Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) announced he attended New York State Industries for the Disabled Inc.’s (NYSID) Veterans’ Summit today. The quarterly event provides an opportunity for lawmakers, representatives from veterans organizations and servicemen and women to collaborate and exchange information on ways to better care for disabled veterans.

“These veterans’ summits continue to be a great opportunity to come together to network and discuss what needs to be done to provide disabled veterans with the resources and assistance they deserve,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “Veterans have sacrificed so much for us – these summits allow us to give back and show them and their families there is a strong support network available.”

The summit focused on topics ranging from combating veteran unemployment and homelessness, to reintegration into civilian life, noted Assemblyman Santabarbara. Summit participants included New York State government agencies, not-for-profits, veterans’ service organizations, Wounded Warriors, institutions of higher learning and rehabilitation organizations, including NYSID members.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact summits like this one have on veterans,” said Amy Amoroso, NYS Program Coordinator for Veteran Business Outreach, Small Business Development Center, University at Albany. “It shows them how many people and organizations are fighting to make sure they get the resources and support they deserve.”

As a former member of the Army Reserves, the AMVETS Post 35 Commander in Rotterdam and a member of the Assembly’s Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Assemblyman Santabarbara has made veterans issues a top priority. Earlier this year, he took a major step in empowering disabled veterans by helping pass the “Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act” (A.9135). The legislation will set a 6 percent participation goal in the awarding of state contracts to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, making New York a national leader in helping the small businesses of these brave individuals. Assemblyman Santabarbara also previously hosted his own forums to discuss the issues veterans and their families are facing in our community.

Additionally, Assemblyman Santabarbara honored the military men and women from the United States Military Academy at West Point today as a part of the Assembly’s annual West Point Day celebration. This honored tradition recognizes the brave cadets who have committed their lives to serving and protecting our nation, Assemblyman Santabarbara noted.