Archive: Around Town

New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio announced Tuesday that individuals filing their 2013 New York State income taxes will now be able to to make a voluntary contribution to support veterans cemeteries in New York State. This fund is an important first step in the process to designate specific areas in New York State for a State Veterans cemetery. This voluntary contribution can be made as a deduction from an individual’s tax refund or as an additional monetary donation on New York State tax returns. Contributions are 100% voluntary.

“Just as our veterans recognized their duty to honor and serve our Nation, we too must recognize our duty as Americans to honor the profound sacrifices they made so that we can live our lives in freedom. New York State taxpayers can now help to honor our veterans by supporting the New York State Veterans Remembrance and Cemetery Maintenance Operation Fund through a check off box on their 2013 New York State Income Tax form. No contribution is too small and I am hopeful that individuals will consider supporting this important effort,” said Nozzolio.

Nozzolio sponsored and worked to enact the legislation creating the State Veterans Cemetery Program, which will provide new State and federal funding opportunities for veterans cemeteries across the State. The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery would be eligible to receive additional assistance from this newly created fund, once it reaches the threshold amount estimated at between $6 - $7 million dollars.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs State Cemetery program has helped establish, expand and improve veterans cemeteries in 42 states and territories. New York has never participated in this federally-sponsored program. Senator Nozzolio’s new law allows New York to join this federally recognized State Veterans cemetery program and receive badly needed financial support.

The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Seneca County is located on the grounds of the former Sampson Naval and Air Force base, where over one million sailors and airmen trained in preparation for battle to defend the United States of America. The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery was dedicated on July 30, 2011 and is the final resting place for over 160 veterans and their family members. The cemetery is built to nationally recognized standards for designation as a federal or State veterans cemetery.

“There are many components to receiving official State and/or National recognition, but one of the most important is the support of the local community. Our region has demonstrated time and again its support for the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery and this continued support will be critical as we move forward and seek official State and National recognition for the cemetery,” concluded Nozzolio.

The Veterans Remembrance donation check off box will be located on line 60j of the Residential Income Tax Return Form IT-201.

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