Increases civil service credits on competitive exams for members of the armed forces

BILL NUMBER:S8029

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 6 of article 5 of the constitution, in relation to additional civil service credit for members of the armed forces of the United States

Purpose

This proposed constitutional amendment would increase the number of points that both disabled and non-disabled members of the armed forces of the united states receive on competitive civil service tests for original appointment and for promotions.

Summary of specific provisions

Amends section 6 of article 5 of the constitution. Disabled veterans shall be entitled to receive 13 points instead of the present 10 for competitive examination for original appointment and 6 points instead of the present 5 in a competitive examination for promotion. Non-disabled veterans shall be entitled to receive 8 points instead of the present 5 in competitive examination for original appointment and 3 1/2 points instead of the present 2 1/2 for examination for promotion.

Justification

In 1949, New Yorkers changed the constitution to give both disabled and nondisabled veterans additional points on civil service tests. This legislation improves upon the initial bill by increasing the added civil service credits that our brave armed services members receive when testing for employment and promotions within state and local governments.

Unfortunately, those who answered the call in the nation's most recent wars have been hit harder by the staggering economy than the rest of America. Generally, their unemployment rate is higher than the rate for the general population and this is especially true for younger veterans, those 30 years of age and under. There have also been reports that guardsmen and reservists who had jobs when they left for active duty are finding they can't always get them back when they return, despite a law that requires employers to hold their positions for them.

By passing this legislation, we can further affirm our continued support for our veterans by making it a little easier for them to be employed within our state and local governments.

Prior history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately. This amendment would take effect upon approval of the voters at a general election succeeding the passage of such amendment by two separately elected legislatures.