TRENTON - New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy Thursday signed legislation that would establish a new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs, reorganizing the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
“Veterans have selflessly fought for our hard-earned freedoms as Americans,” Murphy said. “By establishing a department solely dedicated to the needs of veterans, we will continue to ensure they have a seat at the table and direct access to the support and resources they deserve. Our Veterans and their families deserve nothing less.”
Currently, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs manages both military operations and veterans’ services. Under this bill, the newly established Department of Veterans Affairs will exclusively focus on veteran-related matters, such as delivering housing, health care, mental health services, and benefits for veterans and their families. Military functions will continue at the current department, which will be renamed the Department of Military Affairs.
“This realignment is a deliberate step toward strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring focused leadership in support of our Veterans and military communities,” Brigadier Gen. Yvonne L. Mays said, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “It underscores our unwavering commitment to provide each community with the dedicated resources, advocacy, and attention they deserve.”
The law takes effect 120 days and maintains existing veterans’ services without creating new programs or appropriations.
Murphy nominated Vincent Solomeno as commissioner once the law takes effect.
“Vincent Solomeno has dedicated his career to serving our veterans and their families,” Murphy said. “His years of leadership and experience will help support our service members effectively. I am confident he will excel as the inaugural Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
“Under Governor’s Murphy’s leadership, the State of New Jersey continues to invest more, do more, and achieve more for Garden State veterans than at any time in our history,” Solomeno said. “I am privileged to work beside teams of dedicated public servants. We are committed to building a robust cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs worthy of those that we serve.”
The prime sponsors of S4376/A5520 are Sens. Joseph Vitale, Joseph Cryan, Assemblywomen Cleopatra Tucker and Annette Quijano, and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak..
“The VFW has supported this important piece of legislation since its inception,” NJ VFW Legislative Director Jay Boxwell said. “To have the new Commissioner of Veterans Affairs in a seat on the Governor's cabinet shows the commitment New Jersey has for its veterans. We look forward to working with the new leadership in the Department of Veteran Affairs.”
