Could be used for restaurant, store discounts

A bill which would permit New Jersey counties to create identification cards for veterans, in order to allow them to more easily access special discounts and other offers extended to them has been unanimously approved by the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

The bill (S-323), would permit county clerks to create an identification card for veterans who live within the county and do not already hold a veteran ID card issued by the federal government. The cards would not serve as sufficient proof of service for official government business or to secure veterans’ benefits – such as the state-administered veteran property tax deduction, or GI Bill education benefits.

Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic) the bill’s sponsor, said the cards would be intended to help veterans receive discounts and other courtesies extended to them.

“When it comes to giving something back to the brave men and women who’ve given so much in service to our country, many New Jersey businesses – and even some local governments – have stepped up to the plate, creating discount programs and courtesies reserved specifically for veterans,” Whelan said. “By allowing counties to issue a ‘proof of service’ ID card to our state’s veterans, we can make it easier for them to access the discount programs intended just for them. This is a matter of convenience to New Jersey’s veterans who’ve fought to defend our nation and its interests abroad.”

Whelan noted that some shore towns offer free or reduced cost beach badges to military veterans and their families in the summer. Some businesses also provide discounts to veterans for a variety of services and goods, including deals on electronics, travel and restaurants.

—TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM