Gov. Cuomo,

Honor New York State Veterans by signing the bill S. 5937 Larkin/A. 8174-A Paulin to recognize all veterans' military service by expanding eligibility for the veteran service credit.

​This legislation would expand the current veteran retirement buyback by removing limitations on the periods of time during which military service was rendered for purposes of determining eligibility. The bill also removes the limitations that the applicant served in the theatre of operations during the period of conflict.

This important bill recognizes the value of all veterans’ service to our country and would allow them to purchase up to three years of retirement credit for time spent in military service. Time spent in the military defending our nation is the ultimate public service and should be calculated with all other public service.

Therefore, the New York State AFL-CIO representing 2.5 million union workers and their families as well as retirees and their families, urges you to do the right thing and sign this bill.