Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing to invest $1 million toward suicide prevention efforts to help veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. It's one of several proposals announced during his State of the State address on Wednesday. 

"I think we're planting a seed with the governor's proposal," said John Cooney, a retired Troy Police Captain who now works as a mental health awareness instructor.

He says this kind of proposal can help break the stigma among police and first responders. 

"To hear constantly that we're supposed to move past these things without any emotional response, that's really unreasonable," Cooney said. "The good news now is we're recognizing it now and there has been some aggressive action to address it." 

In addition, Cuomo is also proposing a $5 million investment to expand permanent supportive housing. That will help homeless veterans through the state's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.

"Stable housing is the foundation for all of our successes," said Cheryl Hage-Perez, the executive director for the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition.

She says veterans become homeless because of a mental health issue or a serious life event. That's why she says it's important for these two investments to happen together. 

"They really go hand in hand," Hage-Perez said. "Because without the stable permanent housing, you're not going to be able to decrease suicide.”

However, she says the budget still needs operating funds. Hage-Perez says once veterans are placed in homes, they are going to need support services. She's hoping that funding will be added.