Ashby Calls On Governor To Restore Veterans Funding Cut in Governor’s Budget Proposal
Assemblyman Wraps Up Cross-state Tour At Capitol
By Doug La Rocque and Amy Modesti
107th District Assemblyman Jake Ashby has spent the last week and a half holding press conferences from Buffalo to Albany, calling upon Governor Cuomo to restore $5.68 million in veteran’s services that were cut in the Governor’s budget proposal. Mr. Ashby is the ranking Republican member of the Assembly’s Committee on Veterans Affairs.
The tour has been called “Voices for Veterans”, with the assemblyman joined by the Assembly’s Minority Leader Will Barclay throughout, as well as local Republican and Veterans representatives. At the Thursday, February 25 gathering at the State Capitol, State Senator Daphne Jordan and the Columbia County Veteran’s Director Gary Flaherty were also present.
“Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to serve and protect our great nation. They have more than earned our support – this is why I am fighting to restore $6 million in funding for veterans programs,” said Ashby. “Every year the Governor tries to chip away at funding for veterans – funding that provides mental health services and critical help with the transition to civilian life. We won’t let him get away with it. New York must restore its support and commitment to veterans now.”
Assembly Leader Barclay said “Using New York’s heroes as a bargaining chip in budget negotiations is unacceptable. The Governor’s proposed cuts to essential veteran-related programs would be devastating. These services play a critical role in helping our veterans with mental health, job training and legal services. Let us not forget, these brave men and women who served our country need and deserve our support here at home.”
According to a statement released by the Assemblyman’s office, he contends the largest cut proposed is to the “wildly-successful” and popular Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer-to-Peer Program. The Governor’s budget eliminates more than $4 million from the counseling program that allows veterans to connect with other men and women who have served in the armed forces and are facing challenges similar to their own.
Assemblyman Ashby is a decorated combat veteran.