WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2004: From George Latimer. September 20, 2004 (EDITED): Westchester County Legislator George Latimer, the Democratic Candidate for New York State Assembly in the 91st District, has announced his support for a series of bills designed to assist veterans in a variety of ways.

Latimer cited a series of veterans bills, currently pending action in the State Legislature - most sponsored by retiring incumbent Assemblyman Ron Tocci, who heads the Assembly's Veterans Committee. "I hope these bills pass before year's end", Latimer said, "but if not, I intend to sponsor or co-sponsor their re-introduction next year and will work for their passage".

Latimer noted a few specific bills among a large number of measures for veterans:

A.10895 - Corporate and personal income tax check off to support
military family relief funds;

A.5959 - Increases paid leave for public employees on military duty

A.5052 - Nursing homes required to apply for federal VA pension for
veterans and spouses

A.5878 - Local school tax exemptions for disabled veterans

Other bills ranged from postponement of judicial proceedings for children of military members to supplemental life insurance for active duty members of the armed forces.

Latimer, running on the Democratic- Independence- Working Families Party lines, has been a supporter of veterans issues as County Legislator, and has regularly attended meetings and special events of local American Legion
and VFW posts. In a statement, he said,

"Our brave men and women who have answered their country's call - both today and in days past - deserve our support and assistance to meet their everyday needs. It is very easy to praise their bravery under fire...but true support is more than rhetoric. ", Latimer stated. "We ought to prove our support in tangible ways".