The basics:
- Gov. Phil Murphy signs law creating NJ Department of Veterans Affairs
- New agency reorganizes DMAVA to focus solely on veterans’ services
- Vincent Solomeno named as intended commissioner nominee
- Department will provide housing, health care & mental health support
Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Sept. 11 that establishes a new cabinet-level department devoted to veterans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs in New Jersey reorganizes the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Currently, the DMAVA manages both military operations and veterans’ services.
Senate Bill 4376/Assembly Bill 5520 enables the newly established Department of Veterans Affairs. The department will exclusively focus on veteran-related matters, such as delivering housing, health care, mental health services and benefits for veterans for their families.
“Veterans have selflessly fought for our hard-earned freedoms as Americans,” said Murphy. “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.”
Commissioner nominee
Murphy also announced his intended nominee, once the law takes effect, for the commissioner post of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Vincent Solomeno.
Solomeno currently serves as deputy commissioner of veterans affairs and administrator of veterans affairs for the DMAVA. He previously held the title of superintendent of the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt as well as executive officer to the adjutant general and commissioner of military and veterans affairs.
Vincent Solomeno has dedicated his career to serving our veterans and their families.
– Gov. Phil Murphy
The law takes effect 120 days after the Sept. 11 enactment. The delay allows for anticipatory administrative actions — while also maintaining existing veterans’ services without creating new programs or appropriations.
“Vincent Solomeno has dedicated his career to serving our veterans and their families,” said Murphy. “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 Gov. 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 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.”
‘A dedicated seat at the table’
Under the legislation, military functions will continue at the current department, which will assume the new title of Department of Military Affairs.
Sen. Joe Vitale, D-19th District, is a prime bill sponsor. He said New Jersey’s veterans deserve nothing less than a government fully committed to their well-being because of all that they sacrificed serving our nation.
“Veterans need to know their voices are being heard and their needs prioritized,” said Vitale. “This bill reflects that commitment by giving them a dedicated seat at the table and a department that works only for them.”
“Our veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country, our security, and our way of life,” said Sen. Joseph Cryan, D-20th District, also a prime bill sponsor. “The newly-created Department of Veterans Affairs will elevate veterans’ priorities, provide timely services, deliver benefits more effectively, and treat them with the dignity they have earned.”
Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, D-28th District, is chair of the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee and also a prime bill sponsor. She said this bill is about building a better, more responsive system for veterans in New Jersey.
“One that puts their needs first, strengthens accountability, and ensures that no one who served our country is left to struggle,” said Tucker. “By creating a standalone Department of Veterans Affairs, we’re making the kind of structural changes that will improve outcomes, restore trust, and honor the service of our veterans.”
Commitment to veterans
Key advocates as well as stakeholders applauded the effort.
NJ VFW Legislative Director Jay Boxwell said, “To have the new Commissioner of Veterans Affairs in a seat on the governor’s cabinet shows the commitment New Jersey has for its veterans. We look forward to working with the new leadership in the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
