Governor Phil Murphy on Thursday signed legislation establishing a cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs, restructuring the state’s current Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA).
The law separates military functions from veterans’ services. Under the measure, the newly created Department of Veterans Affairs will oversee housing, health care, mental health, and benefits for veterans and their families. Military responsibilities 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, Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the current DMAVA.
The law takes effect in 120 days and allows for administrative preparations before implementation. Existing services for veterans will continue without new programs or funding appropriations.
Murphy also announced that Vincent Solomeno, the state’s current Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, will be his nominee to serve as the inaugural Commissioner of the new department. Solomeno, a U.S. Army veteran, has served in multiple roles within the department, including Administrator of Veterans Affairs and Superintendent of the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt. He has been active in disaster response and chairs New Jersey’s suicide prevention initiative for service members and veterans.