That is why New York is taking immediate action to extend benefits to all those lost or disabled while on active duty, period.”
In addition, the Governor said, “We can never replace the loved one lost, but we can lessen the hardship and make it a little easier to deal with the loss. It is our honor, our obligation and our pleasure to do just that. We hope this gesture helps bring some comfort, peace, relief and justice to those grieving their loss.”
Cuomo’s directive comes after Democrats in the New York Assembly’s Higher Education Committee voted against a legislative proposal expanding free college tuition for children of Gold Star families.
The Committee’s Chairwoman, Rep. Deborah Glick said that the existing program is already providing $2.7 million for dependents of veterans serving in the combat zone. She explained that they rejected the proposal because of budget constraints. However, she promised to “make every effort to ensure” allocating additional funding to the program in the future.
