Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni (D-Sag Harbor) hosted a press conference at Suffolk County Community College alongside Suffolk County officials and local veteran advocates in support of A.6001/S.1040, introduced by Schiavoni and Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), which would require SUNY, CUNY, and community college campuses across the state to provide disabled veterans with pool and health club memberships for the use of the public schools’ fitness and aquatic facilities, free of charge.
The Suffolk County Community College system has already adopted this policy at all applicable campuses, and state and county leaders in attendance emphasized the importance of statewide implementation to better support New York’s veteran population.
“Due to the leadership of our Board of Trustees, disabled veterans of the armed forces have enjoyed free access to our pool and health facilities for many years, which has supported our community and encouraged health and wellness,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue. “The College is proud to have been an early adopter of such open access, and we join with our veterans and public officials in advocating for the same access statewide.”
“This state-wide initiative would alleviate a financial burden for New York’s veterans, increasing access to a more fit, healthier lifestyle,” Schiavoni said. “I am proud to sponsor [this bill], and I urge my colleagues in the legislature to join me in supporting those who served our country with bravery and honor.”
Palumbo noted that New York State has the largest population of war veterans in the nation. “This commonsense measure will greatly help disabled veterans by providing them with free access to fitness and aquatic facilities on state campuses,” he said.
“Permitting disabled veterans to utilize these facilities at no cost improves mental and physical health outcomes,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine added. “Thank you to our East End State delegation for leading the charge in Albany on this important endeavor.”
New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills), chair of the Assembly’s Veterans Affairs Committee and one of the bill’s cosponsors, said: “Physical fitness is an important part of overall health and wellness and this initiative will ensure that those who have sacrificed so much for our great nation have access to activities that help with rehabilitation, provide support and camaraderie and show our veterans and their families that we always have their backs.”
“So many veterans call Suffolk County their home and Suffolk County supports its veterans community in so many ways,” Suffolk County Legislator and Veterans Committee Chairman Nick Caracappa (C-Centereach) added. “This act of giving back to those who served and sacrificed for our country, will go a long way in allowing these veterans to maintain their physical conditioning but perhaps more importantly, will help make a signi aaaaaficant positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing which is a critical need at this point.”
Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker (D-Southampton), a member of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee, had two family members — her mother and her sister — who are military veterans. “Our disabled veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices and providing them access to aquatic and health and fitness facilities throughout the state is a meaningful way to honor their service,” she said. “It’s not just about physical exercise — the mental health benefits of physical activity are well documented. This bill removes a barrier, opening doors to existing programs without creating new infrastructure. It’s a smart, cost-effective solution that makes a real difference.”
Suffolk County Legislator Catherine Stark (R-Riverhead) said, “This legislation is about respect — giving our disabled veterans access to the health and wellness resources they’ve earned. We should work with our campuses to support those who’ve served and sacrificed.”
Veterans of Foreign Wars Suffolk County District Commander William M. Hughes, Jr. said his organization is “more than grateful” for the support of this bill. “Although this helps disabled veterans with maintaining good physical condition, even more importantly, it is vital for the mental health of veterans,” he said. “This great legislation is a win for disabled veterans and a win for the taxpayers of our State, as it helps the disabled veteran and does not overburden our taxes.”