On Veterans Day, New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar announced that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed her bill A4751A into law, creating new employment pathways for veterans with service-related disabilities. The measure passed unanimously during the 2025 legislative session.

According to a November 18 statement from Rajkumar’s office, the law requires State and local veterans’ service agencies to provide clear and consistent information about employment and re-employment programs available under Section 55-c of the Civil Service Law. Section 55-c allows eligible disabled veterans to obtain State jobs without taking civil service exams.

The legislation also directs the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services to update its employment portal with direct links to the New York State Department of Civil Service, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the New York State Department of Labor, creating a consolidated and more accessible hub of resources.

“With the signing of Rajkumar’s bill, New York now mandates coordinated, Statewide outreach to ensure veterans and their families receive timely and accurate guidance on job placement resources,” the statement said. “It requires local veterans’ service agencies to notify veterans of Section 55-c, which has long been recognized as a vital pathway to employment and stability for veterans. Until now, these agencies were not legally required to inform veterans about the program, leaving many qualified individuals unaware of opportunities available to them.”

Citing demographic data, the statement noted that New York is home to more than 120,000 veterans with service-connected disabilities, and “Over 60 percent of veterans recently separated from the military, who are most likely to be entering the job market, have a disability.” Veterans with disabilities often face barriers including difficulty translating military credentials to the civilian workforce, lack of awareness about available programs, and employer misconceptions, it added.

Assemblywoman Rajkumar said, “There is nothing I respect more than the courage of those who put their lives on the line for our country. That is why I fought for my bill…to open the door of opportunity for veterans with disabilities who defended our freedom. One in five New York veterans lives with a service-related disability…more than 120,000 heroes who will now have greater access to good jobs and economic opportunity.” 

She added that the law positions New York as a national leader in supporting veterans’ economic security, saying, “On this Veterans Day, we renew our commitment to ensuring that every veteran has the opportunity, dignity, and support they have earned through their service.”

Governor Hochul welcomed the bill’s passage, stating, “Our veterans and service members made the selfless choice to step up to protect our Nation and our liberties. Signing this [bill]…ensures that those who served our country face fewer barriers to employment and benefits and are properly honored for their commitment to our country.”

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, “These measures strengthen the promise we make to every person who wore the uniform of our Nation: that…their opportunities [will be] expanded – not diminished – in civilian life.”

The statement described the new law as the latest milestone in Rajkumar’s efforts to support veterans since joining the Assembly. This year she also passed A4649A unanimously, requiring the State Department of Veterans’ Services to provide local agencies with certificates of honorable separation within 60 days to help veterans access benefits. Last year she passed A3710, backed by the U.S. Department of Defense, to provide employment protections for National Guard members during deployment.

In her district, Rajkumar regularly partners with the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services to host events that offer one-on-one counseling to veterans. Last week she held a Veterans Appreciation event at Elizabeth Blackwell School MS210Q, where hundreds of students joined distinguished veterans to learn about the importance of honoring those who served.

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