Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) yesterday joined Assemblymen Jim Tedisco (R,C,I- Glenville), Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) and Kieran Michael Lalor (R,C,I-Fishkill) to call for the New York State Assembly to launch the G.I.V.E. Back NY program (Giving Internships for disabled Veterans not fully Employed) to enable disabled veterans to participate in the chamber’s annual legislative internship program.

“Our veterans have paid a great debt to help protect and defend our communities,” said McDonough. “Unfortunately, veterans continue to experience a higher unemployment rate than most, with veteran unemployment topping out at nearly 10 percent. Providing this program would give service-disabled veterans an incredible opportunity to see the inner workings of our democracy. This program is but a small repayment for their service and sacrifice.”

This year, there are 120 interns in the Assembly Internship program. Currently, the Assembly Internship program is only open to students matriculated in a four-year college. Under the G.I.V.E. Back NY proposal, a percentage of the current Assembly Session Internship program positions would be provided to service-disabled veterans who apply to be part of this first-in-the-nation pilot initiative.