The Nassau County Legislature unanimously passed a bill introduced earlier this month by Legislators Steve Rhoads and Bill Gaylor that will provide an additional 5 paid days off of paid-time-off (PTO) for combat veterans in the Nassau County government employee workforce. This time can be used for VA appointments, physical therapy or psychological or stress-related treatment.
The legislation is authorized by New York State Military Law §242 that went into effect 11/11/2019 and specifically applies to Nassau County officers or employees that are combat theater veterans and combat zone of operations veterans.
"This week's unanimous passage of our bill that allows combat veterans 5 days of paid time off for VA appointments, physical therapy or psychological or stress-related treatment, brings us one step closer to providing a critical resource to our nation's heroes now serving Nassau County,” Said retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel and Nassau County Legislature Bill Gaylor. “Our message to combat veterans serving Nassau is simple: we will do everything we can to make sure you get any resources or assistance you may need. I look forward to seeing this bill be signed by the County Executive immediately."
The bill was introduced earlier this June, in coordination with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness month. Combat veterans are especially susceptible to PTSD due to the rigor of their service and traumatic experience.