Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) was visited by Ft. Drum officials Maj. Gen. Jeffrey L. Bannister, Commander of the base; Col. Gary A. Rosenberg, Garrison Commander; and Capt. Townsend, General’s Aide. They discussed ongoing issues faced by personnel at Ft. Drum like the spousal licensure matter and how the SAFE Act impacts soldiers in the course of their duties. Additionally, the officers updated Blankenbush on the design phase of the Rt. 26 overpass project, which he voted in favor of funding in the state budget.

“I was happy to welcome Maj. Gen. Bannister and other officers to discuss Ft. Drum matters and what the state can do to assist this very important economic engine in Northern New York,” said Blankenbush. “There is still a lot to work on during the remainder of the legislative session, and we must address these issues now – like passage of the military spouse licensing transfer bill and amending or repealing the SAFE Act to prevent the law from incriminating soldiers who are just doing their job. We must support our military men and women, and we can do so by addressing these important measures.”

Blankenbush sponsors legislation that would allow the transfer of professional licensing for spouses of military personnel relocated to New York. Many families rely on two incomes and New York’s exceedingly difficult licensing requirement is preventing highly-qualified individuals from making a living in the state. Licensing is required for a number of professions from hairdressing to social work.

Ft. Drum officials have raised concerns about the SAFE Act as well. Current procedures often have soldiers carrying a cache of ammunition that exceeds what is allowed by the governor’s gun control law. They are concerned that although nobody has been arrested for this, it could happen one day. Blankenbush supports full repeal of the SAFE Act.

Ft. Drum has a $1.3 billion direct economic impact on the region. It employs more than 21,000 full-time military and civilian employees and awards contracts to numerous local small businesses.