Senator Michael F. Nozzolio Rallies New York State Senate in Support of VA Full Funding Resolution!

New York, Senator, Michael Nozzolio has proven what one person can do if they are so inspired. Several weeks ago, Senator Nozzolio authored and introduced a State Resolution in support of full mandatory federal funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system. Senator Nozzolio said he was inspired to write his resolution by OFFE National Chairman Gene Simes and a resolution OFFE had created concerning the VA funding issue. The Senator used OFFE’s resolution as a template and custom authored a version of the document the New York Senate could vote on. Resolutions, Legislative J3261 was passed by the New York State Senate unanimously last Tuesday (61-0).

New York State Resolution J3261 reads in part;

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to urge
the New York State Congressional delegation to fully support mandated
funding for veterans' healthcare services; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to ensure that these
healthcare obligations to our veterans be recognized and legislation be introduced and passed for signing by the President of the United States of
America to guarantee full mandatory funding of veterans' healthcare services; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the President of the Senate of the United States, the Speaker
of the House of Representatives, and to each member of the Congress of the United States from the State of New York.

Senator Mike Nozzolio and the New York State Senate are the latest to be added to a growing list of politicians and celebrities who have publicly endorsed Operation Firing For Effect and our grassroots Crusade for full mandatory funding of veteran’s healthcare. Navy veteran Bill Cosby (comedian), and Air Force veteran Willie Nelson (recording artist), both of whom have established civic backgrounds are both members of this national movement. Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson have also signed OFFE’s resolution for full mandated funding of the VA, and our crusade continues to gain support from both sides of the aisle every day. The Governor of Oregon, Theodore Kulongoski, and numerous city counsels and county commissions from across the country have endorsed OFFE’s Crusade for full funding of veterans healthcare. The Cook County Board of Commissioners from the great state of Illinois not only passed a similar resolution, they went so far as to issue a referendum placing the simple ‘yes or no’ question on their county’s primary election ballot. Since that time, several dozen additional Illinois counties have adopted the same referendum and millions of Illinois residents will have the opportunity to vote their opinion on the VA funding issue during their primary election, February 5, 2008. Illinois voters will be asked;

“Shall the federal government be required to adopt full mandatory funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of ensuring that all eligible honorably discharged U.S. veterans receive quality and accessible healthcare and services?”

Senator Michael Nozzolio, and the Illinois State Legislature have a great deal to be proud of, and Operation Firing For Effect ‘Salutes’ these loyal Americans for their devotion and concern for this country’s former military families and their earned healthcare. The New York State Senate has made a great contribution towards the future healthcare needs of our veterans, and they have blazed a trail on which other states can follow and participate in this historic movement.

OFFE is currently conducting a petition drive in the great State of California to get the very same question placed on the statewide general election ballot in November. We need to collect 500,000 signatures by April 30th if we are to be successful. If you are a California resident, and would like more information on this petition drive, contact OFFE California Director of Operations, Rusty Rustan; voiceforveterans@aol.com 949 705 7009.

In addition to the politicians and celebrities, a number of major labor unions have answered the call as well. To view a list of signed resolutions and a list of OFFE endorsements visit; http://offe2008.org/public_html/resolution.htm

OFFE is asking our supporters to call and thank Senator Nozzolio for his support and leadership on this issue, call and ask for Senator Nozzolio’s office, 518 455-2800.

For more information on Operation Firing For Effect visit;
http://offe2008.org/public_html/OFFE%20Review07.pdf

Together, we will make the year 2008, the Year of the Veteran!

[Name Omitted]
National Public Relations Director
Operation Firing For Effect
www.offe2008.org