Res 0635-2026

Res. No 635 Resolution calling upon the New York State Governor to sign S.2071-A/A.6084-A, which would require the New York State Department of Labor to maintain a list of available careers and job openings for veterans in New York State By Council Members Morano, Restler and Ariola Whereas, Veterans possess valuable skills, training, leadership experience, and technical expertise gained through military service that can contribute significantly to the civilian workforce; and Whereas, According to the United States Census Bureau, New York City is home to 122,761 veterans with diverse employment, educational, housing, health, and financial needs; and Whereas, Transitioning from military service to civilian life can present significant challenges for veterans, including identifying employment opportunities that align with the skills, training, and experience acquired during military service; and Whereas, According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual unemployment rate for veterans was 3.5% in 2025, an increase from 3% in 2024; and Whereas, Employment outcomes vary among veterans, and in 2025, the unemployment rate for Black veterans was 5%, compared with 3.3% for White veterans, and 2.7% for Asian veterans; and Whereas, Women veterans also face distinct employment challenges as evidenced by the 2025 unemployment rate among women veterans who served during the Gulf War era II, which was 4.8% compared to 3.4% among their male veteran counterparts; and Whereas, A 2024 needs assessment conducted by the RAND Corporation examining recently discharged veterans in New York State found that 34% of respondents considered job training to be a helpful resource, but only 10% reported having accessed job training; and Whereas, These findings demonstrate the importance of ensuring that veterans are not only eligible for employment and workforce development resources, but are also able to easily identify and access available opportunities; and Whereas, For New York City veterans navigating a complex network of Federal, State, City, and nonprofit services, centralized and easily accessible information regarding employment opportunities may help reduce barriers to identifying available careers and jobs; and Whereas, The New York State Department of Labor provides employment services and resources to veterans, including priority of service for qualified veterans and eligible spouses through its Career Centers; and Whereas, The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services provides veterans and their families with assistance accessing benefits, programs, services, and other resources available to them; and Whereas, Greater coordination between State agencies and improved access to centralized information about available employment opportunities could help veterans more easily identify and pursue careers in New York State; and Whereas, S.2071-A, sponsored by State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and its companion bill, A.6084-A, sponsored by Assembly Member Pamela Hunter, would amend the New York State Labor Law to require the New York State Department of Labor to create and maintain a list of available careers and job openings for veterans in New York State; and Whereas, S.2071-A/A.6084-A would require the New York State Department of Labor to provide such list to the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, regularly update the list to ensure that career and job listings remain current, and require the list to be placed on the Department of Veterans’ Services website; and Whereas, S.2071-A passed the New York State Senate on April 13, 2026, and subsequently passed the New York State Assembly on June 3, 2026, but has yet to be delivered and signed by the Governor; and Whereas, Establishing a centralized and regularly updated list of careers and job openings for veterans could provide New York City veterans with an additional tool to navigate the civilian job market and connect with employment opportunities throughout the State; and Whereas, New York State should continue to reduce barriers to employment for veterans and ensure that former service members can fully utilize the skills, training, and experience gained through their military service; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Governor to sign S.2071-A/A.6084-A, which would require the New York State Department of Labor to maintain a list of available careers and job openings for veterans in New York State. LS 23935 8/17/2026 EA