A New Chapter for New Jersey Veterans: Gov. Murphy Creates a Stand-Alone Department
On September 11, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy signed landmark legislation that will fundamentally change how New Jersey serves its veterans. The law officially establishes a new Department of Veterans Affairs, splitting it off from the current Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA). This restructuring is more than bureaucracy—it’s a strong statement that veterans deserve their own dedicated agency.
Why This Matters
Until now, the same department handled both military affairs and veterans’ services—everything from deployments and State Guard duties to health care and benefits for veterans. With the new law:
- The new Department of Veterans Affairs will focus exclusively on veteran issues: housing, healthcare, mental health, benefits, and the resources veterans and their families need.
- Military operations will remain under a renamed Department of Military Affairs, keeping those functions intact but distinct.
- This means more focused leadership and more streamlined services for veterans. Rather than being one part of many, their concerns will have a department with their name and purpose.
What Changes and When
The law takes effect 120 days after enactment, giving time to do the administrative work.
Importantly, no new programs or budget allocations are being created as part of this shift—services will continue under the new structure without disruption.
Who’s Leading the Charge
Governor Murphy has nominated Vincent Solomeno to serve as the first Commissioner for the new Department of Veterans Affairs. Here’s a bit about him:
- He currently serves as Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and Administrator of Veterans Affairs for DMAVA.
- He’s an Army veteran himself, with experience in emergency response operations (Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy, COVID-19) and has held leadership positions in the National Guard and state government.
- Solomeno also leads efforts like the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families.Voices Behind the Law:
- Senator Joseph Vitale
- Senator Joseph Cryan
- Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker
- Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak
- Assemblywoman Annette Quijano
- Veterans’ groups, nonprofits, and other stakeholders also expressed strong support, noting that this change signals better visibility, accountability, and care for veterans throughout New Jersey.
What to Expect
For veterans in NJ, this change should gradually bring about:
- Easier access to benefits and services
- Clearer lines of responsibility—knowing who’s in charge of what
- More responsive and focused oversight
- Better coordination for mental health, housing, healthcare support.
- It will take some time to realize these improvements, especially given the administrative load of reorganizing departments, but the foundation is now in place.
Final Thoughts
Governor Murphy’s move recognizes something essential: veterans have earned more than just thanks. They deserve an institution structured around their needs. By establishing a dedicated Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey is elevating their concerns, consolidating leadership, and promising better service.
For many veterans and their families, this represents both respect and tangible change. For the state, it means a recommitment to fulfilling promises made to those who served.
Read the entire press release here!