BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

CANTON — St. Lawrence County Legislators are calling on Congress and the Department of Defense to do more for service members following reports of soldiers and their families applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in recent months.

In a resolution initially drafted by Legislator Rita Curran, officials attempted to bring to light the struggles of military families that some felt were being left to fend for themselves.

The resolution was introduced during the Finance Committee meeting on Sept. 26.

“This was brought to me by some active military people who were concerned that with inflation it was very hard to feed their families. They were starting to have group dinners so everybody could bring something and they could put all of their money together to be able to feed their families,” Curran said.

Though many legislators supported the notion, some felt the language in the resolution was too harsh in condemning the Army and Department of Defense.

Legislator Tony Arquiett, who largely supported the resolution, wanted to ensure the purpose of the resolution was not lost in the language.

“Through the resolution I am in now way criticizing the army, I do want to be clear about that,” he said.

Arquiett suggested the legislature should emphasize the need for the Department of Defense to raise annual salaries to provide a better standard of living for military families.

Legislator John Burke also voiced his support for the resolution but wondered whether the Department of the Army could even do anything in the short-term to assist families directly.

“I’m wondering, the guidance that was given by the Army to apply for SNAP or whatever assistance may be available, I’m wondering if the Department of the Army is basically trying to meet the needs of their soldiers until raises can be enacted,” Burke said.

“I think I would fall short of condemning the Army,” he continued.

Some legislators who voiced concerns about the language of the resolution suggested the resolution be amended to soften the language.

Legislator Margaret Haggard suggested splitting the resolution in two.

“I wish this resolution was two resolutions, I don’t wish to condemn the Army,” Haggard said.

“As Mr. Burke pointed out, I believe they were considering a stop gap measure to help these people,” she continued.

Haggard went on further, saying service members in the county pay taxes in the county, shop at local businesses and are entitled to the benefits they receive.

“On the other hand, I love the second part which is asking for the Department of Defense to take a look,” she said.

Legislator David Forsythe spoke to the hardships being experienced by families, noting that he has heard of many families applying for SNAP benefits that he would not normally expect to see.

“We have a serious road ahead this winter for everyone,” he said.

Forsythe also spoke to the resolution, pointing toward Congress to take action on the measure to assist the families in need.

“This is a tough one, I believe Congress is the one that makes the decision where to spend and appropriate money for this. And if we don’t start it on the local level maybe they’ll never hear us. So at least we got the ball rolling and hopefully counties will jump on board,” Forsythe said.

Following input from legislators and County Attorney Steve Button, legislators unanimously passed an amended resolution that questioned the Army’s guidance for families to seek SNAP benefits while also calling on the Department of Defense and Congress to investigate salary increases for active duty military personnel.