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There is hereby created a department of veterans' services. The head of such department shall be the New York state commissioner of veterans' services who shall be a veteran. He or she shall be appointed by the governor and shall hold office during his or her pleasure. Such state commissioner shall receive an annual salary to be fixed by the governor within the limitation provided by law. He or she shall also be entitled to receive his or her expenses actually and necessarily incurred by him or her in the performance of his or her duties. The state commissioner, with the approval of the governor, may establish such bureaus within the department as are necessary and appropriate to carrying out its functions and may consolidate or abolish such bureaus. The state commissioner may appoint such officers, consultants, clerks and other employees and agents as he or she may deem necessary, fix their compensation within the limitation provided by law, and prescribe their duties.