Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) announced today that legislation he sponsored, which was signed into law by the governor, will take effect on April 1 – allowing veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War, or “Desert Storm,” to receive specialized license plates in recognition of their service to our country (Ch. 493 of 2005).

“Before this legislation became law, only WWII, Korea and Vietnam veterans could obtain a special license plate indicating their service to our country – but Persian Gulf veterans could not,” Magnarelli said. “This law will provide the respect we owe to our Persian Gulf veterans who served in that conflict.”

Continuing his efforts to recognize the sacrifice our brave men and women made – and continue to make – for our country, Assemblyman Magnarelli supported legislation earlier this year that would require school districts, boards of education, charter schools or any other educational employers who receive state funding to give paid leave on Memorial Day and Veterans Day to any employee who is a veteran (A.6356). This legislation passed the Assembly in January.

“The State already gives paid leave on these two holidays to veterans who are in the service of the state, county, town, fire district, city or village. However, the current law does not name these educational employees. Those who risked their lives for their country deserve to be granted paid leave in order to observe these holidays that honor our veterans. The least we can do is to give them the same liberty as other veterans,” Magnarelli said. “Veterans put their lives on the line for the freedom that Americans enjoy today. This is one small way to show our appreciation for the service they gave to our country.”