Schenectady County: Resolution 57-26 on the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic

The resolution (Legislator Vellano, adopted in spring 2026 after the April 6, 2026 Military Affairs & Veterans Committee): "WHEREAS, this Governing Body recognizes that the Veterans Affairs Albany Healthcare System is comprised of numerous Community Based Outpatient Clinics located throughout northern New York to assist with the medical needs of veterans; and ... there is a Community Based Outpatient Clinic located on Altamont Avenue in the County of Schenectady, which serves the medical needs of the veterans who are located in and around Schenectady County; and ... this Governing Body has been informed that the leaders of the Veterans Affairs Albany Healthcare System have proposed the closure of the Community Based Outpatient Clinic located in the County of Schenectady on August 28, 2026; and ... all veterans who reside in Schenectady County, after August 28, 2026, will have to travel outside the county to other Community Based Outpatient Clinics for medical services, which could result in significant delays in medical services for some veterans, create insurmountable travel difficulties and hardships, and discourage certain veterans from seeking necessary medical care." What it does. "RESOLVED, that this Governing Body recommends that the Congressional representatives of Schenectady County ensure that the voices of our veterans are heard, and that they take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic located in Schenectady County remains open; and be it further RESOLVED, that this Governing Body directs the Clerk of the Legislature to forward a certified copy of this Resolution to Senator Charles E. Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Paul Tonko." A veteran using the clinic should confirm with VA whether it remains open; the Albany VA Medical Center and its clinics are federal.