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Coursey Among Sponsors of Ft. Campbell Resolution

Coursey Among Sponsors of Ft. Campbell Resolution
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By West Kentucky Star Staff
Feb. 26, 2015 | BENTON, KY
By West Kentucky Star Staff Feb. 26, 2015 | 06:29 PM | BENTON, KY
The Kentucky House Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday, urging the U.S. Department of Defense to reconsider proposed cuts to Fort Knox and Fort Campbell under the Army 2020 Force Structure Realignment.

Sponsored by State Representatives John Tilley of Hopkinsville, Dean Schamore of Hardinsburg, and Will Coursey of Benton, House Joint Resolution 77 directs the D.O.D. and the Army to take action to support the military and civilian personnel serving at Fort Knox and Fort Campbell by reconsidering the proposed cuts. The resolution passed the committee unanimously and now proceeds to the Senate for action.

The representatives stressed that the cuts would result in significant and widespread negative economic and socio-economic consequences for their installations and their surrounding areas. The annual economic impacts for Fort  Knox and Fort Campbell are estimated at $2.8 billion and $4 billion, respectively. 

“It’s critical that we send a direct message to Congress and the Department of Defense that Kentucky has already paid the price for military cutbacks,” Rep. Tilley said. “The uniqueness of the capabilities at Fort Campbell demand that these cuts be made elsewhere in the nation.”

Rep. Schamore said Fort Knox is crucial to the financial stability of Hardin County and the surrounding region, with soldiers and their families contributing “mightily” to the educational and leadership capabilities of nearby communities. 

“These cuts would be devastating to the posts, but more importantly, to the brave men and women who protect our great country,” Rep. Schamore said.

Rep. Tilley represents the state’s 8th House district comprised of Christian and Trigg counties. Rep. Schamore represents the state’s 10th House district comprised of Breckinridge, Hancock and Hardin counties. Rep. Coursey represents the state’s 6th House District comprised of Lyon and Marshall counties and part of McCracken County. 
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