State Senator Michael Balboni (R/C-Mineola) has announced that the 2000 Legislative Session has produced numerous pieces of legislation designed to assist veterans.

"Often, we only focus on the accomplishments and sacrifices of our veterans a few times a year when we celebrate national holidays and observances," said Balboni. "And yet it is the year-round commitment of the military and its support services which provides us with the security to live our daily lives in peace and freedom. That is why the concerns of our veterans continue to be one of my top priorities."

The following legislation was acted upon during the 2000 Legislative Session:

* S.1479B allows veterans who qualify for a real property tax exemption to retain that exemption even if the veteran transfers ownership to a family member, providing the veteran retains his/her right to occupy the property. This bill has passed both houses and awaits the governor's signature to be signed into law.

* S.6940, known as "Operation Recognition", authorizes the commissioner of education to implement a program for World War II veterans to earn high school diplomas if they were unable to do so because of wartime commitments. This bill was recently signed into law (Chapter 40) by the governor.

* S.1250 credits military experience and educational training toward licensing requirements for positions such as registered nurses, physical therapists, emergency medical technicians and X-ray technicians. This bill has passed the Senate.

* S.6217B would increase the annuity from $500 to $1,200 for a blind veteran or spouse of a deceased blind veteran. This legislation has passed both houses and awaits the governor's signature.

* S.6485, which has passed both houses, would extend until September 2002, the application period during which Vietnam and Persian Gulf veterans must apply for tuition assistance awards with the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

* S.1910 consolidates all wartime dates into one section of law to ensure that veterans receive their well-deserved benefits.

* S. 6245 extends the statute of limitations on any action to recover damages brought by a WWII slave labor or forced labor victim or their heirs. This bill has passed both houses and awaits the governor's signature.

*S.6938A makes Gold STAR parents eligible for the veterans alternative property tax exemption, at local option. This bill has passed both houses.