Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Honors Our Veterans
Today is Veteran's Day. Let us remember that this is the day we honor those who have served in the armed forces of this country. This is not the day that we honor those who have fallen, their day is Memorial Day. Nor is it a day where we honor those currently in the armed forces, their day is Armed Forces Day.
But for our Veterans, let me take a moment to say thank you for defending our country.
New York State proudly boasts one of the country's largest population of veterans, which is currently approaching 900,000.1 For as heart warming as it is to see soldiers reunited with their families and loved ones, giving their wisdom, and helping their communities at large, it is disheartening to know just how disenfranchised and misunderstood veterans are.
The disenfranchisement takes many forms. Homelessness being one of them. Eleven percent of the veteran population have no roof over their head with many more considered at risk of being homeless as well.2 That is why the Assembly has passed A9506B, the budget for 2018-2019 that makes provisions for financial aid for disabled veterans. The budget seeks to provide adaptive dwelling units.
There are few, if any, accommodations made for the veterans struggling with re-entry after service because of mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder. A03557 creates initiatives for mental illness and chemical dependence. This bill seeks to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health for veterans via public education. Also in the works is A00545, which requires the office of mental health to provide trainings so that clinicians and physicians can properly diagnose mental illnesses. If we as a community can understand these mental illnesses, we can better understand how to address them.
Unemployment is an issue as well. Finding a job and having access to capital after service is nearly impossible for a multitude of reasons. A08729A seeks to establish a tax exemption program for severely injured service members.
On a lighter note, we want our veterans to have every opportunity to exhibit their patriotism and their pride. A law was signed last year that authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue to service members decorated license plates. There is also A1770A that, if passed, will create a half fare program within the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for veterans trying to use public transport.
While we are given the opportunity and freedom to relax today, let us also commemorate the reason why we can afford to do so - the valiant efforts and sacrifices of veterans, risking their lives for the betterment of this country.
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