North Country Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, continues to fight for legislation that would extend eligibility for additional credits in the state retirement system to all veterans.

Russell, whose "River" District covers much of northern and central St. Lawrence County, joined the majority in the Assembly last week to pass a measure to extend the military service credit to all veterans. The bill (A.9531) would remove the existing date of service limitations and expand eligibility for the veteran’s service credit to otherwise eligible veterans regardless of when they completed their military service.

The Senate passed the bill May 5. The legislation now must be approved by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo for it to be enacted.

Under current law, only those veterans who have served in specific military conflicts or during limited time frames are eligible to receive up to an additional three years of service credit in the pension system.

Other provisions of the current limitations have effectively excluded a significant number of female veterans from eligibility. As a result, there was a varied and inconsistent application of the benefit.

"I will keep fighting to get this bill signed into law. I have supported this legislation for three years, and I am keeping it on the front burner," Assemblywoman Russell said.

Russell noted her 116th Assembly District serves as home to Fort Drum, and there are a large number of veterans living in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties.

"We all benefit when these well trained men and women join the state workforce after they leave military service. When they join the armed forces, these men and women are accepting the call to duty to defend this nation in times of conflict," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

"All veterans deserve the benefits that are included in the legislation the state Assembly recently approved. I am hopeful the state Senate will once again pass this legislation and that Gov. (Andrew M.) Cuomo will sign the bill into law," she added.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has also expressed his support for the bill.

"We owe so much to our veterans for the sacrifices they have made in the service of our country and our state," Speaker Heastie said.

"This bill is a testament of our gratitude to these honorable men and women who complete their military duties and return home to continue their leadership in our communities and in our public workforce," he noted.

The bill ws sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin.