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New York City Council
Committee on Veterans
Apr 28, 2025
·
01:00 PM
1 hr 56 min
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Summary
A hearing on implementing recommendations from the city council's report card initiative for the Department of Veterans Services (DVS).
Discussions focused on:
- DVS's C grade
- Challenges in veteran outreach and self-identification
- Funding and staffing issues
- Improving service delivery.
Key topics included increasing the DVS budget, enhancing communication with veterans, addressing veteran homelessness, and improving support for veteran street vendors.
Features testimony from the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Holden introduces oversight hearing on DVS report card
Council Member Robert Holden, chair of the committee on veterans, introduces an oversight hearing on implementing recommendations from the city council's report card initiative for the Department of Veterans Services …
0:01:12
•
4 min
Introduction and context for DVS testimony
Commissioner James Hendon introduces himself and sets the context for the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) testimony in response to the City Council's report card program. He acknowledges the effort …
0:06:27
•
164 sec
Resource allocation and DVS's approach to maximizing limited resources
Commissioner Hendon discusses DVS's approach to resource allocation, emphasizing the department's ability to innovate and execute effectively despite limited resources. He explains how DVS leverages partnerships and focuses on adding …
0:09:11
•
170 sec
Expectation management and clarifying DVS's role vs. the VA
Commissioner Hendon addresses the need for better expectation management, clarifying DVS's role in relation to the federal VA and explaining some of the challenges and misconceptions faced by the department. …
0:12:02
•
10 min
DVS partnerships and initiatives for veteran outreach and support
Commissioner Hendon outlines DVS's strategy for reaching and supporting veterans through partnerships and various initiatives. He emphasizes the importance of multiple 'touches' or interactions to effectively engage with the veteran …
0:22:15
•
147 sec
Challenges with VetConnect NYC platform and Dwyer Veterans Support Program implementation
Commissioner Hendon addresses the challenges faced in implementing the VetConnect NYC platform and the Dwyer Veterans Support Program. He explains the reasons for delays and the steps being taken to …
0:24:43
•
122 sec
Veteran self-identification challenges and outreach efforts
Commissioner Hendon discusses the challenges of veteran self-identification and DVS's efforts to improve outreach and engagement with the veteran community. He emphasizes the department's flexible approach to service delivery and …
0:26:45
•
3 min
Plans for improving penetration and engagement with the veteran community
Commissioner Hendon outlines DVS's plans for improving engagement with the veteran community, including workforce development strategies and digital initiatives. He emphasizes the agency's commitment to incorporating veterans into its workforce …
0:30:22
•
126 sec
Vision for DVS growth and expansion over next 5 years
Commissioner Hendon briefly touches on DVS's vision for growth and expansion over the next five years. He emphasizes the need for smart growth and the importance of being prepared to …
0:32:27
•
7 sec
Response to specific scorecard recommendations
Commissioner Hendon provides specific responses to the scorecard recommendations and offers recommendations to the City Council for supporting veteran initiatives. He addresses various areas including service delivery, digital government, and …
0:32:35
•
106 sec
DVS recommendations to City Council and conclusion
Commissioner Hendon concludes his testimony by offering specific recommendations to the City Council and providing contact information for DVS. He emphasizes the department's readiness to answer questions and collaborate on …
0:34:22
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38 sec
Council Member Holden opens the discussion and acknowledges participants
Council Member Robert F. Holden opens the discussion by thanking Commissioner Hendon for his rapid presentation of a 20-page document. He acknowledges the need to go through the evaluation process …
0:35:01
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38 sec
Discussion on the evaluation process and data collection for the DVS report card
Council Member Holden and Commissioner Hendon discuss the evaluation process for the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) report card, focusing on data collection and potential improvements. - DVS was one …
0:35:39
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119 sec
DVS staff involvement in providing information and reviewing the report
Council Member Holden inquires about the degree of input DVS staff had in providing information for the report and reviewing early findings. Commissioner Hendon details the process and expresses some …
0:37:38
•
86 sec
Discussion on outreach to veteran service organizations and advocates
Council Member Holden and Commissioner Hendon discuss the city council's outreach to veteran service organizations (VSOs) and advocates during the report creation process. - Hendon expresses dissatisfaction with the limited …
0:39:05
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62 sec
Discussion of DVS report card findings
Council Member Holden and Commissioner Hendon discuss the seven key findings from the DVS report card. Hendon agrees with most findings but expresses some reservations about the gap between DVS's …
0:40:07
•
4 min
Debate over DVS's overall C grade in the report card
Council Member Holden and Commissioner Hendon discuss the overall C grade given to DVS in the report card. Hendon argues that the grade is not fair and that DVS deserves …
0:44:55
•
150 sec
Plans for implementing council recommendations
Council Member Holden inquires about which recommendations from the council DVS plans to implement in the next six months. Commissioner Hendon outlines several recommendations they will implement and one they …
0:47:25
•
109 sec
Council Member Holden discusses DVS budget and staffing needs
Council Member Robert F. Holden expresses his view that the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) should be three times its current size due to limitations in reaching veterans, especially those …
0:49:15
•
67 sec
Commissioner Hendon outlines DVS goals and capabilities
Commissioner James Hendon details the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) goals and capabilities, focusing on desired end states in veteran homelessness, VA claims assistance, and employment support. - DVS aims …
0:50:23
•
136 sec
Discussion on tracking and publishing DVS impact data
Council Member Holden inquires about DVS's commitment to tracking and publishing overall numbers and outcomes to better understand the agency's impact. Commissioner Hendon and Senior Executive Director Lamar Wheeler respond …
0:52:47
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79 sec
Strategies for improving veteran self-identification rates
Council Member Holden and Commissioner Hendon discuss strategies to improve veteran self-identification rates, acknowledging the challenges in communicating with veterans who don't self-identify or lack digital access. - Hendon emphasizes …
0:54:07
•
107 sec
Long-term needs assessment and DVS intake process
Council Member Holden inquires about long-term formal needs assessment for veterans, and DVS staff explain their current intake process and needs identification methods. - Michael Bokini describes a preset list …
0:55:53
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115 sec
Veteran surveys and customer satisfaction feedback
The discussion covers DVS's approach to gathering feedback through veteran community surveys and customer satisfaction surveys via VetConnect NYC. - Commissioner Hendon mentions a four-year rhythm for conducting veteran community …
0:57:49
•
84 sec
New VetConnect platform for improved data reporting
Commissioner Hendon briefly discusses the upcoming improvements to the VetConnect platform, which will enhance data capture and reporting capabilities. - The new VetConnect platform will allow for better data capture …
0:59:13
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16 sec
Council members discuss DVS funding and performance challenges
Council members Sandy Nurse, Robert F. Holden, and Joann Ariola express their views on the Department of Veterans Services' (DVS) performance and funding challenges. They argue that the agency's low …
0:59:42
•
150 sec
Testimony by Amy Hozer-Weber, Director of Civil Practice at Veteran Advocacy Project
Amy Hozer-Weber from the Veteran Advocacy Project testified on the NYC Department of Veterans Services (DVS) report card, emphasizing the need for increased staffing and budget to improve service delivery. …
1:04:36
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4 min
Testimony by Jane DaCosta, Executive Director and Founder of Metropolitan Equestrian
Jane DaCosta, a 100% disabled veteran and founder of Metropolitan Equestrian, shared her experiences and critiques of veteran services in NYC. She emphasized the need for better outreach methods and …
1:09:31
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3 min
Testimony by Joe Bello, Veteran Advocate
Joe Bello, a veteran advocate, provided critical testimony on the performance of the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) in New York City. He expressed strong dissatisfaction with the agency's progress …
1:13:18
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3 min
Council Member Holden discusses DVS funding and challenges with Joe Bello
Council Member Robert F. Holden engages in a discussion with veteran advocate Joe Bello about the challenges facing the Department of Veterans Services (DVS), focusing on budget constraints and staffing …
1:17:15
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128 sec
Council Member Ariola comments on budget priorities and Joe Bello concludes his testimony
Council Member Joann Ariola criticizes the mayor's spending priorities, comparing the funding for migrants to the lack of support for veterans. Joe Bello then concludes his testimony with a call …
1:19:25
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45 sec
Testimony by Armando Crescenzi, Veteran Advocate and Post Commander of American Legion
Armando Crescenzi, a veteran advocate, testified about the challenges faced by veteran street vendors in New York City and the lack of support from the Department of Veterans Services (DVS). …
1:21:54
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5 min
Council Member Ariola suggests off-the-mic conversation with DVS team
Council Member Joann Ariola interrupts the veteran advocate's testimony to suggest wrapping up and having an off-the-mic conversation with the DVS commissioner and team present at the hearing. She emphasizes …
1:27:39
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23 sec
Veteran advocate responds to suggestion and concludes testimony
Armando Crescenzi, the veteran advocate, responds to Council Member Ariola's suggestion, explaining his ongoing interactions with DVS and the lack of effective follow-up. The exchange concludes with Ariola stating the …
1:28:02
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54 sec
Testimony by Disabled Veteran Street Vendor
A service-connected US Army veteran and street vendor for 30 years, testifies about the challenges faced by veteran street vendors in NYC. He highlights issues with illegal vendors, the need …
1:29:06
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3 min
Testimony by George Singleton, President of Disabled Veterans of New York, on Veteran Street Vendor Issues
George Singleton, President of Disabled Veterans of New York, passionately addresses the NYC City Council on issues facing veteran street vendors. He criticizes the council for relying on surveys instead …
1:32:25
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3 min
Council Member Ariola commits to addressing veteran vendor concerns
Council Member Joann Ariola responds to the concerns raised by veteran street vendors. She commits to taking action by speaking with relevant officials and promises to follow up with the …
1:36:01
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22 sec
Council Member Ariola acknowledges previous interaction with vendor
Council Member Joann Ariola engages in a brief exchange with a disabled veteran street vendor, acknowledging their previous interaction and the limited progress made. - Ariola confirms remembering the vendor …
1:36:24
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27 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson provides a critical perspective on the C grade given to the Department of Veterans Services (DVS), suggesting it was unfairly influenced by political motivations. He expresses support …
1:37:57
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61 sec
Council member Ariola addresses public testimony
Council Member Joann Ariola responds to Christopher Leon Johnson's critical comments about the Veterans Committee and Council Member Sandy Nurse. Ariola attempts to redirect the conversation to focus on improving …
1:38:58
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9 sec
Council member Ariola discusses Veterans Committee and budget concerns
Council Member Joann Ariola addresses concerns about the Veterans Committee's commitment and the Department of Veterans Services' budget and staffing issues. - Ariola emphasizes that all committee members care about …
1:39:07
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49 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown on Veteran Support and Rights
Sharon Brown testified on the need for comprehensive support for veterans, emphasizing the importance of recognizing homelessness as active duty and providing veterans with resources to achieve the American dream. …
1:41:49
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3 min
Testimony by Timothy Pena, Founder of Veterans Justice Project
Timothy Pena, founder of Veterans Justice Project, provided testimony on the effectiveness of the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and their outreach efforts. He highlighted both positive aspects and areas …
1:45:27
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3 min
Discussion on mailing and physical outreach to veterans
Council Member Holden and Timothy Pena discuss the importance of physical outreach methods for veterans, particularly mailing and in-person distribution of information. They highlight the limitations of digital outreach and …
1:49:21
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59 sec
Exchange on veteran self-identification challenges
Council Member Holden and Timothy Pena briefly discuss the challenges of veteran self-identification. Pena challenges the notion that self-identification is a significant barrier to outreach. - Holden raises concerns about …
1:50:21
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19 sec
Testimony by Michael Matos, US Coast Guard Veteran and Veterans Advocate
Michael Matos, a US Coast Guard veteran and advocate, testified on the City Council's report card for the Department of Veterans Services (DVS). He commended the transparency initiative but emphasized …
1:51:04
•
112 sec
Council Member Holden discusses DVS grade with Michael Matos
Council Member Robert F. Holden engages in a brief Q&A with veteran advocate Michael Matos regarding the grade given to the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) in the City Council's …
1:52:57
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22 sec
Council Member Holden addresses DVS funding and staffing challenges
Council Member Holden discusses the funding and staffing challenges faced by the Department of Veterans Services (DVS), emphasizing the need for increased resources. - Holden notes that DVS staff are …
1:53:20
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55 sec
Discussion on collaboration among veterans' advocates
Michael Matos and Council Member Holden discuss the importance of collaboration among veterans' advocates and working together to improve services. - Matos emphasizes the need for more collaboration among advocates, …
1:54:15
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49 sec
Council Member Holden acknowledges Jason Loughran's departure and thanks DVS
Council Member Holden acknowledges the departure of Deputy Commissioner Jason Loughran and expresses gratitude for his service and that of the Department of Veterans Services (DVS). - Holden mentions that …
1:55:03
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29 sec