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New York State vows to help members of active duty get married

Posted at 11:37 AM, Aug 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-20 11:37:05-04

ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York state is now waiving the fee for marriage licenses for active duty members of the U.S. armed forces or their spouses.

The bill also gives local governments freedom to waive the fees they charge for marriage certificates for active duty service members or spouses.

"These brave men and women leave their loved ones behind and risk their lives to protect the freedoms and values that this nation and this state were founded upon. Waiving this fee is one small way to thank these valiant New Yorkers for their service."

Governor Cuomo signed legislation on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.

"On the happy occasions when a member of our armed forces gets married in New York, we as a society should be doing everything we can to say thank you and congratulations. This is but a small gesture to show our gratitude to the men and women who protect our freedoms every day. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill that will help these newlyweds, and I urge local governments to use their new authority under this law to likewise waive their local marriage license fees."
-Statement from Assembly Member David Buchwald