Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced the passage of legislation he introduced specifically targeted to help veterans in New York State. H.R. 3219, the Veterans Benefits Act of 2010, contains language introduced by Higgins as part of H.R. 3485, the Veterans Pensions Protection Act.   The legislation was approved by the House and Senate and signed into law on October 13, 2010.

New York State provides blind veterans with a ‘Blind Veteran Annuity of $1,173.84 per year.  Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New Jersey have similar programs.  Veterans that receive both this annuity and a VA pension have their pension offset by the amount of the annuity.  Congressman Higgins introduced federal legislation which would stop the VA from offsetting veterans’ pensions due to the Blind Veteran Annuity or other benefits offered by state and local governments. 

“The previously broken system unintentionally shortchanged some of our most vulnerable combat veterans,” said Congressman Higgins. “This law ensures that our country’s bravest will receive the full benefits they deserve.”

Western New York resident and World War II veteran Ralph Chinelly praised the accomplishment saying, “On behalf of myself and all of the blind annuity recipients, we thank you for the magnificent job in getting HR 3219 approved.  We waited over 15 years for this date!  Congratulations!”

Cheektowaga Supervisor Mary Holtz, who also has a strong record of supporting veterans, was present for the announcement.  The Supervisor’s father, Benedict T. Holtz, who like Mary was a Cheektowaga Town Supervisor and Town Clerk, was also the first commander of the Pvt. Leonard, Jr. Post.  Mary is a lifetime member of the post.

“Because our nation’s veterans have sacrificed so much to protect us, we all – government leaders and citizens – need to stand up to protect the benefits they’ve earned,” said Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy, who worked to restore a stand-alone office for veterans’ services in Erie County. “By serving as a voice for the underrepresented, Congressman Higgins is leading by example.”

"This legislation will help prevent blind veterans from falling into poverty and improve their lives. It is also in appreciation for their service to our nation," said  NYS Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak of the 143rd District.

The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) initially brought the issue to the attention of Congressman Higgins and he introduced a bill in July of 2009.  Last October Congressman Higgins continued the fight by advocating for a fix to the measure that slights New York Veterans in testimony before the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance & Memorial Affairs. 

“This important legislation will assist a number of blinded veterans who live on these small VA pensions provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) allowing them to keep these state annuities that were small, but very important financial source of income, for these disabled and often elderly veterans,” said BVA Director of Government Relations Tom Zampieri. “Congressman Higgins worked with Congressman John Hall (D- NY) Chairman of subcommittee on Disability Assistance House Veterans Affairs Committee to ensure that these offsets would be stopped, and that when HR 3219 Veterans Benefits Act of 2010 was passed by congress September 29, 2010, it was included, and it was signed into law by President Obama on October 13, 2010.”

“Veterans who fought for our nation should have to fight the government, so we took on the fight on their behalf,” added Higgins. “This is a well deserved victory for New York veterans that is a long time coming and we are proud to play a role in it.”

Passage of this law benefits 4,484 blind veterans in New York State.