BILL NUMBER: S9099
SPONSOR: BASKIN
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the veterans' services law, in relation to establishing
the veterans' services organization capital support program
 
PURPOSE:
The objective of this legislation is to establish the Veterans' Services
Organization Capital Support Program for eligible entities and to define
the program's eligible services.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the veterans' services law by adding Article 4, which
defines and establishes standards for what qualifies as an eligible
entity for a veteran service organization, sets forth the criteria for
such entities, and outlines the eligible purposes through Sections 50,
51, and 52, respectively. Article 4 also provides that the commissioner
shall develop criteria for the disbursement of an advance of 25% for
awarded grants of $200, 000 or less. Eligible purposes for these grants
include payment for capital costs relating to the construction, improve-
ment, repairs, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of facilities owned by
eligible entities.
Section 2 sets forth the severability clause.
Section 3 declares that this act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The current Veterans' Nonprofit Capital Grant Program is an innovative
initiative that brings much needed resources to veterans' posts across
the state, reflecting New York State's commitment to its veterans.
However, many veterans' posts lack the capacity to cover the upfront
costs required to hire contractors, complete projects, and wait for
reimbursement. As a result, the funding provided through this program is
often inaccessible to the very organizations it is intended to support.
This bill offers a solution by establishing multiple phases of
reimbursement. It allows veterans' posts to undertake projects in
manageable stages and reduce the financial burden by authorizing a 25%
advance on grant awards, disbursing the remaining funds after the
initial portion has been spent down. This phased disbursement structure
will enable a greater number of veterans' posts, especially those with
the greatest financial need, to participate in and benefit from this
veterans' capital grant program.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.