The Peru Gazette

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that he has been appointed to the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for the upcoming legislative session.

“We owe so much to our veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made to keep our country safe,” Jones said. “Serving on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee will allow me to double down on my work to make the North Country a supportive home for these brave men and women and their families.”

Jones has long been an advocate for North Country veterans. Last year, he voted to extend the Hire a Veteran Tax Credit to help returning heroes find jobs with local businesses (Ch. 58 of 2018). Jones also secured $100,000 in the 2018-19 state budget for the North Country Veterans Association (NCVA), an organization that provides essential services for veterans and their families free of charge, including support for health issues, employment opportunities and support groups. The funding will allow NCVA to improve and expand its facilities to increase its outreach to veterans in the community.

Moving forward, Jones will continue to fight to secure funding for the Battlefield Memorial Gateway, a memorial dedicated to preserving the legacy of those who lost their lives serving our country in the War of 1812.[1] The facility will be built near the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base along the shores of Lake Champlain with access to historic Crab Island, the resting place of soldiers who died fighting in the War of 1812, and Valcour Island, the site of a major Revolutionary War battle.[2]Additionally, Jones is working with Malone officials to establish a Veterans Park to honor our heroes.

“This week began the 2019 legislative session, and I’m ready to hit the ground running,” said Jones. “From being a strong voice for our veterans to strengthening our schools and increasing public safety, I’m looking out for the North Country and protecting our families’ values.”