Declaring “our veterans deserve nothing less,” Governor Phil Murphy yesterday signed legislation that creates a cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs in Trenton.
Currently, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) manages military operations and veterans services. DMAVA will continue to manage military operations but it will be renamed the Department of Military Affairs.
The newly established Department of Veterans Affairs will be responsible for delivering housing, health care, mental health services and benefits for veterans and their families.
“Veterans have selflessly fought for our hard-earned freedoms as Americans,” said Murphy. “By establishing a department solely dedicated to the needs of Veterans, we will continue to ensure they have a seat at the table and direct access to the support and resources they deserve. Our Veterans and their families deserve nothing less.”
According to the Murphy Administration, the law will take effect in 120 days, which allows time for anticipated administrative actions required to effect the separation of the two departments. Existing veteran services will be maintained during the separation.
“This realignment is a deliberate step toward strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring focused leadership in support of our veterans and military communities,” said Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “It underscores our unwavering commitment to provide each community with the dedicated resources, advocacy, and attention they deserve.”
Governor Murphy further announced that Vincent Solomeno will be nominated to be the Commissioner for the new Department of Veterans Affairs.
Solomeno is a veteran of the U.S. Army and currently serves as Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and Administrator of Veterans Affairs for DMAVA.
The prime sponsors of this legislation are Senator Joseph Vitale, Senator Joseph Cryan, Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano.
