Assemblywoman
Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, announced the passage of legislation she authored to
help women veterans, as well as a resolution she supported to proclaim June 12
as Women Veterans’ Day in New York State.
“All
veterans deserve to be treated with respect and dignity,” said Russell. “As our
brave servicewomen return home and transition back into civilian life, it is
essential to ensure that quality health care services are available to them. This
legislation will ensure that veterans who may have faced traumatic experiences can
access the help and support they need.”
Russell’s
legislation would ensure veterans who have faced sexual assault while serving
in the military can get the assistance they need by requiring the New York
State Division of Veterans Affairs to develop plans to address trauma. The bill
would also require local veterans affairs departments to make information
available to veterans (A.7260). Additionally, Russell helped pass a resolution
urging the New York State Congressional Delegation to support the passage of
the Women Veterans Access to Quality Care Act of 2015 to ensure women veterans
have access to comprehensive health care that meets their needs.
As
of 2014, the female veteran population in New York was 66,052, and that number
is expected to rise. Data prepared by the National Center for Veterans Analysis
and Statistics shows a steady increase of women veterans since 2013 and
projects that by 2040, women will make up nearly 17 percent of the national
veteran population. Fort Drum also now has its first female deputy commanding
general, Col. Diana Holland.
“Our
community is so grateful to the many veterans and active-duty soldiers who call
Fort Drum and the North Country their home,” said Russell. “I’ll continue
working to ensure that the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to
defend our freedoms get the assistance and support they deserve.”