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I've taken advantage of quite a few Veteran's benefits in NY. The enhanced property tax rebate for one is real nice. Back when I was going to college, NY was offering a scholarship for Vets which made SUNY/CUNY schools nearly free for full time students. This allowed me to pocket my GI Bill to save for the down payment on my house, besides the fact that I nearly completed a Bachelor's Degree for free.
The biggest benefit though is NY's recently amended "buy back" policy for municipal employees. I was able to purchase 3 years of service into my pension for 3% of my prior twelve months salary (times 3 of course, if that makes sense). This time counts "up front" meaning I can actually retire 3 years early with full benefits (I don't plan to leave early). Until recently, this was only offered to certain combat veterans. I am considered a combat veteran, but my area of deployment was not considered eligible. The law was recently amended to include ALL Veterans who served active duty time. That's very generous, but actually in line with many other states' laws.
Don't know for sure about this issue in the rest of the state, but I imagine the attitude is pretty much the same. So do I as a veteran think NY is veteran friendly? Meh, not so much.
Interesting...I wonder with the changes in how STAR is administered or after that school year, have things changed in some school districts?
Also, it looks like West Genesee and Lafayette are districts in Onondaga County for Vets to look into.
I graduated from JCC in 2014 after I got out of the Army. Very veteran friendly college, especially with Fort Drum so close. Great school for those just getting out of the service that don't want to jump straight into a 4 year university. I graduated from RIT this past May with a 3.8 GPA. I honestly don't think I would have done as well if it wasn't for me attending JCC for two years first.
Here is an interesting show based out of the PBS affiliate in Watertown that involves military veterans fishing at various locations within the station’s viewing area: Fishing Behind The Lines
Yes they have tons of veteran friendly communities however.....when it comes to things like medical coverage and other income related things the answer is no. Tons and tons of vets. My advice is to find a veteran grouping that supports your positive cause
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