Chairman Crowley, Local Officials Announce Legislation to Protect Student Veterans

Chairman Crowley, Local Officials Announce Legislation to Protect Student Veterans

Congressman Crowley announced the Students LIVE Act at the Bronx Victory Memorial in Pelham Bay Park to protect student veterans. Pictured (left to right): New York City Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Air Force Veteran and NYC Veterans Alliance Supporter Manuel Rodriguez, Chairman Crowley, NYC Veterans Alliance Founding Director Kristen Rouse, New York State Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and New York State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.

(Bronx, NY) – Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, announced legislation to help student veterans find affordable housing and protect them from predatory landlords.

The legislation, the Students LIVE Act, is part of Chairman Crowley’s Better Deal for Queens and the Bronx, a comprehensive plan put forward by Crowley to improve the lives of working men and women in New York’s 14th Congressional District.

The Students LIVE Act would establish federal protections for student veterans when they apply for housing accommodations. Chairman Crowley was inspired to introduce the legislation after assisting a constituent and student veteran, Manish Singh, who faced unnecessary burdens and hurdles when seeking affordable housing.

At the press conference at the Bronx Victory Memorial in Pelham Bay Park, Congressman Crowley was joined in support by New York City Councilman Mark Gjonaj, New York State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, New York State Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and veterans’ right advocates.

“It’s a travesty that too many of our nation’s heroes are denied access to affordable housing and other resources they need when returning home,” said Chairman Crowley. “This issue is especially prevalent amongst our student veterans, including one of my constituents. Manish’s experience drove me to introduce the Students LIVE Act, which will safeguard the rights of our nation’s returning servicemembers as they transition back to civilian life.”

“I am proud to join Chairman Crowley as a cosponsor of the Students LIVE Act to ensure our veterans have access to affordable housing options close to their respective universities,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), a co-sponsor of the Students LIVE Act. “Our veterans put country first, while risking their lives to ensure the freedoms and liberties on which our country was founded. They honored our nation, and now it is time that we honor them. We each have a role to play to ensure that the men and women who have served our nation have the opportunity for success and achievement upon their return to civilian life.”

“When our nation makes commitments to those who serve, these promises must be kept,” said Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN), a co-sponsor of the Students LIVE Act. “This important legislation ensures that the housing allowance provided by the GI Bill is properly accounted for by lessors.”

“This crucial legislation will protect the rights of our student veterans and their ability to access affordable housing,” said New York City Councilman Mark Gjonaj. “I thank Congressman Crowley for his leadership on this issue and will continue working with him to fight for the needs of veterans living in the Bronx and across New York City.”

“It’s troubling that so many who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms are not able to find or be approved for affordable housing,” said New York State Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez. ”I am proud to stand with my Congressman, Joe Crowley, in his efforts to ensure that our nation’s student veterans are properly taken care of”

“This is common-sense, bipartisan legislation. It will help our veterans and it won’t cost the government a cent. It’s a no brainer,” said New York State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.

“As veterans are succeeding on college campuses nationwide, it is imperative that our country pulls together to support them in their educational journey; to recognize their GI Bill in covering the cost of their housing is a small thanks for the sacrifices our women and men in uniform made for us,” said Jared Lyon, President and CEO of Student Veterans of America.

The Students Live Act is supported by Student Veterans of America, The American Legion, Code of Support, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Association of the United States Army, NYC Veterans Alliance, EANGUS, and Swords to Plowshares.

Nearly 90,000 veterans reside in Queens and the Bronx, some of whom struggle to secure affordable housing and find resources to help them navigate life back home. Throughout his time in Congress, Chairman Crowley has been a steadfast advocate for veterans’ rights and fought to expand services for those who have served our nation. In October, Chairman Crowley led the Queens Congressional delegation in demanding the Department of Veterans Affairs to explore the rehabilitation and reopening of a crucial hospital facility for local veterans. He has also consistently led opposition to Republican proposals to cut services for veterans and former servicemembers.

Chairman Crowley’s Better Deal plan for Queens and the Bronx can be read here.

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