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History
- Referred to veterans, homeland security and military affairs
- Referred to veterans, homeland security and military affairs
Full text
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Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend chapter 547 of the laws of 1947, relating to providing for the payment of bonuses to members of the armed forces of the United States from this state, in relation to payment of such bonuses to members of the merchant marines who served in World War II or their next of kin
Purpose/summary of provisions
To provide war bonuses to members of the merchant marine who served at sea during World War II, or their next of kin. Adds subdivision (e) to Section 9701 of the Unconsolidated Laws to provide a $250 bonus to members of the merchant marine who served at sea during World War II.
Justification
In 1947, the Legislature enacted Section 9701 of the Unconsolidated Laws providing war bonuses to members of the armed forces who served during world War II, or their next of kin. Members of the armed forces included the Army, Navy, Army Air Corps, Marines, Coast guard, Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, Women's Air Corps, Waves, Spars, Women Marines, Public Health Service and Coast and Geodetic Survey. Four hundred million in bonds were floated to fund the payment of the war bonuses. In 1988, the Federal Government conferred veteran status upon Merchant Marines. Thereafter, the State Legislature enacted legislation which conferred veteran status upon Merchant Marines. Unfortunately, however,the time in which to apply for war bonuses expired on March 31, 1965. As a result of which, members of the merchant marine who served during the war were unable to claim their bonuses. The Merchant Marines were an integral and critical component of the war effort, transporting troops, artillery and supplies to combat theaters. Although they were not considered military personnel, more than 5,000 Merchant Marines lost their lives during the war, incurring a casualty rate second only to the Marines. While a $250 bonus is not a lot of money in today's economy, it represents payment of debt of gratitude which is long overdue.
Fiscal implications
It is estimated that 5,000 merchant marines and 340 next of kin would be eligible for the bonus. If all applied, the total cost would be $1,335,000.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.