Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today released the following statement regarding the governor’s veto of a bill that would provide honorably-discharged veterans enrolled in the New York State retirement system with a three-year service credit. The bill easily passed both houses of the legislature with near-unanimous support.

“It is shameful that the governor is unwilling to help those who risked their lives to keep us safe and protect our freedoms. They should be the first people we support. The governor has shown he is willing to circumvent the legislature to raise costs on municipalities and businesses. He is willing to shell out huge tax breaks for Hollywood and other out-of-state developers. It is incredibly frustrating that he doesn’t prioritize a modest investment in decent retirements for brave veterans who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

“I urge our legislative leaders to call all members back to Albany to override this veto and stand up for those who stood up for us, our veterans.”