Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C – East Aurora) attacked Gov. Cuomo’s decision to veto a pension buyback system for “peacetime” veterans. The bill (S.7839) passed both chambers of the state legislature, with one dissenting vote.

“This governor is thumbing his nose at the legislature, and even more disgustingly, at the veterans who serve our nation with honor and dignity,” DiPietro said. “These brave men and women, who committed to public service, deserve the opportunity to buy back time in the system just like any other veteran. This is just more divisive politics from a governor who lives to pit groups against each other. When the legislature reconvenes, we must pass this law again, and if necessary, override the governor’s veto. New York’s veterans deserve better than what they received here.”

Assemblyman DiPietro has sponsored multiple bills regarding military service, including “Campaign Medal for Service” for veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and expanding the Wyoming County Veterans Memorial Highway. The latter was signed into law earlier this year.