New York Proposal 1 will appear on the November 4, 2008 ballot in New York as a proposed amendment to the New York Constitution. The measure was legislatively referred to the ballot by the New York State Legislature.
If voters approve Proposal 1, it will:
Change the state's constitution to eliminate the current requirement that in order to qualify for additional credit on civil service examinations, disabled veterans must be receiving disability payments. Change the reference in the pertinent part of the state constitution to the "United States Department of Veterans Affairs" from the "United States Veterans Administration" to reflect the federal government's name change for that department. The amendment would require that the United States Department of Veterans Affairs certify that the veteran's disability exists at the time that the veteran applies for appointment or promotion. Supporters Local veterans' agencies in New York support the amendment, saying it will make it easier for disabled ets to get civil service jobs.[1]
References ↑ Times Herald Record, "Ballot proposal would aid veterans seeking civil service jobs"
Was the qualifying disability incurred during a period of military service?
IIRC, the disability must be related to military service. I don't *think* it needs to have become disabling while in service. My grandfather worked for 40+ years before his leg wound became permanently disabling. If I understand things correctly, as long as the disability is related to military service (including Coast Guard), it qualifies.
Veterans amendment on the ballot Civil service exam credits added for some disabled
By RICK KARLIN, Capitol bureau First published in print: Thursday, October 30, 2008 ALBANY — While New Yorkers on Tuesday will select a U.S. president, congressional representatives and state legislators, they'll also be voting on a constitutional amendment that if passed would give veterans a boost in competing for public-sector jobs.
Proposal 1, the only amendment on this year's ballot, would add an extra five points on civil service exams to veterans who have a war-related disability but who don't collect payments from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.
Now, veterans get an automatic five points on 100-point civil service tests, and they get another five if they receive VA payments.
The legislation arises from the fact that some veterans have disabilities but, for a variety of reasons, aren't collecting VA payments said Casey Lumbra, spokesman for the state Division of Veteran's Affairs.
"Those folks are the ones who are left out," Lumbra said.
While unsure of precisely how many people fall into the category, officials note veterans are constantly returning to the state from Iraq and Afghanistan. There are about 1 million veterans in the state.
The amendment dates from 2006, when Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, D-Brooklyn, and Sen. Kenneth LaValle, R-Port Jefferson, offered it.
"I had gotten some complaints from some veterans," said Ortiz in explaining the move for the change.
There a number of reasons why a disabled veteran wouldn't collect a VA payment, added David Ernst, spokesman for the state Civil Service Department. Some veterans, may be paid by a lump-sum retirement rather than disability payments.
Rick Karlin can be reached at 454-5758 or rkarlin@timesunion.com.
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