3900: Protects mourners at military funerals by prohibiting disruptive behavior, such as protests, 500 feet of a funeral service for a military service person who died while serving.