New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Huntington) has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs by Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie (D-Bronx).
“I am so proud to be the next chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee,” Stern said. “It has been my privilege for my entire career to work closely with and for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our great nation. I look forward to meeting with our veterans from across New York State to deliver meaningful legislation for our local heroes and their families.”
Former Assemblymember Kimberly Jean-Pierre, who chaired the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, called Stern “a dedicated leader who has long championed the needs of our nation’s heroes,” adding, “I have no doubt he will continue to fight for the care and support our veterans rightfully deserve. … On behalf of the many residents of Suffolk County, I extend my deepest congratulations to Chairman Stern. I look forward to seeing all the great strides he will continue to make for veterans and their families across our state.”
In the Suffolk County Legislature, where he served for 12 years, Stern was the chairman of the Veterans Committee. In his tenure, he introduced and passed the landmark legislation “Housing Our Homeless Heroes,” ensuring that our veterans and their families always have a place to call home. He also authored the “Protect our Fallen Heroes Act,” protecting military funerals from reprehensible and disrespectful protests while families are grieving the loss of their loved ones to ensure respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation.
Marcelle Leis, director of the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency, worked together with Stern on numerous program, including the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project, which began in 2012. Under the project, fewer veterans experienced hospitalizations, homelessness and unemployment, as well as sustained families and daily wellness programs. “With Assemblyman Stern’s appointment as Chair of the Standing Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the New York State Assembly, his leadership will continue to forge new programs for veterans throughout New York State,” she said.
“The veterans of New York State received a gift today with the appointment of Assemblyman Steve Stern as Chairman of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee,” said Thomas Ronayne, former director of the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency. “Assemblyman Stern brings two decades of selfless commitment and service to the veterans community which have been characterized by understanding, compassion and true understanding of the issues and concerns that affect us. An honest and intelligent Chairman who will give his all to ensure we are well served by state government.”
Once elected to the Assembly in 2018, Stern sponsored and passed legislation to improve access to critical information, so veterans receive the benefits they deserve, and legislation creating a task force to study and improve veterans’ employment opportunities. He has also passed legislation to protect veteran homebuyers from fraud through loan counseling and assistance, and to expand the opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprises. He also introduced legislation to create a study of women veterans’ healthcare issues to improve veterans’ healthcare in New York, and a bill to ensure that a veteran’s disability benefits would not jeopardize their eligibility for public housing.
“All of us at the Long Island State Veterans Homes are excited that Assemblyman Stern will become the next Chairman of the New York State Assembly’s Standing Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. During his seven years in the New York Assembly, Steve has been a tireless advocate for our veterans and their families, especially those who are utilizing the five New York State Veterans Homes. We look forward to his leadership on this very important committee,” said Fred Sganga, FACHE, executive director of the Long Island State Veterans Home.
Bob Santo, Past Commander of the American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244, added, “Steve Stern has effectively advocated for veterans and their families since he began serving as our legislator for the 16th LD in Suffolk County. I am very glad to see that he has risen to the position of Chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs in the New York State Assembly. He has years of experience, and a deep knowledge of veteran issues to make a real difference. New York State Veterans of all conflicts can be assured that he will continue to fight for them.”
“I was really pleased to learn that Steve Stern has been appointed Chairman of Veterans Affairs for the NY State Assembly,” said Charlie Armstrong, American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244. “At our American Legion meeting, I let our members know of Steve’s appointment, and got a very strong positive reaction from our members. Steve has been a strong supporter of veterans and their families for many years and has always been there ready to help. I am confident he will continue doing a great job for the veterans in his new position.”
Dr. Ray Mascolo, D.D.S., who provides free dental care to veterans on Long Island, recalled when Stern went with him to the Veterans Affairs in Northport and helped serve Thanksgiving dinners to homeless veterans and to those at St. Anthony of Padua in Northport. “He is very dedicated to our veterans,” said Mascolo said.
“As Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee I will remain committed to ensuring that our veterans across New York State always receive the recognition, support, and services that they deserve,” Stern said.