Opinion: Our veterans deserve better

On this Veterans Day, it is important to reflect on the sacrifices made by the brave Americans who have served our country courageously, putting their lives on the line to protect our freedom. However, true patriotism extends further than one day. Public officials must consistently fight for our veterans by putting forward policies that aid their transition home and support their needs long afterward. 

Veterans may face unique challenges when transitioning back into civilian life, including difficulties related to obtaining housing, demonstrating eligibility for public benefits such as disability benefits and child support issues. These challenges are often interrelated and require attorneys to resolve them. Representation significantly improves veterans' outcomes in disability

claims cases, according to a 2022 report by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. The report demonstrated that veterans with legal representation won an average of $6,225 more per year than their unrepresented counterparts.

The Justice Gap reports that 76% of low-income veteran households experienced at least one civil legal problem in the past year, and 44% experienced at least five. Unlike in criminal matters, where the U.S. Constitution provides a right to counsel, legal representation is not guaranteed in civil cases. According to the Justice Gap, 84% of low-income veteran households report not receiving any or enough legal help in the past year. This is why I introduced bill A663, which would ensure that low-income veterans have access to legal representation in matters involving children, sustenance, and real property proceedings. We must champion equitable access to the justice system for our veterans who need it most. 

Bill A663 aims to establish a comprehensive and sustainable legal support network for veterans whose household incomes are at or below 400% of federal poverty guidelines. There are already organizations who do this work, including legal service providers, bar associations, and private organizations. Under this bill, these organizations would receive funding from the state to ensure that they are not fully dependent on outside financial support to provide these essential services. 

Further complicating legal issues for veterans, federal and state fair housing laws do not ban discrimination against veterans, creating a gap in protections for a demographic that has historically experienced housing insecurity. There are many ways landlords may discriminate against veterans, but the most common is income discrimination. We must ensure that landlords are not denying veterans housing if they use benefits to cover their housing expenses. My bill A569A would add veterans to the list of protected classes for unlawful housing discrimination in New York state, which would decrease the number of unhoused veterans in our state. This legislation would explicitly prohibit discrimination against veterans seeking housing. Further, the bill applies to veterans regardless of discharge status, ensuring that LGBTQ+ veterans who were given other-than-honorable discharges due to their sexual orientation will still be protected from discrimination. No one who has served our country should be without a place to live. 

Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in defense of our country. It is our duty to ensure they have access to affordable housing, healthcare and financial stability. Veterans are integral parts of our communities and deserve our support. By ensuring legal representation for our veterans in civil matters, as well as protecting veterans against housing discrimination, we are investing in the well-being of our communities. 

Let's pay tribute to our veterans by passing A663 and A569A in the next legislative session.

Harvey Epstein is an Assembly member representing Assembly District 74 in Manhattan and a candidate for City Council.