In the remaining few weeks of this year’s Legislative Session, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) is urging passage of legislation that would greatly benefit many veterans in his community.

Ra is a co-sponsor on the legislation, known as the Veterans Equality Act. Regardless of when or where they served, this bill would allow honorably-discharged veterans enrolled in New York State’s public employee retirement system to buy back up to three years of state pension service credit for time spent serving their country in our armed forces.

“The brave men and women who selflessly serve in our armed forces deserve unwavering support upon their return,” said Ra. “This legislation would correct the current unfair requirements, and ensure that all of New York’s veterans are provided with the benefits they have earned. I am hopeful that this legislation will be passed prior to the end of session so we can provide veterans in our community with well-deserved financial support.”

In 2014, a few days shy of Veterans Day, the governor vetoed an earlier version of the Veterans Equality Act. It has since been reintroduced with an overwhelming 103 bipartisan sponsors and is currently awaiting action from the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means.

A similar bill has passed unanimously in the Senate.