I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. recently in his Albany office. During our meeting he pledged to introduce and or sponsor the entire State Legislative Agenda for the VFW. Joe realizes that veterans’ compensation is not a social welfare benefit, but the fulfillment of a contractual agreement between the government and its defenders.
Joe’s commitment means that New York’s veterans will acquire funding for our VFW service officers who bring 2.5 million dollars into the state in compensation annually; provide Cold War veteran property tax exemption equalization for veterans with Expeditionary Medals; allow penalties interest payments, and fees on foreclosures to be waived while on active duty; return the service disabled veteran owned business opportunity act to Governor David Patterson for signature; allow veterans who received an Expeditionary Medal to buy back service time on government pensions; and allow veterans courts to assist veterans who have committed nonviolent crimes to avoid prison.
However the single most important commitment Joe made to the veterans of Queens County was to introduce a Senate version of a bill introduced by Assemblymember Espaillat that could save St. Albans. This bill informs the Congress of the United States to establish limitations on the utilization and disposal on VA facilities in New York State.
Although we are from divergent political parties I am proud to support Senator Addabbo and consider him a friend when it comes to veterans issues. I strongly urge all my comrades to convince their elected officials to support the legislation Joe introduces for veterans.
