Supporting Veterans With Dedicated Liaisons In State Agencies: State Sen. Scarcella-Spanton

Senator Scarcella-Spanton Passes Legislation to Support Veterans with Dedicated Liaisons in State Agencies

Editor’s note: Senator Scarcella-Spanton has been advocating for our veterans in numerous ways.  She helped pass a bill providing career assistance for veterans. She also hosted, with Senator Lanza, a free barbecue in October for veterans at Elks Lodge. 

STATEN ISLAND, NY – Today, Senator Scarcella-Spanton, Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs, passed legislation that will help support our veterans by providing dedicated veteran liaisons in each state agency.

Currently, there are countless programs and benefits designed to support our veterans, but the complexity and lack of clear information make it incredibly difficult for them to navigate the system. Senate Bill 7544 will ensure that our state has properly trained veteran liaisons who will be dedicated to cutting through the red tape and helping veterans access the services and benefits they have earned.

Under this legislation, veteran liaisons will complete training conducted by the Department of Veterans Services, enabling them to identify the unique requirements of veterans and advise them on the services available to them and how to obtain these services. Additionally, each agency will maintain a website that lists the name and contact information of its veteran liaison, and the Department of Veterans Services will maintain a website containing an accurate and up-to-date listing of the veteran liaison or liaisons in each state agency.

Senator Scarcella-Spanton emphasized the importance of keeping our veterans informed about the benefits available to them, stating, “I know firsthand how challenging it was to track down the resources and services available to our family, and then figure out how to access them. This bill will help other veterans and their families by ensuring they have that guidance—a person dedicated to cutting through all the red tape. By informing and assisting them, we are opening many doors for our veterans, doors they didn’t even know existed.”

Under this legislation, the Department of Veterans Services will also issue an annual report to the Governor and legislature concerning this program, ensuring accountability and transparency, and showing the tangible improvements in our support for veterans year after year.

Senator Scarcella-Spanton was appointed as Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs, and continues to advocate for legislation that benefits veterans and their families. She is also a member of the Committees on Civil Service and Pensions, Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Disabilities, Insurance, Labor, and Women’s Issues.

Banner Image: Veteran. Image Credit – Eric Ward