Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C,I-Horicon) joined Joseph Chenelly, AMVETS National Executive Director, Assemblyman Jake Ashby, Minority Ranker on the Veterans Affairs Committee, Assemblyman Ed Ra, Minority Ranker on the Ways and Means Committee and other members of the Minority Conference on Thursday morning calling for a $500 million investment in New York veterans. $250 million would be operational funding from the COVID-19 Public Health Response Fund and an additional $250 million would be Capital funding from the State and Municipal Facilities (SAM) Program.

“A budget is all about priorities, which is why I am proud to advocate for this historic investment in our veterans in the 2022-23 State Budget. There is truly no way we can fully repay the brave men and women of our armed services, but in state government we can show our support for critical funding that will support veterans’ services and organizations.

“Our $500 million proposal is not only imperative but it is well within our financial means. The state has received massive amounts of money from the federal government which has resulted in a surplus. Let’s use this surplus in a meaningful way and help those who have protected our country and its freedoms,” said Simpson.