New York lawmakers are pushing for more funds for the Dwyer Peer Support Program, which helps veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder adjust to civilian life.

Lawmakers say 20% of last year’s funding for the program is being withheld by the state and another 20% of funding seems to be missing from the state's budget through next year.

According to the most recent statistics from the VA, the average number of veteran suicides per day was 17.6 in 2018.

"When the call came, they went – and when they are called home, we are honored and duty-bound to care for them and make sure we don't have these tragedies," says Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

The Dwyer Peer Support Program helps veterans in 24 counties throughout New York state.