Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) today proudly announced Governor Cuomo’s signing of Assembly Bill A1428-B, a veterans-protection bill that he co-sponsored which will prohibit government agencies from cutting employee positions while they are on active military duty. McDonough noted that the pro-veterans’ legislation comes at a critical time in the slow economic recovery and will provide job security to the men and women who are serving our nation.

“I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing this legislation to protect New York’s military personnel from being sent to the unemployment line,” said McDonough. “As a co-sponsor of this bill, this is a promise kept, and these brave men and women should be applauded for their bravery and sacrifice. As a veteran of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Air Force, this personally means a great deal to me and all those who proudly serve our state.”

The new law amends the Civil Service Law and the Military Law to prohibit public employers from abolishing positions based on a person’s military status. Under the measure, public employers are mandated to comply with the Federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) of 1994, and are expressly prohibited from denying reemployment rights to any person based on past or current military service.

“I thank all of my colleagues and fellow veterans in the Legislature for working tirelessly in getting this important legislation passed and signed by the Governor. This not only protects our freedom fighters, but also ensures that New York continues its road to economic recovery while honoring those who have served.”