Governor Phil Murphy has signed groundbreaking legislation establishing a new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs, giving New Jersey’s 340,000 veterans their own dedicated state agency. The new department, which takes effect January 9, 2026, represents the most significant reorganization of veterans’ services in state history.
Streamlined Focus on Veteran Services
The restructuring splits the existing Department of Military and Veterans Affairs into two separate agencies. The newly created Department of Veterans Affairs will exclusively handle veteran-specific programs including housing assistance, healthcare services, mental health support, and benefit administration. Military operations and National Guard functions will continue under the renamed Department of Military Affairs.
“Veterans have selflessly fought for our hard-earned freedoms as Americans,” Governor Murphy stated. “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”.
New Leadership Appointed
Vincent Solomeno, currently Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, has been nominated to serve as the inaugural Commissioner of the new department. A U.S. Army veteran with extensive state service, Solomeno previously managed the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt and served during major emergencies including Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy, and the COVID-19 response. He also chairs the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families.
Strong Legislative and Community Support
The legislation, sponsored by Senators Joseph Vitale and Joseph Cryan along with Assembly members Cleopatra Tucker, Robert Karabinchak, and Annette Quijano, received bipartisan approval. Veterans’ organizations including the VFW, American Legion, and Catholic Charities Veterans Services have endorsed the restructuring, emphasizing its potential to improve service delivery and efficiency. The change aligns New Jersey with other states that maintain separate veterans departments, ensuring focused leadership and enhanced accountability for programs serving those who served our nation.