To protect the financial well-being and the families of New York’s military while they serve, Assemblyman Magnarelli, who spent six years in the Army Reserve, helped pass the Patriot Plan, which:

• Imposes a cap on installment loan interest
• Extends eviction protections
• Allows for the termination of car leases without penalty
• Extends mortgage foreclosure protections
• Extends the deadline to pay property taxes, contingent upon approval by locality
• Protects against lapse in life insurance for non-payment of premiums
• Prohibits enforcement of storage liens on household goods
• Prohibits adverse credit reporting for individuals who previously obtained a stay, postponement or suspension of obligations under the Civil Relief Act

For more information about these and other benefits, visit the Division of Military and Naval Affairs Web site, www.dmna.state.ny.us/members/patriot.html or call the DMNA Legal Affairs Office at 518.786.4541.

During this time of economic uncertainty, we must help our military personnel find meaningful work upon their return. The Patriot Plan:

• Extends the certification period for emergency technicians on active duty (DMNA Government and Community Affairs 518.786.4580)
• Waives continuing professional education requirements and automatically extends professional licenses (Appropriate Licensing Authority or DMNA Legal Affairs Office 518.786.4541)
• Protects soldiers who have to suspend their education, allowing them to retain credits, standings or scholarships, and the student has the option of requesting a refund or credit of tuition and fees (DMNA Government and Community Affairs 518.786.4580)

In the tragic event of a war casualty, the Patriot Plan provides up to $6,000 for funeral costs (1-888-VETSNYS).

The plan also provides four years of free tuition, room and board to any SUNY or CUNY undergraduate school or an equal amount to attend any other college or university in New York for the children, spouses and dependents of New Yorkers killed or severely disabled in the line of duty after August 2, 1990. (NYS Higher Education Services Corporation www.hesc.org, search site for "scholarships" or call DMNA Government and Community Affairs 518.786.4580).

Last year, Assemblyman Magnarelli helped secure $50,000 for the Village of Solvay to use for repairs and renovations to the Veterans Memorial at Woods Road Park. The money is being used for upgrades and repairs to the memorial, including new sidewalks, fencing, benches, landscaping, painting and garbage receptacles. A gazebo is also planned for the center of the park, which will be available to the community for activities like concerts and weddings.

Additionally, Assemblyman Magnarelli and Assemblywoman Joan Christensen helped secure $15,000 for the Onondaga County Korea/Vietnam War Memorial Fund Inc. This funding is also being used to make repairs to the Korea/Vietnam War Memorial in Syracuse.