Committee Also Advances Legislation to Encourage Sons of American Legion Participation
Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Cleopatra G. Tucker and Sgt. Bob Andrzejczak that would expand the list of organizations public employees may take a leave of absence to participate in was released Thursday by an Assembly panel.
“Of the nearly 50 organizations on the list, it was surprising to not see the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Sons of the American Legion,” said Tucker (D-Essex). “This is simple legislation with great benefits that will allow members and family to continue to honor the service of Vietnam War veterans and Legionnaires.”
The bill (A-145) adds the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) to the list of state and national organizations whose conventions public employees may take a leave of absence to attend. Current law permits a five-day leave of absence with pay to an employee who is authorized as a representative of a listed organization.
“This is a small addition to current law with great impact for individuals who continue to devote themselves to military organizations and their numerous causes,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland), a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient who served in Iraq as a member of the U.S. Army.
The bill also removes from the list two organizations no longer in operation, The Grand Army of the Republic and the United Spanish American War Veterans.
The committee also approved legislation (A-151), sponsored by Tucker, that would add the Sons of the American Legion to the list.
The measures were advanced by the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, of which Tucker is chair.