Now that the legislative session in New York has closed, many veterans working in the public sector will have to wait to see a much-needed change to the rules regarding the purchase of previous service credit.
Article 20 of New York State Retirement and Social Security Law allows public sector workers who are also honorably discharged veterans to purchase up to three years of service in the military to credit their pensions. Caveats regarding where and when the service was performed were added most likely to mitigate the cost of the program.
One should view this issue solely from a fairness perspective. The Cuomo administration has repeatedly cited fairness when pushing legislation on taxes, marriage equality and women's rights.
Military service is public service. Our all-volunteer force makes incredible sacrifices in times of conflict and peace. Military members are taught in basic training that each has a critical role to play and that each person's role is equally important to the overall success of the mission.
We should treat all of our heroes with the same honor and respect that each deserves. There is written legislation to right this wrong. It's time to bring it out of committee and pass A6974/04714.
Don Mance
Schenectady, Desert Storm-era Air Force veteran and state worker