New York State Comproller DiNapoli spotlights New York’s Veterans
Source: Office of the State Comptroller
Nearly three-quarters of the approximately 890,000 veterans living in New York served during wartime, including 31 percent in the Vietnam War-era, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
The Comptroller said that “New York is home to nearly 900,000 men and women who have served bravely to safeguard our freedom. Across the country and in our state, we’ll be forever indebted to our veterans for their service and their sacrifices. We need to offer essential programs for the men and women who serve in our military to show our appreciation for their service and support their return to civilian life.”
DiNapoli’s report highlighted the programs and services offered to New York’s veterans by the state’s Division of Veterans’ Affairs and other agencies. The 2014-15 state budget allocated more than $21 million for veteran’s programs and services including counseling and benefit assistance services, tuition awards, peer-to-peer support services and nursing homes.
To access the Comptroller’s report please click on http://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/other/veterans_11_2015.pdf
With both federal and state programs providing important services, DiNapoli urged policy makers at all levels to continuously examine whether existing initiatives appropriately meet the needs of New York's veterans.
DiNapoli also noted that the New York State Common Retirement Fund has a program to provide loans to veterans. The state pension fund partnered with the New York Business Development Corporation (NYBDC) Partnership to create a $5 million commitment for fixed-rate small business loans for returning military veterans who are also business owners. Veterans who serve in the Guard or Reserve, or have been honorably discharged from active duty may apply, through the NYBDC, for small business loans up to $150,000 to start or expand a business.
To learn about the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s loan program for veterans please click on http://www.nybdc.com/how-can-we-help/Loans_for_Veterans_69_7_sb.htm