This session, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) sponsored bipartisan legislation expanding a successful program which provides veterans with high school diplomas.

Today, he’s pleased to announce that Gov. Cuomo has signed the bill into law.

Operation Recognition is a state program that grants high school diplomas to veterans who left school early to serve in our armed forces. The legislation expands the program to cover veterans who served in Operation Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“A high school diploma unlocks so many doors. It’s a prerequisite for continuing education, for training programs and for a host of job opportunities. These doors must be open for our brave veterans. The experience of deploying overseas is many things. It’s dangerous. It’s hard. It takes guts. It’s also an education of uncommon value,” said Ra.

Ra noted that the governor signing the bill into law represents a concrete step in tackling veteran unemployment across the state.

“1 in 5 veterans in New York state is looking for work. That’s unacceptable. This is a great step forward, and this session we’re going to keep working to create real economic opportunity for our veterans. That means careers that are as meaningful to them as their service to this country is to all of us,” said Ra.