In recognition of her work on behalf of veterans, Assemblywoman Carol Murphy has been selected as the 2020 New Jersey Legislator of the Year by the American Veterans (AMVETS) Department of New Jersey.
Assemblywoman Murphy has introduced numerous bills and resolutions in support of New Jersey veterans since joining the General Assembly in 2018. One such bill she sponsored that was signed into law during the previous legislative session helps veterans acquire housing by requiring landlords to count military-related housing allowances as income in order to determine eligibility for rental housing.
“We are grateful that Assemblywoman Murphy has supported many bills or co-sponsored bills that were beneficial to veterans and our military,” said Fred Vineyard, First Vice Commander and Political Action Chair of New Jersey AMVETS.
Several bills she sponsors would provide income tax credits, waive certain business and licensing fees, establish a pro bono legal assistance program and more on behalf of veterans and their spouses.
“I am greatly appreciative of AMVETS selecting me as this year’s award recipient,” said Murphy (D-Burlington). “My father was an Army veteran who taught me the importance of service to others. I try to live up to that by working for the people of New Jersey, including the hundreds of thousands of veterans who call our state home. I consider it both an honor and a duty to advocate on behalf of the military members who courageously put their lives on the line for this country, and will continue to support our veterans in whatever ways I can.”
In addition to her legislative proposals, Assemblywoman Murphy has also participated in a number of initiatives to support both former and current military members. One such campaign gathered over 780 letters from local students in June of 2019 to send to troops overseas.
Since its founding in 1944, AMVETS has become a nationwide organization with more than 250,000 members. Each year, the New Jersey department selects one state legislator to recognize for their efforts on behalf of veterans.
AMVETS members themselves also help members of the military by providing services to 20 million veteran, such as offering assistance with claiming retirement and disability benefits, and giving college scholarships and donations to veterans in need.
The organization will be sending the award to Assemblywoman Murphy in the mail in lieu of presenting it at the State Convention, as a result of this year’s event being cancelled due to COVID-19.