Legislation signed into law last week will increase support and protections for veterans and their families by creating an Office of the Veteran Advocate. Bill A4712, sponsored by Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker and Assemblyman Julio Marenco, also authorizes the Veteran Advocate – the administrator and chief executive officer of the office – to act as an Ombudsman.
The Veteran Advocate will work to ensure New Jersey’s veterans receive appropriate services and care.
“Our veterans and their families deserve the full support of the government they have served, and this legislation would provide that,” said Assemblywoman Tucker (D-Essex, Union). “The new Office of Veteran Advocate will ensure that services, treatments, and care veterans receive is delivered with the utmost personal dignity and respect to privacy.”
“I am proud to have served alongside men and women who gave their best in service to our country,” said Assemblyman Marenco (D-Hudson). “This bill sends a clear message to our veterans: your voices matter, and that New Jersey is committed to hearing you and improving the services you’ve earned.”
The bill signed into law today reflects recommendations Governor Phil Murphy made after he conditionally vetoed the original version earlier this year.
