Cahill Touts Veterans’ Programs in State Budget

Calls on colleagues to build on commitment to returning soldiers

May 5, 2008

Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) highlighted several important Veterans’ initiatives that the Assembly worked to include in the recently enacted budget.

“Our brave men and women in the armed forces have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to our nation. It is our collective responsibility to put in place the most effective and appropriate services tailored to meet the needs of our Veterans and their families,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “The budget renews our commitment to those who have served by providing them with the tools to help facilitate a smooth transition from the military life.”

The enacted budget includes several programs that will assist Veterans in re-acclimating to their communities. The Veterans Re-Integration Program will provide mental health assistance and job training to returning soldiers. The Assembly also acted to provide combat Veterans a tuition benefit that covers the full cost of SUNY tuition and can to be used at any college or university in New York State. Additionally, funding for homeless programs and service dogs has been set in place.

“I support Assemblymember Kevin Cahill in his endorsement of monies for veterans for college, which would include the combat veterans from Vietnam forward. I also support the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder programs. In our communities, we need all the support we can get,” said Robert Barnhart, State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “I salute Kevin for taking the lead in finding support for these initiatives.”

“I am committed to assisting returning military personnel by providing the resources they need to ease re-entrance to their communities,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “It is important that the Legislature continue to work together to find innovative ways to give them the support they deserve,” Assemblymember Cahill urged.

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