North Country Assemblyman Mark Walczyk, R-Watertown, has introduced legislation that would bridge the gap between the state government and federal military structure in New York.

The bill, A.7428, creates the Governor's Military Council of 12 appointed members. The mission of the council is to grow and protect major military activities located in the state of New York, to leverage such military activities into creating additional defense related jobs, and to help local units of government improve the quality of life of members of the armed forces and their families in New York.

Assemblyman Walczyk represents the 116th District, which includes parts of St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties.

The council would provide valuable insight and policy recommendations to the governor and legislature, ultimately leading to effective policies that support sustainable readiness of the armed services in New York.

“The ‘Front Yard of America’ is home to the fastest growing veteran population in New York. We're also home to the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum - New York state's largest single- site employer," said Walczyk. “However, many officials in our state government barely know a major power projection platform exists in New York. By establishing a military council, we are opening dialogue between military personnel and our elected officials so that they can create efficient policy solutions to improve the lives of service members and build public policy that sustains readiness."