Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign, S.4714 and A.6974, legislation that would allow credit to members of the public retirement systems of New York State for military service.

By Council Members Ulrich, Dickens, Gentile, Gibson, Rose, Barron and Dromm

Whereas, New York City is home to roughly 200,000 veterans, a number of whom are currently public employees that have served in the armed forces throughout various conflicts and during peacetime; and

Whereas, New York State should recognize the sacrifices made by veterans, regardless of whether they have served during conflicts or peacetime eras; and

Whereas, New York State only permits active public employees who have accrued military service during certain wartime dates to purchase and apply credit for military time served to New York State's public retirement system; and

Whereas, New York veterans who have accrued peacetime military service are presently

excluded from purchasing and applying military service credit to the State's retirement system; and

Whereas, In most cases, purchasing and applying military service credit toward the State's retirement system would substantially increase an employee's retirement benefits; and

Whereas, In 2013, New York State Senator William J. Larkin and AssemblyMember Amy Paulin introduced S.4714 and A.6974, respectively, legislation that would provide credit to members of public retirement systems for military service rendered during both peacetime and wartime; and

Whereas, S.4714 and A.6974 would allow eligible veterans to purchase and apply for up to a maximum of three years credit toward retirement for military service; and

Whereas, S.4714 and A.6974 would provide an opportunity for New York to honor its veterans by acknowledging the sacrifices they made through military service; and

Whereas, New York State should do more to recognize and acknowledge our veterans, whether peacetime or wartime, who were ready to make any sacrifices, including combat services, if their nation asked; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign, S.4714 and A.6974, legislation that would allow credit to members of the public retirement systems of New York State for military service.

RJH

4/10/14 4:24 PM

LS 1299/2014