NYSAC Releases New Report Calling for Stronger Support for County Veterans Services
For Immediate Release: November 9, 2026
NYSAC Releases New Report Calling for Stronger Support for County Veterans Services
Ahead of Veterans Day, new report highlights growing demands on county veterans service offices and outlines state and federal policy priorities.
As communities across New York illuminate their buildings green in recognition of Veterans Day, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) today released a new report highlighting the critical role county governments play in supporting veterans and calling for stronger state and federal partnerships to ensure veterans and their families can access the services they have earned.
The report is the first product of NYSAC's newly established Presidential Task Force on Veterans Services and Support. It draws on a survey of county veterans service officers and county leaders designed to identify challenges facing local veterans service agencies, highlight successful county initiatives, and outline policy priorities to strengthen services statewide.
The release comes during the sixth annual Operation Green Light for Veterans, a campaign launched by NYSAC in 2021 that has grown into a nationwide initiative involving hundreds of counties. Together, the new Task Force, report, and Operation Green Light are helping counties recognize veterans' service while advancing policies and programs that provide meaningful support throughout the year.
"Operation Green Light is a powerful reminder that our veterans deserve to be seen, appreciated, and supported," said NYSAC President Kevin D. Watkins, MD, MPH. "But our responsibility doesn't end when the green lights go out. This report is about turning that appreciation into action. Counties are on the front lines of helping veterans access benefits, health care, housing, and other essential services, and we need to make sure they have the resources to do that work effectively."
High Demand, Limited Resources
County veterans service offices are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families seeking assistance navigating federal benefits, accessing health care, finding employment, and connecting with community resources.
NYSAC's preliminary survey findings illustrate the significant demand for these services. Thirty-seven percent of respondents reported serving more than 2,500 veterans and family members in the past year, while another 26 percent reported serving between 1,000 and 2,499. Respondents identified limited staffing, insufficient funding, and transportation barriers as major challenges, while younger and recently separated veterans, aging veterans, and those living in rural communities were among the most difficult populations to reach.
Despite these challenges, the report highlights innovative county programs that are making a difference, including veterans outreach events in Madison County, a professional credentialing grant program in Dutchess County, and a joint transportation initiative serving veterans in Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties.
State and Federal Policy Priorities
Building on the survey findings, NYSAC identified five policy priorities aimed at improving access to veterans services and strengthening county service delivery. They include a $15 million increase in state funding for the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program, expanded state and federal funding for county veterans service agencies, and additional local options for property tax relief for disabled veterans.
The report also calls for expanded federal transportation assistance for rural veterans and the creation of a state-funded transportation pilot program to help overcome barriers to accessing medical care and other essential services.
Beyond the report's formal recommendations, NYSAC is supporting the expansion of innovative technologies that can help veterans access services more efficiently. One example is TipCo's EVA, a virtual assistant solution currently being used in Greene County to answer veterans' questions, provide information about benefits. By handling routine inquiries around the clock, tools like EVA can help county veterans service officers spend more time providing personalized assistance to veterans and their families.
Building on Operation Green Light
Operation Green Light for Veterans, which runs November 4–11, has expanded from its beginnings in New York into a partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and has grown into a nationwide demonstration of support for veterans.
"Counties have always played an important role in helping veterans access the benefits and services they've earned, but that work doesn't always receive the attention it deserves," said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. "Operation Green Light has helped shine a spotlight on our veterans and the communities that support them. Now, through this Task Force and its first report, we're building on that momentum to advance the resources, partnerships, and policies that will make a lasting difference for veterans and their families."
NYSAC will continue working with county officials, veterans service organizations, and state and federal partners to advance the priorities identified in the report and strengthen the network of services available to veterans throughout New York State.
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