Assemblywoman Russell and Senator Little’s mandate relief measure aimed at keeping property taxes in check

Cost-saving measure provides greater contract flexibility to local governments

In order to provide much-needed financial relief to local governments, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) and Senator Betty Little (R-C-I, Queensbury) announced the passage of legislation they sponsored that would allow municipalities and districts to contract for goods and services together with any other federal, state or local government agency (A.8034-C/S.5525-C).

“With so many local governments stretched thin, it is crucial that we provide them with cost-saving options,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This commonsense solution will help reduce costs for local governments and save our hard-earned dollars by keeping property taxes of North Country families in check.”

“This is a cost-saving measure and its timing is obviously very important given the financial challenges local governments throughout the state are facing,” said Senator Betty Little. “My understanding is New York is the only state in the nation that doesn’t authorize these types of piggy-backing contracts. As a result, our taxpayers are paying more than they should for government products and services. This legislation provides for a simple change in law that will save tens of millions of dollars.”

The bill would allow local governments to use cooperative purchasing, also known as piggybacking, to secure cheaper costs for a particular product or service by using the same contract for a vendor that was used by any other government agency, as long as the contract was made consistent with NYS procurement laws. 

Across the country, 49 states have approved piggybacking measures that allow local governments to purchase from other cooperative contracts. The process of piggybacking contracts has proven to reduce administrative costs and increase government efficiencies, which is especially important during these difficult times, Russell added.

The New York State Educational Conference Board, which consists of members of the New York State School Boards Association, the Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc., New York State United Teachers, and the New York State Association of School Business Officials, unanimously supports the legislation. In a joint letter, the board said, “Cooperative contracts provide a 10-15% cost savings per contract. Reform of school purchasing rules has the ability to save taxpayers $2 billion per year in New York State. These are savings we can no longer afford to ignore. Authorizing schools and local municipalities to utilize the option of ‘piggy-backing’ on other states and local government-let contracts (or the option of purchasing through national purchasing cooperatives) will provide immediate savings and relief, allowing precious resources to be directed toward vital programs and services.”

Susan Whitney, Superintendent of LaFargeville Central School said, “I believe the time has come for New York taxpayers and schools to benefit from the same practices that the rest of the states in our union enjoy.”

Jay Boak, District Superintendent of Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida Board of Cooperative Educational Services said, “The monies realized in these savings would be devoted to enhancing much needed educational programs for students throughout the region.”

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Assemblywoman Russell commemorates NY Route 781 as the Paul Cerjan Memorial Highway

Today, on June 21, 2012, the New York State Assembly passed A.10687 designating NY route 781 as the Paul Cerjan Memorial Highway.

“The late Lieutenant General Paul Cerjan leaves behind an amazing legacy that we can proudly commemorate by renaming Route 781, the connector road to Fort Drum, in his honor. The lieutenant general served our country with great distinction throughout his 34-year military career, including as the commander of the 10th Mountain Division, having been responsible for the design and construction of Fort Drum in the mid 1980’s.

“Perhaps more than anyone else, his work made Fort Drum the invaluable resource for our community that it is today. He went on to achieve a great deal after leaving the installation, but his love of the North Country brought him back to leadership roles with the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division and the 10th Mountain Division Scholarship Fund. It is great to see his achievements and contributions for the families of the North Country preserved through the renaming of this highway.”

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Assemblywoman Russell fights for local workers

In response to the state comptroller’s February decision to revoke pension benefits from employees of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly passed a bill to restore the retirement credit based on the workers’ years of service and the money they have paid into the state pension system (A.10017-A).

“These workers, at no fault of their own, have been caught up in a messy legal dispute,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “A possible mistake from almost two decades ago should not deny them the pensions they have worked for years to accrue. That would be inequitable and unjust.”

The 12 workers may not have been properly enrolled in the pension system when the positions were created, Assemblywoman Russell noted. However, the workers have been paying into the pension system for the duration of their employment and some have been working there for as long as 17 years. If signed into law, Assemblywoman Russell’s legislation would restore their retirement credits and allow the money to accrue through August 1st of this year.

“Families’ livelihoods and future financial stability are at stake,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Many are relying on this money to be there when they retire and, through no fault of their own, it could be gone in one fell swoop. Restoring these retirement credits is simply the right thing to do.”

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Assemblywoman Russell cracks down on those who access child pornography online

Assemblywoman Addie J Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly passed legislation she supported to make it illegal to knowingly access child pornography online – bringing New York into line with federal law (A.10713). This measure is expected to become law.

“Keeping the law up to date with technology is essential for the protection of our children,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This measure ensures penalties for those who would harm our children by making it a crime to knowingly access child pornography on the Internet with the intent to view it.”

On May 8, the state Court of Appeals ruled that viewing child pornography on the Internet without taking further action to possess it, such as printing, downloading or saving the files, does not constitute possession of child pornography. Current state law prohibits the possession and promotion of child pornography, but doesn’t address knowingly viewing or accessing it online, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

“Our child pornography laws are not up to date,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The Assembly’s legislation will fix this problem, and make sure these criminals are brought to justice.”

The legislation will make it a class E felony to knowingly access with the intent to view a sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old. In addition, this measure will clarify that attorneys are not guilty of possession of child pornography when such possession is part of the attorney’s representation of a defendant charged with a child pornography crime.

“This legislation will go a long way toward strengthening penalties against sexual predators and protecting our children from these criminals,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

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Assemblywoman Russell passes legislation to provide tax relief to small breweries, allow farms to brew locally made beer

Assemblywoman Addie J Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly passed legislation providing relief to small breweries and allowing farms to grow, brew and sell locally made beer. Both measures are expected to become law.

“New York’s breweries are well on their way to becoming national and even international leaders in producing delicious craft beer,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Their rise means more tourists and jobs in the North Country. The Assembly is doing its part to boost small breweries so they can continue to grow and thrive.”

Helping create farm breweries

The Assembly passed a farm brewery bill that allows farms to sell their beer and/or cider to any New York State-licensed wholesaler or retailer, as well as permit the sale of New York State-labeled beer and cider for consumption on and off the premises (A.10694). The bill also allows farm breweries to sell their product, for consumption off the premises, at state fairs, county fairs and farmers markets.

“The farm brewery bill is great news for North Country farms,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “It will allow farm breweries to open and create a new market for beer and cider enthusiasts. It would also give farmers the chance to capitalize on a crop that once reigned supreme in New York: hops. Just as New York has seen success with the wine industry, farm breweries will now be able to brew beer and tap into a whole new industry that is bound to be just as lucrative as our wineries.”

Additionally, the bill will allow farm brewery licensees to manufacture, bottle and sell food products and condiments, as well as store and sell other items, such as non-alcoholic beverages, food items, beer supplies and accessories, beer-making equipment and souvenirs.

Beer and cider tastings would also be permitted under the bill and would be run similarly to the current wine tastings offered by local wineries. These beer tastings could be held at farm breweries, farm wineries, or farm distilleries, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

“We are helping create a whole new market for North Country farms,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This bill will not only boost tourism revenue throughout New York, but it will also keep our farms – the backbone of the North Country’s agricultural industry – viable.”

In order to qualify for the farm brewery license, farms must manufacture, store, and sell New York State-labeled beer and/or cider, and have an annual production capacity of 60,000 barrels or less. To be considered New York State-labeled beer or cider, the products must be made from New York State-grown ingredients or apples, respectively, which will further boost farm sales, Assemblywoman Russell said.

Providing tax and fee relief for small breweries

Due to legal action brought by out-of-state brewers, a vital tax exemption for New York’s small breweries was ruled improper by a court in March. To fix this tax-hike, the Assembly passed legislation providing tax and fee relief to small breweries in a way that will pass constitutional muster (A.10695).

Specifically, the bill provides a tax credit or refund of 14 cents per gallon for New York brewers on the first 500,000 gallons produced within the state, and another 4.5 cents-per-gallon credit for the next 15.5 million gallons. Brewers that produce in excess of 60 million gallons annually would not be eligible for this credit.  

The legislation also provides an exemption from the labeling fees imposed on batches of less than 1,500 barrels.  

“Small breweries are small businesses, and New York has a responsibility to make sure they receive the tax relief they once relied on – so that they can continue production and create jobs,” Assemblywoman Russell said.  

Third-party sales tax reporting for wineries and distilleries

Earlier this year, the Assembly passed a bill that would exclude those operating under a farm winery license or a farm distillery license issued by the State Liquor Authority from the obligation to file the otherwise-required annual information return with the Department of Taxation and Finance (A.9523). This provision was also extended to farm breweries under A.10694.

“The burden imposed on these small businesses by this filing requirement far outweighs any benefits – it is just more red tape that curbs the profits of local wineries and distilleries. It is our responsibility as legislators to make sure the business environment for small businesses is a favorable one,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

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Assemblywoman Russell announces crucial funding to the Literacy Volunteers of Northern New York

“In an effort to combat illiteracy in our communities, the Literacy Volunteers of Northern New York will be granted over $40,000. This funding, which I helped pass in the 2012-13 budget, will go to the Literacy Volunteers of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. This funding will enable these organizations to continue providing essential literacy services to our community members.

          “Literacy of Northern New York trains volunteers to work one-on-one with adults who need help with reading and writing in a variety of ways. Teaching someone how to read is one of the best ways to help them empower their lives and continue making positive changes. This funding is critical to provide individuals in our community with the skills they need to succeed.”

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Assemblywoman Russell passes legislation to increase historic preservation tax credit

Tax credit will encourage revitalization, boost North Country economy

            Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly passed legislation she supported that will increase the maximum award available under the historic preservation tax code from $5 million to $12 million (A.9110). The bill is expected to become law.

            “Increasing the tax credit for builders and developers who want to do business in the North Country may give them the added incentive they need to move forward on these projects,” Assemblywoman said. “This legislation opens up a bigger market for developers and investors and is another sign that New York is becoming open for business. Additionally, the enhanced tax credit will preserve historic buildings, reduce blight and get more North Country residents working.”

            The historic preservation tax credit is currently capped at $5 million per project and has been used successfully in the past by developers throughout the state to renovate and restore buildings that suffer from long-time neglect and need serious repair. Increasing the tax credit to $12 million creates a greater incentive for developers and encourages revitalization of larger, more expensive structures, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

            “Taking the initiative to fix up run down buildings sends a good message to those seeking to do business here,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This tax credit will jumpstart revitalization efforts and help turn these structures into new, usable and functioning buildings. This legislation will spur job creation and give our economy a needed boost.”

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Assemblywoman Russell supports legislation to bring fresh produce to seniors

             In an effort to continue helping both seniors and farms, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that the Assembly passed a bill she supported that establishes a Farm-to-Senior program. This legislation facilitates and promotes the purchase of products produced on New York farms by senior centers and other institutions for the aging (A.10308).

            “We have many farms right here in the North Country that produce high-quality foods,” said Assemblywoman Russell. “Just because an individual is not able to make it to the farmers market or their local grocery store, does not mean that they should not enjoy farm-fresh food. This bill would give these seniors the ability to get fresh New York produce right where they live.”

            This program mirrors the farm-to-school program, which was established in New York State in 2002. The aim of this program is to bring fresh, local foods to schools statewide, while expanding a new market for farmers. The farm-to-senior program is similar in concept.

            “Not only would this program bring fresh produce and locally made products to senior centers, but it would open a new market to North Country farmers,” said Assemblywoman Russell. “It is time we helped those in senior centers get access to farm-fresh food.”

            This bill would also establish a promotional event known as the “New York Golden Harvest: Seniors Week” to further promote the program.

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Assemblywoman Russell’s bill to help rural hospitals passes Assembly

             Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly’s passage of a bill she authored to allow rural hospitals designated as “critical-access hospitals” to be paid by Medicaid in the same manner that Medicare pays such hospitals, which is on the basis of reasonable costs (A.10094-B).

“This measure is absolutely necessary in order for rural hospitals in the North Country to stay afloat,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Our friends and neighbors depend on these facilities for essential medical care and cannot afford to see them go under.”

Cost-based Medicaid reimbursement would help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of rural hospitals. New York State Medicaid reimbursement rates are presently capped at a rate lower than the cost of operation. The problem is exacerbated for critical access hospitals by the need to spread substantial fixed costs over a smaller, yet critical number of visits.

This legislation helps rural hospitals and ensures that families in isolated areas continue to have access to vital health care services. Having Medicaid payments that cover reasonable costs will help to further ensure the financial stability of our rural hospitals, Russell noted.

“This legislation is not simply a matter of saving jobs; it is a matter of saving lives,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This legislation ensures that families in rural communities have access to the quality, necessary medical services they deserve.”

The bill must now pass the Senate, where it is sponsored by Senator Catherine Young, and then be signed by the Governor to become law.

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North Country hospitals receive nearly $13 million in HEAL NY grants

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced nearly $13 million has been allocated to North Country Hospitals as part of the Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law (HEAL NY). The money was distributed through a statewide program to restructure, merge and realign operations at health care facilities while funding new capital projects.

“This financial support is incredible news for our region,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “These grants will fund improvements at our hospitals that will mean better access to high-quality, effective health care for our hardworking families.”

Carthage Area Hospital will receive $9.1 million and River Hospital in Alexandria Bay will receive almost $3.8 million as part of the seven-year HEAL NY program. The money will fund projects focused on reducing patient staying time, refining treatment plans and ultimately allowing patients to recover faster in a more comfortable setting, Assemblywoman Russell said.

“Carthage Area Hospital is a major employer and health care provider in our area that the community could not afford to lose,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The hospital has experienced troubles recently and the $9 million grant will ensure its doors remain open to our hardworking families. Health care facilities are a major part of the fabric of our community and with this money, they will be able to provide efficient and exemplary service to North Country families for years to come.”

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Assemblywoman Russell helps pass bill to expand Internet access

              In an attempt to give more people access to high-speed telecommunications like the Internet, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) helped pass a bill that would allow school districts and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) to contract with public libraries for high-speed telecommunications (A.464-B).

            “Allowing public libraries to share in contracts with BOCES will save money for all parties involved and increase public access to high speed internet,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

            Many BOCES have invested significant money in the development of their own telecommunications networks, including high-speed Internet services. This measure would allow public libraries, which need these services but have not been able to invest the money needed, to access already established networks and share the cost of maintaining such a system at a reduced cost for both.

            “This bill would help libraries cut down on their costs, while increasing the quality of the services they provide, allowing them to be more effective and efficient for North Country families,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “I urge the Senate to pass this measure before this year’s legislative session comes to a close.”

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Assemblywoman Russell promotes buying local, votes for Pride of New York initiatives

             Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly passed two pieces of legislation that she sponsored to expand the Pride of New York program. The measures would allow restaurants and stores serving food and products produced in New York State access to promotional materials to increase exposure to consumers and raise demand for local products.

            “These new initiatives under the Pride of New York program will help North Country businesses and hardworking families alike,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Buying local means our families can invest in the freshest products cultivated right in own our backyard. And by investing in the area’s products, we can strengthen growth in our community and enrich the local economy.”

The first measure would establish a Dine: Pride of New York program for restaurants that use ingredients produced in New York State (A.9877). The bill would allow for the creation of a logo to be presented in restaurants that use 15 percent or more locally sourced ingredients and products. Qualified restaurants would receive advertising and promotional materials free of charge and have their business listed on the Pride of New York website.

In addition, a similar measure would set up the Shop: Pride of New York program for food retailers that sell 20 percent or more of all products made in New York (A.9868). Food retailers would qualify for the same promotional materials, logo and name recognition on the website.

“With our restaurants and stores proudly displaying the local produce, meat and dairy they carry, it will help consumers easily identify and patronize these establishments that serve and sell high-quality, homegrown products,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Since more and more families are interested in buying local foods, this will greatly increase demand in local products and give a much-needed boost to our agricultural industry, helping hardworking North Country farmers.”

Assemblywoman Russell has long fought for measures to increase interest and demand in local products. Assemblywoman Russell established a program called “Rediscover Your Backyard,” which promotes North Country businesses that sell local products. In addition, the Assemblywoman is holding a North Country Department Store event on Oct. 27 at Indian River Middle School for local artists, craftsman and businesses to sell their goods and products.

“North Country families do not have to look any further than their own backyard to find a region filled with a vibrant agriculture and fresh local produce,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Buying local means that our families can keep their hard-earned dollars right here in our community, strengthening the future and prosperity of our businesses, agricultural industry and local economy.”

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Assembly Passes Russell’s Bill to help veterans with post-service health problems

             Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced a bill she authored, which requires veterans organizations to provide assistance to veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST) during their active military service, passed the Assembly today (A.10068).

            “Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and the very least we can do is provide them with the assistance they need after returning home from war,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “MST is very serious and often underreported. This legislation would help veterans deal with the burden of MST recovery and would help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

           

            This legislation would require organizations that provide services to veterans under the Social Services Law to provide assistance and benefits to those who have experienced MST while actively serving.

           

            MST is defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs as sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred while veterans were serving in the military – this can include any sexual activity in which a man or woman is involved against his or her will.[1] In 2010, more than 3,100 military sexual assaults were reported; however, this number comprises less than 14 percent of actual instances of military sexual assault, according to the Department of Defense.[2] In the same year, the Department of Veterans Affairs medical staff treated more than 68,000 veterans who reported some sexual trauma.[3]

            “As chair of the Women Veterans Subcommittee and a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am committed to doing all that is possible to protect and honor the men and women who have bravely fought for our freedom,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “I will continue fighting to make sure our veterans receive the help they need in any post-military service health problems they are facing.”

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[1] www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/20120319a.asp

[2] www.servicewomen.org/SAPRO%20Reports/DoD_Fiscal_Year_2010_Annual_Report_on_Sexual_

Assault_in_the_Military.pdf

[3] www.servicewomen.org/SAPRO%20Reports/DoD_Fiscal_Year_2010_Annual_Report_on_Sexual_

Assault_in_the_Military.pdf

Assemblywoman Russell honors June 12 as ‘Women Veterans Recognition Day’

Commemorating the 64^th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Act of 1948, which ensured that women would have a permanent place in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, Assemblywoman Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly passed a resolution declaring June 12, 2012, as “Women Veterans Recognition Day” (K.1508). Today, New York proudly honors the over 63,800 women veterans from the state of New York.[1]

            “The North Country is home to countless women veterans, and I am proud to call them my neighbors. They have selflessly served on our behalf and their sacrifices will not go unappreciated,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The Assembly resolution recognizes their tremendous role in keeping our country safe.”

            The Women’s Armed Services Act was signed into law by then-President Harry Truman and is the cornerstone for policies and regulations affecting women. Since 2001, more than 200,000 women have served in the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

            From 1973 to 2010, the number of active-duty enlisted women in the armed forces has grown from about 42,000 to 167,000; the percentage of women among the enlisted ranks has increased seven-fold, from 2 percent to 14 percent; and their share among commissioned officers has quadrupled, from 4 percent to 16 percent.

            “I’d like to commend all the women veterans for their service and personally thank them for their dedication and the sacrifices they’ve made to defend our country and preserve our freedom,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

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[1] www.va.gov/WOMENVET/WomenVetPopFS1111.pdf