NY A05931

Establishes the New York state interagency coordinating council for service-disabled veterans within the executive department to coordinate services for veterans with service-related disabilities.

Council composition includes 10 agency heads (directors/commissioners from veterans affairs, general services, health, mental health, substance abuse services, labor, housing, education, transportation, and aging) plus 9 service-disabled veterans appointed by the governor (3), senate president (2), assembly speaker (2), and minority leaders of each chamber (1 each).

Council shall promote a comprehensive statewide program addressing education, health services, employment, housing, transportation, long-term care, personal care, day programs, and family outreach for service-disabled veterans.

Council must disseminate information about available services, receive and refer complaints to regulatory agencies, evaluate veteran needs, and meet at least quarterly while consulting with federal veterans integrated service networks.

Council shall submit annual reports to the governor and legislative leaders by April 1 each year beginning in 2020, detailing activities, legislative recommendations, and proposed agenda for the coming fiscal year.