All four of St. Lawrence County’s state Assembly representatives voted in favor of a bill aimed at helping veterans who were sexually assaulted during their service. It also proclaims June 12 as Women Veterans’ Day statewide.

Assemblywoman Addie Russell, D-Theresa, sponsored the bill. Yes votes also came from Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, R-Peru and Assemblymen Ken Blankenbush, R-Black River, and Marc Butler, R-Newport.

The 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. Additionally, the Assembly contingent 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, according to Russell.

As of 2014, the female veteran population in New York was 66,052, and that number is expected to rise, Russell said. 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, Russell said.

“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.”