Gonzalez’s bill eases restrictions on veterans getting city licenses
City Councilwoman Sara Gonzalez, whose father and husband are both veterans, said a bill she sponsored to help veterans obtain city licenses easier is receiving strong support from her colleagues.
The bill sailed through the council by a vote of 48-0 that was taken on March 20. Gonzalez (D-Sunset Park-Red Hook) noted that the vote took place during the week the nation marked the 10th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War. “I am mindful that this week we mark the passing of 10 years since the beginning of the Iraq War,” she said.
Under the bill, a veteran who applies for a city license, such as a street vendor permit from the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, and then has to leave the city to serve a tour of duty, would not have to worry that his or her application process would be canceled as a result of the absence. Following the tour of duty, the veteran could pick up where he or she left off and complete the application process as if it had never been interrupted, Gonzalez said.