ALBANY, NY – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris announced on February 26 that the State Senate passed his legislation (S.2145) which gives New York’s veterans a dignified burial. The bill, which passed unanimously, requires affected counties and the City of New York to work with a veterans service organization to provide for the burial of a veteran whose remains are unclaimed.

“No one is more deserving of a respectful funeral and burial than the men and women of our armed forces,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “For those who sacrificed for our country, it is important our communities work to deliver the appropriate honors. The New New York Senate is proud to support our veterans.”

Senator Gianaris’ legislation ensures unclaimed remains of veterans are afforded a dignified funeral and burial, even when veterans do not have a next-of-kin or the means to provide for their own burial. Local governments would work with a local veterans service organization which would contract with a funeral home to provide these services.