In an effort to help veterans in New Jersey and throughout the country, the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee met Wednesday to advance a package of resolutions calling on the Congress to pass federal legislation that would provide veterans with greater assistance and benefits.
The federal legislation referenced in the eight resolutions would address a lack of access to military pensions, compensation and benefits for certain disabled veterans and their families; provide unemployed veterans with education benefits; help veterans exposed to certain toxins during their service access healthcare and benefits; and assist disabled veterans with purchasing adaptive vehicles.
Upon the passage of these resolutions, Chairwoman Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex) issued the following statement regarding today’s legislation:
“Our veterans willingly sacrificed so much when they chose to serve in the military and defend our country. Many have sustained injuries and disabilities from their duties they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. It is our duty to provide former military members – especially our disabled veterans – with the support they need as they make their way through civilian life.
“The federal legislation we respectfully call upon Congress to pass would help address some of the biggest issues facing veterans in our country today. It is time to ensure all our veterans receive the assistance and benefits they deserve.”
The following resolutions were advanced by the committee:
- AR-258 (Armato & Tucker): Urges the U.S. Congress to pass the “Major Richard Star Act.”
- AR-259 (Swain, Tully & Tucker): Urges Congress to pass the “Veterans Economic Recovery Act of 2021.”
- AR-260 (Tully, Swain & Tucker): Urges the U.S. Congress to pass the “Retired Pay Restoration Act.”
- AR-261 (Downey, Houghtaling & Tucker): Respectfully urges Congress to pass the “Ensuring Survivor Benefits During COVID-19 Act of 2021.”
- AR-262 (Houghtaling, Downey & Tucker): Urges the passage of the federal “Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act.”
- AR-263 (Mazzeo, Tucker & Armato): Urges the U.S. Congress to pass the “K2 Veterans Care Act of 2021.”
- AR-264 (Tucker, Downey & Stanley): Urges the U.S. Congress to create a permanent and comprehensive framework for healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxins during service.
- AR-265 (Stanley & Tucker): Respectfully urges Congress to pass the Advancing Uniform Transportation Opportunities for Veterans Act.”
The measures now head to the Assembly Speaker for further consideration.