ASSEMBLY MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1477

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 7, 2022

     The Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1477.

     This bill would increase the annual payments that are made by the State to veterans with certain wartime service-connected disabilities to $1,800.

     Currently, a blind veteran receives $750 annually under the Blind Veterans’ Allowance Program.  This amount has not been changed since 1971.  A veteran with certain other disabilities also receives $750 annually under the Paraplegic and Hemiplegic Veterans’ Allowance Program.  This amount has not been changed since 1981.  This bill would increase the annual payments to $1,800.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2022-2023 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.