Does New York State have a program for giving military veterans any special employment assistance in return for having served their country?

 Yes. The New York State Department of Labor's commitment to veterans is stated in the 'Veterans Bill of Rights.' Eligible veterans must have been discharged or released from active duty with other than a dishonorable discharge. The Department of Labor's Veterans Program provides priority of service to eligible special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam Era, disabled veterans other than special disabled veterans, Campaign veterans and all other veterans and eligible persons, by giving them preference over non-veterans in the provision of employment and training services available, such as, registration, counseling, referral to supportive services, and job development.

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Department of Labor Veterans Employment Services
Department of Labor Veterans Employment Services
URL: http://www.labor.state.ny.us/working_ny/finding_a_job/vets.htm