ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon announced on Thursday, June 8 that she, along with Albany Senator Jim Tedisco, passed legislation that would help get veterans back to work.

The bipartisan bill would establish a Veteran Internship Program, also known as VIP NY. Veterans who qualify for the program would participate in the legislature’s annual paid legislative internship program. The bill will set aside ten percent of the current paid internship positions and would work with county veterans’ service agencies to identify qualified candidates.

Participants would receive a stipend equivalent to what graduate students receive in either house of the legislature. In order to participate in the program, a veteran must be honorably discharged from the armed forces, be unemployed or underemployed, and have demonstrated an interest in future employment in public service, government, or public policy.

“Oftentimes, veterans are unable to find employment when they return home from service,” Buttenschon said in a statement. “That’s why I sponsored legislation to create the Veterans Internship Program at the state Capitol. This bill would help Veterans transition back into society by allowing them to learn more about how state government works and potentially pave the way for a career in public service. The discipline, professionalism, and work ethic instilled in these heroes will be an incredible asset to the state Legislature.”

The legislation now goes to Governor Kathy Hochul for her signature.