ASSEMBLY MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 2559

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 9, 2021

      The Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2559 (1R), with committee amendments.

      As amended, this bill would increase the annual payments by the State to veterans with certain wartime service-connected disabilities to $1,800.

      Currently, a blind veteran receives $750 annually under the Blind Veterans’ Allowance Program.  This amount has not been changed since 1971.  A veteran with certain other disabilities also receives $750 annually under the Paraplegic and Hemiplegic Veterans’ Allowance Program.  This amount has not been changed since 1981.  This bill would increase the annual payments to $1,800.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      There are technical amendments to the bill changing general statutory references to specific statutory references.  The amendments make the bill identical to Senate Committee Substitute for Senate, Nos. 2565 and 3573.