Assemblywoman Addie Russell Statement regarding the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center announcement by Governor Cuomo

“Today is a great day for the North Country as we learned that Governor Cuomo has decided to keep the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center open.  The hard work of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Task Force and of families and employees of the Center are to be commended for their tireless work in making a strong case to the administration that the Center should remain open to provide vital services to the North Country community.  In fact, the Governor has named it a new Regional Center of Excellence, which is indicative of its need for our area.  I want to thank the members of the Task Force, families, patients, employees, and my fellow colleagues in the Legislature for coming together in unison to help paint the picture of the Center's value and necessity.  I would also like to personally thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership and effort in keeping the Center open and designating it as a Regional Center of Excellence.”

-30-

Assemblywoman Russell: North Country named Top Performer

Receives $81.3 million for economic development

“Today’s award of $81.3 million is a great step forward in our continuing effort to revitalize the North Country economy. As a member of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible effort put forth by the council to develop proposals that will create private sector jobs, train our workers in advanced manufacturing, promote the beautiful natural resources of the North Country and develop Clarkson University as an Innovation Hot Spot. I look forward to working with local leaders as we take the next steps in creating more jobs and attracting new businesses to the North Country.”

-30-

5th Annual Addie's Books for Children book drive begins

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the kickoff of her fifth annual holiday book drive. Known as Addie's Books for Children, the book drive has collected well over 12,000 books over the past four years, thanks to Kinney Drugs whose Jefferson and St. Lawrence County stores serve as drop off points. All of the books go to CAPC of Jefferson County and the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program for distribution to families throughout the North Country.  Books can also be dropped off in the red bins at the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown, or at her St. Lawrence County district office, 70 Main Street in Canton.

Assemblywoman Russell speaks on military veterans mental health issues

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-Theresa), member of the Assembly Veteran's Committee and chair of the Subcommittee on Women Veterans, spoke with Susan Arbetter of the Capitol Pressroom on suicide rates among veteran and veteran's mental health services. Here is the link: http://www.wcny.org/nov-11-2013-moa-addie-russell-onondaga-va-clear-path-for-veterans-peter-iwanowicz/

A Rediscovering Your Backyard Event

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and

the Indian River FFA Club invites you to the

3rd Annual 

North Country

Department Store

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Indian River Middle School

Off US Route 11, Philadelphia, NY

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A one day DEPARTMENT STORE

filled with local products and services

Including

 Artisans, Farmers, Food Producers, Antique Dealers,

Shop Owners, and Service Providers 

~ just in time for the holiday shopping season ~

                                

Admission is simply a donation at the door.

All proceeds to benefit Indian River FFA and Noah’s Ark Preschool

Assemblywoman Addie Russell announces the 3rd Annual North Country Department Store

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-Theresa) announced that the 3^rd Annual North Country Department Store will be held on Saturday November 2^nd from 10am to 4pm at the Indian River Middle School.  The department store showcases locally made and available products by artisans, farmers, antique dealers, and craftspeople. 

“I am very pleased that in this third year, we have approximately 80 vendors with wonderful products for sale that are locally made and sold,” said Assemblywoman Russell.  “I hope everyone comes out to do their holiday shopping and support local businesses.”

There is no admission but donations will be accepted and proceeds from the event will go entirely to the Indian River FFA and to Noah’s Ark Preschool, Redwood. 

“Buying local grows our economy,” said Assemblywoman Russell.  “What a terrific way to do your holiday shopping and support businesses in your backyard.”  The Department Store is part of Assemblywoman Russell’s Rediscovering Your Backyard initiative.  She holds a Wedding Expo in Ogdensburg in the winter and a Business Expo in Cape Vincent in the spring.

-30-

Assemblywoman Russell announces agricultural tax cap signed into law

             Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell announced that legislation she sponsored to cap the increase of agricultural assessments at 2% per year has been signed by Governor Cuomo and takes effect immediately. The bill, which passed unanimously in both houses, gives relief to farmers who have seen their property tax assessments rising at unsustainable rates.

            “Farming is the backbone of our community and an integral piece of the North Country economy,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Capping the rate of increase in agricultural assessment provides relief and predictability to North Country farmers who already have to contend with fluctuating feed and crop prices.”

The formula used by the state to determine annual property tax assessments is based on USDA crop sales data, the value of what is produced and the type of soil.  Erratic weather across the nation has driven up prices for corn and soybeans, and agricultural land values have risen with those prices.

            This rate can consume up to 15% of a farm’s net income. “The continual rise in agricultural property taxes has been a thorn in the side of farmers who are trying to grow their businesses and provide for their families,” said Assemblywoman Russell, who began advocating for this measure when the tax cap became law. “This assessment tax cap is a meaningful change,  not only for our current generation of farmers but for the next generation of North Country farmers as well.”

-30-

Assemblywoman Addie Russell reacts to North Country Childrens Clinic closure

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) expressed her disappointment with the announcement that the North Country Children's Clinic would close.

" I am troubled that the clinic is having to close its doors.  I have worked with the clinic to address slow payments from the state and share their frustration," Russell stated.  "There is additional funding that has been earmarked for the Children's Clinic, but it has taken over six months for the NYS Department of Health to acknowledge the funding," Russell explained.  "Now that the health department has agreed there is money to help the clinic with its financial needs, the department has informed us that it must go through additional reviews in the department and then reviews by the executive," she continued.

The North Country Children's Clinic is an essential healthcare provider in the region, and also runs important programs, including WIC, which has been impacted by the federal government shut down.

"The clinic and its staff have worked extremely hard to become a sustainable organization, winning key certification to provide services to adults, and with that being approved for higher reimbursement rates for all of their services," Russell noted.  "I will be meeting with clinic staff to ensure they re-open as soon as possible," she concluded.

                                    -30-

Assemblywoman Russell named to Farm Bureau’s ‘Circle of Friends’

             As a result of her hard work and dedication to advancing our state’s agriculture industry, the New York State Farm Bureau has named Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) to its “Circle of Friends” for 2013. Russell has been recognized in the Circle of Friends since 2010.

            “As a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and someone who was born and raised here in the North Country, I know how local farms are integral to the success of our community,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “I’m grateful for this recognition and will continue fighting for the tax and regulatory relief that our farmers need to thrive.”

When selecting legislators to receive this honor, the Farm Bureau examines their voting record on agricultural issues and support of farming-related issues, including sponsorship of bills that the Farm Bureau has supported during the latest legislative session.

Among the measures that prompted the Farm Bureau to include Assemblywoman Russell in this year’s Circle of Friends was her work to lower taxes for farmers.  She has been working with the Farm Bureau since 2011 on this issue, providing information and advocating in support of legislation which caps increases in agricultural assessments at 2 percent per year (A.165). Assemblywoman Russell also worked to give local wineries the right to sell their products at farmers markets, which will increase their visibility and demand (A.1512).

“The North Country is the epicenter of New York State’s dairy, maple syrup, and wine production and a myriad of other wonderful goods,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Making sure our farmers have the resources they need to continue providing our families with the products we know and love will remain a top priority of mine.”

-30-

Assemblywoman Russell applauds Governor for restoring funding to OPWDD

“The cuts to OPWDD in the budget were a tragedy, and today we have righted that wrong. By restoring funding to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) we have ensured that our most vulnerable citizens and their families have the support they need. I fought to restore this funding because we have a moral obligation ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities do not get left behind.”

-30-

Assemblywoman Russell accelerates $9 million NY Works funding for infrastructure

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-Theresa) announced today that she has secured accelerated funding totaling $9,240,000 from the NY Works program for two North Country bridge projects.  The two projects, both in St. Lawrence County, are the Route 971U (Maple Street) Bridges over the Raquette River in the Village of Potsdam and the Eel Weir Bridge over the Oswegatchie River in the Town of Oswegatchie.  These two projects were not slated to begin until 2017 but now they will commence in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

“Once again, I am pleased to be able to accelerate funding toward much need infrastructure projects in the North Country,” said Assemblywoman Russell.  These bridges, in addition to the Route 180 Bridge project in Dexter I announced a few weeks ago, are important projects in the realm of repairing aging infrastructure and creating jobs in our area.”

Steven W. Yurgartis, Mayor of Potsdam said, “The village is very pleased that Assemblywoman Russell is working to help us maintain our critical infrastructure.  The Maple Street bridge project is a perfect fit with our economic development plans to build a River Walk to showcase our downtown and the Raquette River.  It also fits perfectly with our goal of improving pedestrian and bicycle travel in a village with 7,000 students."  Potsdam is home to Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam. 

“It is better to be proactive in replacing our aging bridge infrastructure so that we can avoid sudden closures and the burdens they place on residents and businesses,” Russell argued.  “I have been a champion for funding infrastructure so that assets like our many bridges are economic drivers and compliment community development plans,” she stated.

-30-

Businesses sought for 3rd Annual North Country Department Store

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-Theresa) has announced that the 3rd Annual North Country Department Store, slated for Saturday November 2nd at the Indian River Middle School gymnasium, is inviting local businesses to be vendors at the event.  Artisans, farmers, food producers, antique dealers, shop owners, service providers, or organizations in Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties are welcome to participate as vendors.  Registration is due by October 22nd.  Contact her district office by email: russella@assembly.state.ny.us or phone 315-386-2037 or 315-786-0284 to receive a registration packet.

Assemblywoman Russell secures over $7.8 million for local infrastructure projects

Funding will rehabilitate bridge supporting Route 180 over the Black River near the airport

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D - Theresa) announced that she has secured accelerated funding as part of the NY Works program to replace the bridge over the Black River on Route 180 in the Village of Dexter. 

“The state must make strategic investments in North Country infrastructure, like our bridges, to ensure reliable and safe routes for travel, to improve the transportation of goods, and to facilitate more development in our communities,” said Assemblywoman Russell. “The bridge in Dexter needs significant work, estimated at over $7.8 million.  I have pushed to get this work started ahead of schedule, and now it will begin sooner than originally planned.  This vital investment will not only modernize our local infrastructure, it will make our community a better and safer place to live and do business.”

“The reconstruction of this bridge will compliment efforts to develop the Watertown International Airport,” she continued.  “There have been significant capital improvements at the airport, and the bridge could facilitate improved infrastructure to the facility, laying the groundwork for even more business activity.”

Dexter Mayor James R. Eves said, “The community needs the bridge to be wider in order to better accommodate existing large vehicle traffic.  The sooner this project gets done, the better.  In addition, the Village of Dexter could accommodate the sewer infrastructure needs if the airport continues to expand.  The new bridge design would enable the village to extend sewer over the river to support that growth.”  

“Since its inception last year, my continued commitment to the NY Works capital program has helped bring millions of dollars in supplemental transportation aid to the North Country to expedite important infrastructure projects,” said Assemblywoman Russell.  “I will continue to invest in capital programs that will help efforts to draw new businesses to our region, and fight to ensure our area continues to receive its fair share of state funding.”

-30-

Assemblywoman Addie Russell - St. Lawrence sales tax bill signed by the Governor

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D - Theresa) announced that Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed her bill A.4761 which allows St. Lawrence County to adopt a local law to increase the county sales tax an additional one percent above the current three percent rate.

“The Board of Legislators has requested this home rule legislation and I am pleased that it was passed by both houses and signed by the Governor. When it comes to home rule requests from local government, state government should respect the needs and financial challenges they face,” said Assemblywoman Russell.  “If the Board of Legislators enacts the increase, it should allow for more balanced revenue, providing relief to property tax payers,” she stated.

This authorization provides St. Lawrence County with the authority that nearly every other county in the state enjoys.  Most counties in New York State have been able to increase their sales tax rate beyond three percent.  The bill authorizes the county to adopt an increase for two years, and then must be re-approved by the state.  The bill’s main sponsor in the Senate (S.5014) is Senator Patricia Ritchie.   

-30-

Assemblywoman Russell: Go Fishing!

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the governor signed into law legislation she sponsored to continue allowing an individual to angle for fish with up to three lines in New York’s freshwater (Ch. 121 of 2013). This bill extends the expiration date of the law allowing three lines that originally passed in 2011 until Dec. 31, 2015.

            “This law will assist our local economy by continuing to bring recreational tourists and therefore increased revenue to the North Country,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Our region is home to many natural resources and by allowing the use of more than two rods while fishing our freshwater assets, we will ensure our area remains competitive and one of the premier fishing destinations in the state.”

Boasting over 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, over 7,500 lakes and ponds, and hundreds of miles of coastline, New York State is home to some of the country’s best fishing.[1] This law, which mirrors those that have favorably impacted New Jersey and Michigan, benefits anglers while promoting recreational fishing across the state. In order to protect our environment and prevent overfishing, existing catch limits will remain in effect.

            “The North Country is naturally designed – with its bountiful rivers, ample wildlife and beautiful scenery – to create memorable experiences for visitors and residents alike,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Fishing is an activity that the whole family can enjoy. This law ensures that those families who take advantage of our fisheries can get the most out of their experience.”

           

                                                    -30-

---

[1] www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will fight to save jobs and services at St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center

          “The Office of Mental Health’s decision to no longer provide inpatient services at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center will have a detrimental impact on not only the patients and families who utilize the facility, but also the hardworking staff who provide these critical services. These few regional centers of excellence in Syracuse and Utica are not sufficiently close to the local populations that need them here.

“I’m also very concerned about any potential job losses not directly related to treatment. That’s why I will be advocating vigorously to try to retain the services that are currently at the psychiatric center. We should be maintaining the service levels here, if not expanding them. That will continue to be my push.”

-30-

Assemblywoman Russell announces more than $200,000 in grants for North Country libraries

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that the New York State Library has awarded construction grants to public libraries in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. The funding, which was supported by Assemblywoman Russell in the 2012 state budget, will go toward renovation and construction projects to enhance local library facilities.

“Libraries are a vital part of our community by providing our families with educational and recreational services that they may not otherwise have access to,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This funding will allow patrons to continue using critical resources such as the Internet, job-training programs and tax filing services. Upgrades and enhancements to facilities will ensure that North Country families are getting the most out of their library experience.”

            The following local libraries will receive grants for various construction and renovation projects to improve their facilities:

 Jefferson County

·        Cape Vincent Community Library

·        Hawn Memorial Library

·        Lyme Free Library

St. Lawrence County

·        Canton Free Library

·        Ogdensburg Public Library

·        Potsdam Public Library

“The library construction grants help municipalities and libraries make their buildings more accessible and useful for their many patrons,” Steve Bolton, Director of the North Country Library System, said. “It’s always very difficult for libraries to save enough money for construction costs, so these grants are vital, especially for the older historic buildings. I want to thank Assemblywoman Addie Russell for her advocacy and support in helping to fund our North Country libraries.”

-30-

Assemblywoman Russell announces START-UP NY will foster job creation in the North Country

“The START-UP NY initiative demonstrates the state’s ongoing commitment to attracting businesses and spurring job growth in Upstate New York. By providing incentives and reducing burdensome regulations for eligible businesses around local campuses, we are giving companies every reason to create good-paying jobs right here. This legislation will also provide protections for currently established businesses, ensuring that we support those that have already been contributing to our economy.

“Our SUNY schools and private universities are valuable assets that attract talent to the area. By creating jobs and opportunities for our young people, this program will encourage them to stay local and continue to strengthen the North Country’s economy.”

-30-

Assemblywoman Russell passes vital equal rights legislation

Women’s Equality Act is a victory for all women

In an effort to combat the discrimination and societal bias that exists against the women of New York State, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Women’s Equality Act has passed the Assembly (A.8070). This 10-point agenda, which she sponsored, includes comprehensive reforms that would reinforce women’s health and reproductive rights, increase protections for victims of domestic violence, address pay inequity and end gender based discrimination.

“This historic piece of legislation provides a unique opportunity for us as legislators to make New York a better place for women; each measure is important to promoting fair and just treatment for all New Yorkers, and no parts should be excluded,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “By making each of these issues a priority, it displays the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring equal rights for women – it is time the Senate makes that same commitment.”

Specifically, this 10-point plan achieves the following:

1. Protects reproductive rights
2. Achieves pay equity
3. Prevents sexual harassment in the workplace
4. Strengthens human trafficking laws
5. Protects domestic violence victims
6. Ends housing discrimination for victims of domestic violence
7. Ends family status discrimination
8. Prevents pregnancy discrimination
9. Removes barriers to remedying discrimination
10. Stops source-of-income discrimination

“Our laws regarding women's rights needed to be upgraded,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This legislation has been long overdue and I am proud that we finally passed measures to ensure women can enjoy the rights they deserve. As chair of the Task Force on Women's Issues, I will continue to fight on behalf of all New York women.”

-30-

Assemblywoman Russell announces new byways will encourage visitors to enjoy scenic North Country views

Assembly passes measure to expand the Black River Trail and create the Maple Traditions Scenic Byway

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly passed legislation she sponsored to create two distinct New York State Scenic Byways in the North Country (A.4637). This legislation would expand the current Black River Trail and create a new Maple Traditions Scenic Byway to promote tourism.

“The North Country has so much to offer families and visitors looking to enjoy beautiful, scenic views,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “By expanding current byways and creating new ones here, we can provide tourists with exciting and educational corridors to enjoy the North Country’s unique landscape and learn more about the traditions and significance of our region. Also, new byways will improve travel, help preserve our environment and strengthen our economic revitalization with increased tourism.”

In 1992, the Scenic Byways Program was established as part of the state Department of Transportation to promote tourism and the preservation of surrounding environments through a statewide system of byways. The program encourages coordination between public and private interests to foster economic development, resource management and community services. Currently, there are over 2,000 miles of road included in the New York State Byways system that represent a particular region’s scenic, recreational, cultural, natural, historical or archaeological significance.

Last October, the New York State Scenic Byways Advisory Board made recommendations for the expansion of the Black River Trail and creation of the Maple Traditions Scenic Byway. Under the measure, the 95-mile corridor of the revised Black River Trail Scenic Byway would add various roads that pass through the towns of Hounsfield, Brownville and the city of Watertown in Jefferson County. It would rename sections of the existing Black River Trail to the new 71-mile corridor Maple Traditions Scenic Byway, which would also include towns of Oswegatchie and Canton in St. Lawrence County.

   -30-

Assemblywoman Russell works to restore cuts made to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

Issue is crucial to our most vulnerable New Yorkers and their families

            Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that a bill she sponsored that would restore up to $90 million to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to help nonprofits who work with some of New York’s most vulnerable residents has passed the Assembly (A.6692-C).

            “The services provided with OPWDD funding are vital – cuts cannot be absorbed without causing real pain and suffering to families and individuals who rely on them,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This legislation goes beyond budgeting – it involves an understanding that if these cuts are not restored, the quality of life for those with developmental disabilities will be diminished.”

            An oversight discovered by the federal government earlier this year forced New York State to pay back $1.1 billion in “overpayments” for services provided to the developmentally disabled. Negotiations with the federal government allowed the state to reduce that amount by more than half to $500 million, reducing the financial burden on OPWDD providers. However, this is what ultimately led to $90 million in OPWDD funding being cut from the final 2013-2014 state budget, well short of what is needed to provide services to those who are most in need.

The final 2013-14 state budget created a workgroup to find savings in OPWDD. The goal is to determine if a restoration of less than $90 million would allow nonprofits to continue to provide the services needed. For instance, if the workgroup found $20 million in savings, then a restoration of $70 million would be needed – not necessarily $90 million. A savings amount has not yet been determined.

“I am proud to join my colleagues in support of this bi-partisan legislation,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Solving our fiscal issues is never easy, but forcing our most vulnerable populations to suffer the consequences must be taken especially seriously.”

-30-

Assembly passes Russell's bill approving additional 1% sales tax in St. Lawrence County

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly passed a bill she sponsored that authorizes the county to impose an additional one percent sales and compensating use tax (A.4761). According to the county, this legislation is crucial for the implementation of its adopted five-year budget plan and will allow it to avoid having to increase property taxes.

 “This measure will not only assist the county in providing important services to the community, it will also allow St. Lawrence to take advantage of the growing number of shoppers visiting from outside of the county,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

This legislation would allow St. Lawrence County to collect an additional one percent sales tax, from three to four percent, until November 30, 2015. Including the state’s four percent tax, it would bring the county in line with the majority of other counties and localities with an eight percent sales tax rate. 

The legislation now awaits Senate approval where it remains in the Investigations and Government Operations Committee.

    

-30-

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell honors women veterans and offers support for female military members

Assembly also passed Russell’s legislation to assist veterans who 

experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

          Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that the Assembly passed a commemorative resolution declaring June 12, Women Veterans Recognition Day in New York (K.612). Assemblywoman Russell also honored the brave women veterans who have served our country by hosting a luncheon in the Legislative Office Building in Albany to discuss issues that impact female military members.

            Women Veterans Recognition Day coincides with the 65^th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Act of 1948. Signed into law by President Harry S. Truman, the law ensured that women would have a permanent place in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.

           

            “Since that vital piece of legislation was signed into law, women in the military have contributed endlessly toward protecting the rights and freedom of our country,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “If you look back at every war or conflict America has been involved with in the past 65 years, women were there playing a valuable role – and now they literally are fighting right alongside their male counterparts. Because women have been an integral part of our military history and have made incredible sacrifices for our country, they deserve a special day to be honored.”

           

Since the Women’s Armed Services Act of 1948 was made law, more than 80,000 women from New York State have served in the United States military. Currently, women make up nearly 15 percent of our active duty military and as of 2009, 15.5 percent of the officers across the four military branches are women. In January 2013, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that the military would be lifting the policy against women in combat roles, marking a major advancement in policy. Further, in April 2013, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new hotline geared at assisting women veterans, their families and caretakers (1-855-VA-WOMEN).

Coinciding with Women Veterans Recognition Day, the Assembly passed important legislation Assemblywoman Russell sponsored to require that veteran organizations direct assistance to veterans who experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST) during their military service (A.7086). As the chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Women Veterans and a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Assemblywoman Russell is deeply committed to implementing policies that best support our veterans’ needs.

“The issues our veterans are facing are continually changing,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “That is why today is not only an occasion to honor women veterans for their service, it is also an opportunity to pass vital legislation supporting those who have answered the call to duty and sacrificed for our country.”

In honor of women past and present who have served our country, Assemblywoman Russell also encourages everyone to visit the New York State Women Veterans Memorial located on Madison Avenue and South Swan Street in Albany, near the New York State Museum.

           

-30-

Assemblywoman Addie Russell helps pass legislative package that aids New Yorkers with disabilities

In recognition of Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day, Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-Theresa) announced the passage of a comprehensive package of bills focused on improving the quality of life for New Yorkers with disabilities.

            “It is imperative that we do all we can to remove roadblocks and level the playing field for those with disabilities,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This package of legislation addresses and helps alleviate some of the challenges that people with disabilities must face on a regular basis.”

One group that will see significant changes are disabled veterans as the package establishes the New York State Interagency Coordinating Council for Service-Disabled Veterans (A.6213-A). This council will be tasked with better identifying the needs of our service-disabled veterans and efficiently matching these needs with appropriate state resources.

“This council will make it easier for veterans with disabilities, who have bravely served our country, to access programs that can improve their quality of life,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “As the chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Women Veterans and a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will continue to fight to provide our service-disabled veterans with the support and assistance they require and deserve.”

In an effort to assist all New Yorkers with disabilities, the Assembly passed legislation that will assist people with disabilities during an emergency (A.6445). This legislation would require every owner of a high-rise building to establish and maintain an emergency evacuation plan for disabled occupants and visitors. This bill would also require those building owners to maintain and update the emergency evacuation plan for those with disabilities as necessary and have it available to emergency personnel.

“By addressing the unique needs of people with disabilities, this bill ensures the safety of those who are most vulnerable in emergency situations,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “By putting proper safeguards into place, we can prevent life-threatening situations from becoming tragic.”

In addition to these bills, the Assembly’s package also included a variety of legislation ranging from creating equal access to voting for blind and visually impaired voters, to preventing discrimination against people with service dogs, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

-30-

Assemblywoman Addie Russell to hold Press Conference on Women's Equality Agenda

Russell to discuss WEA in advance of women's equality advocacy day next Tuesday

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will hold a press conference on Thursday, May 30th, at 4:00pm at her Watertown district office to discuss her support of Women's Equality Act and next week's advocacy events.

-30-

Assemblywoman Russell: We must help veterans who endured sexual trauma during service

          Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) has sponsored legislation to require assistance to veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST) during their military service (A.7086). This legislation, which passed the Assembly unanimously last year, has passed out of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Assemblywoman Russell noted how important addressing this issue is, especially in light of continued reports at the national level of arrests of military members or personnel charged with sexual abuse or harassment.

Military sexual trauma refers to sexual assault or harassment that took place during a veteran’s service. This bill would require the Division of Veterans Affairs to devise a plan to provide assistance and benefits for veterans who experience MST while on active duty or during military training. The legislation would also require county and city veterans service agencies to report information on MST.

“MST is an extremely serious issue that threatens the welfare of our courageous men and women in uniform,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Our servicemembers have made great sacrifices to defend our freedom and country, and it is our duty to provide them with a support system upon their return home to help them recover and regain a sense of normalcy.”

Over 85,000 veterans received treatment for injuries or illness sustained as a result of MST in 2012 alone. However, only roughly 26,000 cases of MST were anonymously reported.[1] The disparity between these numbers highlights the gross underreporting of the sexual abuse that our military servicemembers experience, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

“As the chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Women Veterans and a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the well-being of our veterans is a top priority of mine,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This legislation is another critical step toward providing these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much the help they need to transition back into civilian life. I urge members of the Senate to join us in support of this bill; we owe it to our servicemen and women to get this law in place.”

-30-

---

[1] www.mpnnow.com/topstories/x1910059038/More-veterans-need-help-following-military-sexual-trauma

Assemblywoman Addie Russell calls for Lopez expulsion

         “Based on the information revealed in the NYS Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) report, I believe that a vote to expel Mr. Lopez is imperative and cannot come soon enough. The hostile work environment and reprehensible behavior described in the report are absolutely unacceptable.

“There must be zero tolerance for sexual harassment in the workplace. Mr. Lopez’s disgraceful actions have violated the public’s trust and he is no longer fit to remain in office.”