Ritchie Sponsored Bill to Create Governor's Military Council Passes Senate

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing a bill she sponsors to establish a “Governor’s Military Council” has passed the Senate. 

Under the bill (S.1225), a Council would be established and tasked with looking for new ways to protect and grow New York’s military installations, identify ways to create new, defense-related jobs and improve quality of life for members of our nation’s Armed Forces living in New York State, along with their families.

“As the representative of the brave soldiers of the 10^th Mountain Division and their families, I know how critical it is for New York State to be aware of the challenges service members face, as well as the important role military installations—like Fort Drum—play when it comes to our national defense and the economy,” said Senator Patty Ritchie.

“Through this Council, we can help ensure New York State is doing all it can to support our nation’s heroes and encourage the growth and strengthening of our military installations." 

The proposed Council would consist of a dozen members, appointed by the Governor, Temporary President and Minority Leader of the State Senate and the Speaker and Minority Leader of the State Assembly. Members would serve terms lasting no longer than three years.

The Governor’s Military Council would also be responsible for making recommendations to the Legislature for actions they could take to improve life for service members and their families in the areas of strengthening ties between installations and their adjacent civilian community, improving recruitment efforts and removing impediments to employment for military spouses, among other priorities.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.