Earlier this week, New York state Sen. John Brooks, the Democratic chairman of the Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee, and a veteran of the New York Army Reserve National Guard, helped to push several pieces of veterans’ legislation over the finish line in the state Senate.  

“We owe everything to our veterans and active duty military personnel,” Brooks said. “Look at what’s happening in Europe right now. And there were men and women throughout history who stood up to defend this country to make sure what we have, we keep.”

Brooks was instrumental in passing a bill to create a career assistance program within the state’s public college and university systems, as well as bills meant to help veterans find housing, jobs and tax relief. 

He spoke with Capital Tonight host Susan Arbetter about the legislation.