TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday signed legislation establishing a new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs in New Jersey, reorganizing the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
“Veterans have selflessly fought for our hard-earned freedoms as Americans,” Murphy said in a statement. “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.”
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs currently oversees both military operations and veterans’ services. Under the new law, the Department of Veterans Affairs will focus exclusively on veterans’ needs, including housing, health care, mental health services, and benefits. Military functions will remain with the existing 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,” said Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, the Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the 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 in 120 days, allowing for administrative preparations while maintaining current veterans’ services without creating new programs or appropriations.
Murphy also announced his intent to nominate Vincent Solomeno as the first commissioner of the new department.
“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,” said Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Vincent Solomeno. “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.”
Solomeno, a U.S. Army veteran, currently serves as Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and Administrator of Veterans Affairs for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. He previously served as superintendent of the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt and as executive officer to the Adjutant General. He has participated in state responses to Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy, and COVID-19, and chairs the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families.
The prime sponsors of the legislation (S4376/A5520) are Sen. Joseph Vitale, Sen. Joseph Cryan, Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano.
