Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A9304, legislation which would allow New York City to issue specialized vending licenses to veterans with mental or physical disabilities.

 Res. No. 199

Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A9304, legislation which would allow New York City to issue specialized vending licenses to veterans with mental or physical disabilities.

By Council Members Ulrich, Cabrera, Levine, Richards, Vallone and Koslowitz

                     Whereas, In order to sell general merchandise in New York City in a public place that is not a store, such as on sidewalks or streets, an individual must hold a general vendor license; and

                     Whereas, The maximum number of general vendor licenses that New York City may issue is currently limited to 853; and

                     Whereas, The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) maintains a waiting list for general vendor licenses that is currently closed, as it contains thousands of registrants; and

                     Whereas, State law provides an exception to limitations on general vendor licenses, allowing the unlimited issuance of licenses to physically disabled veterans in New York City; and

                     Whereas, New York State has a long-standing commitment to honoring the service of veterans, offering preferential treatment to veteran vendors since 1894, when the State took action to assist disabled Civil War veterans who wished to work as vendors; and

                     Whereas, According to DCA, more than 1,800 veterans are currently licensed as general vendors; and

                     Whereas, In April 2014, New York State Assembly Member Michael Miller introduced A9304, legislation which would amend New York State General Business Law to allow New York City to issue specialized vending licenses to veterans that are physically or mentally disabled as a result of injuries sustained while in the military; and

                     Whereas, Since 2000, over 100,000 deployed service members have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more than 250,000 cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been reported; and

                     Whereas, It is estimated that between 19 and 30 percent of veterans that served during the Vietnam War have experienced PTSD; and

                     Whereas, Many of these veterans with “invisible injuries” such as PTSD and TBI cannot qualify for specialized veteran vendor licenses under the current law, which only recognizes physical disabilities; and

                     Whereas, General vendor licenses give veterans an opportunity to take charge of their careers by allowing them operate their own business with low start-up and overhead costs; and

                     Whereas, New York should provide the same benefits to injured veterans, regardless of the characterization of their disability; 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 A9304, legislation which would allow New York City to issue specialized vending licenses to veterans with mental or physical disabilities.

KET

4/23/14 2:03PM

LS 890/2014