News from the Subcommittee on Women Veterans

Operation Recognition

New York State recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans who left school before graduation by awarding them with a high school diploma. The experiences and skills learned in defense of freedom have given veterans unique knowledge and special insight most could never attain. This diploma reflects our pride and gratitude for their sacrifice and bravery.

To participate, veterans need only present ONE of the following as proof of service:

DD Form 214 (Report of Separation)
Certificate of Service (Honorably Served)
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Department of Defense
Letter from a recognized veterans’ agency affirming such service

Candidates possessing a High School Equivalency (GED) diploma are also eligible for the program. Diplomas may be awarded to next of kin if eligibility is established.

The brave men and women who selflessly risked their lives to protect our country—whether they did so in World War II, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or any time in between—deserve all the help and support we can provide them and their families. That’s why New York State wants veterans to know about all the benefits and services available to them.

Providing property tax breaks

For those municipalities that offer it, the New York State Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption provides a partial exemption on real property taxes to wartime veterans, veterans who received expeditionary medals or the spouses of qualified veterans.

Qualified individuals must present the following as proof of eligibility:

Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty AND
Copy of deed to home (title must be in veteran’s or spouse’s name)

An Application for Veterans Exemption from Real Property Taxation (form RP-458) must be filed with your local assessor. Check the government section of your phone book to find your local assessor’s contact information.

Taking care of veterans and their families

To help the thousands of New Yorkers who have disrupted their lives to serve, the state continues to support military families by:

Restricting foreclosure actions
Awarding $500 annual annuity payments to Gold Star parents of deceased veterans
Granting scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies
Providing burial allowances of up to $6,000

For more information or to see if you’re eligible for any of the benefits listed, call toll-free 1-888-VETS-NYS (1-888-838-7697) or visit www.orps.state.ny.us.

Important Web sites

Counseling locations:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/counselor_location.html

Vocational Rehabilitation:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/voc_rehab.html

Protection for members of active duty:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/protections.html

Taking care of veterans’ families:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/military_service_recognition_scholorship.html
www.veterans.state.ny.us/gold_star_parent.html

Operation Recognition:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/operation_recognition.html

Veterans tuition assistance:
www.veterans.state.ny.us/veterans_tuition_award.html

Women Veterans’ Recognition Day

Monday, June 8 at 2 p.m.

In the Capitol, special seating for women veterans will be available in the rear of the Assembly Chamber and the 4th floor Visitors’ Gallery.

At this time, women veterans will be honored during the ceremony.

A legislative resolution will be adopted that will declare June 12, 2009, as “Women Veterans’ Recognition Day” in New York State.

Women Veterans’ Luncheon
Third Floor Terrace, Legislative Office Building
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP by Wednesday, June 3 to
Assemblywoman Donna A. Lupardo Chair, Sub-Committee on Women Veterans
phone: (607) 723-9047 • e-mail: lupardod@assembly.state.ny.us

Low-interest mortgage program for veterans

The Subcommittee on Women Veterans wants you to know about the state’s Homes for Veterans Program, which offers fixed-rate, low-interest mortgages to veterans and their spouses through the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA). Under the program:

Fixed interest rates are 0.5 percent lower than conventional interest rates
Veterans and their spouses or co-borrowers do not have to be first-time homebuyers and there are no points or origination fees
Closing cost assistance is available up to the greater of $3,000 or 3 percent of the requested loan amount
The borrower’s cash contribution is only 1 percent, and the remaining 2 percent can come from a gift or other acceptable source

For more information, visit www.nyhomes.org or call 1-800-382-HOME(4663).