Governor Hochul Proposes legislation to allow national guard members to qualify as veterans under New York State law

New York City, New York —A new legislation that would allow National Guard members to qualify as veterans under New York state law is a new Governor Kathy Hochul proposal.

The legislation was proposed on the 20th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11.

On the day the Twin Towers were attacked, in a press release from the Governor’s Office Hochul recognized the National Guard’s presence in the skies.

“In my opinion, they never got the recognition they deserved. It’s twenty years overdue, but I’m here to set that straight because I have seen what you’ve done. And I know what you continue to do,” Hochul said. “Some of you may have been there at the time, but those of you who also signed up after 9/11 I’ll always be in awe of that.”

According to Hochul, she had signed legislation that would expand the criteria that defines first responders who participated in the World Trade Center rescue.

The second bill signed increased the accessibility in applying for World Trade Center benefits.

The third bill Hochul signed expanded the definition of first responders to include communication workers.

According to the Governor, the bills were signed as an effort to allow people to receive the benefits they deserve.