Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today expressed disappointment with the Assembly Majority’s efforts to block legislation that would impact the men and women at our military bases, especially those at Ft. Drum. It is expected that two bills that would have addressed military spouse licensure and exempted military personnel from excessively stringent and problematic SAFE Act regulations will be prevented from coming to the Assembly floor for a vote.

“I am working very hard with Ft. Drum officials to try to get important legislation passed, but unfortunately, the bills are being blocked by the Assembly Majority,” said Blankenbush. “Two seriously pressing issues in my district will not be addressed because of the Assembly Majority’s refusal to act – the transfer of professional licensing for recently-uprooted military spouses and ensuring our military men and women aren’t negatively impacted by the problems associated with the governor’s so-called SAFE Act. Our servicemen and women deserve an up- or-down vote on these bills.”

Blankenbush sponsors both of these measures. The first bill, A.2590, would address licensure of military spouses who have recently been transferred to bases in New York State. The bill would make it easier to obtain certification and licensure if required by their profession as long as they meet certain standards. It would make it easier for spouses to enter into the workforce and help provide for their families.

Additionally, Blankenbush sponsors A.6521, which would prevent SAFE Act provisions from negatively impacting military personnel traveling with high-capacity magazines, which are standard issue. The bill would clarify the law and prevent situations where military men and women would be inadvertently breaking the overreaching gun law.