The 2010 Legislative Program

As members of the Sons of The American Legion we follow the American Legion Legislative efforts put
forth by our American Legion Department of NY. The Department of NY American Legion Commander
William Kearsing suggests that we take every opportunity this year to acknowledge with thanks, the
important Veteran’s Legislation that was passed by the New York State Legislature and approved by the
Governor this past year. The following eight items below are the adopted positions of the American
Legion that will bring immediate and long‐term benefits that the 1.7 million veterans in New York State
are entitled to:

1. Military Service Credit

(S3548 Maziarz/A7136 Cusick)
Currently members of the retirement system are able to buy back their time from 5
years service to 2 years per Chapter 548 of the NYS Laws of 2000.

2. Free Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Licenses for Active Duty Service Members

(A7479 Giglio/S4679 Young)
Free hunting, fishing and trapping licenses to residents of NY state who are active duty
service members in the armed forces regardless of where they are stationed.

3. Keep County/City Veterans Service Agencies
Recently efforts to consolidate several agencies have been proposed, such
consolidations would limit the resources and opportunities for veterans. Veterans
deserve a free-bureaucracy.standing, independent agency to assist them through governmental

4. Preserve Oxford Vet‐Nursing Home Facility
(A8853 Ortiz/No Senate bill)
NYS Dept of Health has built a new facility at Oxford. The old facility still can serve
functions and should be kept as a reserve facility for natural disasters, terrorist attacks,etc.

5. NYS‐SLA 30 Day Billing Policy
(A7527 Ortiz/S3170 Griffo)
Return to the State Liquor Authority’s 309 day billing policy for non-profit organizations.

6. Veterans’ Memorials Preservation
(S7879 Leibell/A1104 Cusick)
Currently, there are no laws to protect was memorials in NY state. This will preserve the
legacy and avoid destruction of important memorials.

7. Veterans’ Organization Real Property Tax Exemption
This calls for the exemption of Veterans’ organizations from ALL real property tax an
school tax. Currently posts may be assessed if they rent their facilities.

8. Enforce NYS Flag and Pledge Laws
(A5929 Towns/No Senate bill)
Directs the NYS Commissioner of Education to prepare an annual course of study of the
history of the American flag to encourage participation therein by students and faculty
and indicate that the pledge is taken in recognition of the sacrifices made by the men
and women of the armed forces of the United States in defense of our country. 

The American Legion is currently monitoring over 700 bills, resolutions, and issues in the House and
Senate. As our Department Commander Kearsing suggests, many great things happened last legislative
year to aid our Veterans. Make sure you thank your Congressman/woman as you ask them for support
for this year’s issues. The Flag has been a long standing issue with the American Legion and we look
forward to the day when there is overwhelming support for the passage of such a bill, as you can see in
item #7 from above, it remains a key focus.

Take some time out of one of your meetings and have your members write to your Congressmen,
supporting the issues above and saying thanks to them for supporting our past, present and future
Veterans through enactment of legislation.

As your Detachment of NY Sons of The American Legion Legislative Chairman I hope to be of service to
you in your legislative efforts at the squadron, county, district and state levels. Dr. Greg K. Gibbs