Assemblywoman Russell hails $23.5 billion investment in education

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, called the school aid increase in the new state budget needed relief for North Country schools.

The $23.5 billion education plan, which increases education spending by $1.6 billion over last year and includes a 60 percent reduction to the Gap Elimination Adjustment, will essentially eliminate GEA for most North Country school districts. The GEA reductions are focused on needy school districts including many in the North Country. A handful of local schools expect to have the remainder of GEA eliminated next year.

“Our students deserve adequate funding and we’ve secured a dramatic increase in this year’s budget to support them,” Russell said. “$1 billion is going directly to school aid and GEA elimination, sending a strong message of support for our public schools.”

Assemblywoman Russell helps increase vital funding for agriculture in state budget

North Country Ag Development Program and Farm Viability funding fully restored

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, helped restore valuable funding for agricultural programs in the state budget in order to continue New York’s focus on long-term economic vitality for growers and producers, especially in the North Country. The final budget negotiated by the Legislature restores over $8 million that the governor cut in Aid to Localities funding for the Department of Agriculture and Markets and increases that aid by over $12 million.

“The final budget for agriculture is a great improvement compared to the initial proposal from earlier this year. I pushed for a stronger investment in agriculture so that we can continue to support valuable programs that help North Country growers and producers thrive,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell votes to support women's reproductive health care

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said she has once again supported legislation that codifies in New York State law reproductive health care rights guaranteed under federal law.

The bill, which was passed in the Assembly and will be sent to the state Senate for action there, brings state law up to federal standards that have been in place since Roe v. Wade in 1973 to ensure a woman's right to make her own personal and private healthcare decisions.

"I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in the Assembly to ensure New York's women will continue to be protected under state law," Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell warns of scammers impersonating the IRS

Since 2013 scammers have swindled taxpayers out of $15.5 million by impersonating agents from the IRS. Tax season is when they strike harder than ever so it's important to stay alert and protect yourself from people looking to take advantage.

"These scams operate on a national level, targeting the most vulnerable people in our communities," Russell said. "My office has helped local people who have been targeted learn how to protect themselves and get in touch with the authorities."  

Assemblywoman Russell urges governor and Senate leaders to fully fund upstate transit in final budget

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, joined Assemblymembers representing upstate cities urging the governor and Senate to include an increase of $25 million in funding for upstate transit systems in the final state budget due April 1.

“Proper investment in small city transit will help promote local development and assist in funding much needed upgrades to services like CitiBus in Watertown,” Russell said. “A modest increase in funding will have a significant impact on the many families who rely on our transit systems every day, whether it’s getting to work or simply going to the store for basic necessities.”

Russell praises Heuvelton's Lady Bulldogs for State Championship win

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, praised the Heuvelton Central School Varsity Girls Basketball Team for their great win over the previously undefeated South Kortright team on Sunday morning.

“The Lady Bulldogs showed grit and determination while becoming the first state champions from Heuvelton in any sport," Russell said. "These young women are role models and an inspiration to other North Country athletes."

The ladies pulled ahead 61-54 over South Kortright in the final played at Hudson Valley Community College to win the championship and were welcomed home by crowds lining Main Street. Russell also congratulated Coach Rob Powers for building such a strong team and guiding them to victory and thanked the many supporters that organized and showed up to give them a champion’s welcome home.

Following Russell’s letter urging extension, additional HEAP funding made available through March 27

Following a letter written by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, additional Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funding is available and applications are being accepted through March 27. Eligible households can now apply for a second emergency benefit though HEAP.

“A harsh winter and below-average temperatures continue to take its toll on utility bills here in the North Country, which is why it’s vital to get assistance to those who need it most – families with young children, seniors and veterans” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This extra round of emergency funding makes a significant difference for many families working to make ends meet as heating costs rise.”

VIDEO: Assemblywoman Addie Russell stands with Fort Drum

Assemblywoman Addie Russell pushes a meaningful ethics reform agenda

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said today that she is encouraged by the ethics reform agreement reached Tuesday between the Assembly and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Russell said the agreement would go a long way towards cleaning up Albany.

“I’ve supported these measures in the past and I continue to support these ethics reforms today – increased transparency and disclosure will strengthen state government and curb unethical behavior by those who look to personally gain from their elected office,” Russell said.

Fort Drum soldiers welcomed to Assembly by Assemblywoman Addie Russell

Russell vows to fight proposed federal cuts to the installation

Assemblywoman Addie Russell spoke with 10th Mountain Division soldiers from Fort Drum who were visiting Albany today.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, welcomed members of the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum to the Capitol today.

Soldiers and officers from Fort Drum were in Albany for the fourth annual “10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day” in the Capitol to highlight the special relationship between the state and the Army. This year the day is especially important because the installation is facing massive cuts as part of federal sequestration.

Unless there are bipartisan efforts to preserve the installation, 16,000 of the 19,000 personnel at Fort Drum could be be cut. The impact on the North Country would be devastating.

Assemblywoman Russell condemns human trafficking, passes legislation to help victims

Assemblywoman Addie Russell, D-Theresa announced that legislation she sponsored that would help prevent human trafficking, strengthen protections for victims and increase penalties on traffickers passed the Assembly today (A.506). The bill is part of a legislative package cracking down on human trafficking in New York State.

“Human trafficking cannot be ignored – it is a tragic reality for too many families and children,” Russell said. “We are passing legislation in the Assembly to protect victims and increase awareness to help put an end to this horrific crime once and for all. We owe it to the brave victims who have suffered unimaginable physical and emotional trauma to support them on the road to recovery while holding their traffickers accountable.”

Assemblywoman Russell plans to welcome soldiers from Fort Drum to the Capitol

Vows to fight proposed federal cuts to the base

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is excited to welcome members of the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum to the Capitol on Tuesday.

Soldiers and officers from Fort Drum will be in Albany for the fourth annual “10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day” in the Capitol to highlight the special relationship between the state and the Army. This year the day is especially important because the base is facing massive cuts as part of federal sequestration.

“We are proud that Fort Drum and its brave soldiers call the North Country its home and together we will fight these cuts,” Russell said. “It’s more important now than ever for us to present a unified front in support of Fort Drum.”

Assemblywoman Russell calls for support for local government, not more competitions

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, plans to continue fighting for local governments during the run-up to the adoption of the 2015-2016 budget due April 1.

“Money should be appropriated based upon fairness and recognition of local needs,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “There’s too much focus on regional competitions for funding and not enough on ensuring basic infrastructure needs are being met here in the North Country. We shouldn’t have to fight for the funding we deserve.”

Russell announces Assembly budget boosts Foundation Aid, restores GEA money; rejects governor’s cuts to education

Students at SUNY Canton.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, announced the Assembly’s state budget proposal delivers significant increases in state funding to North Country schools in order to reduce the local tax burden on families while helping educators gain access to the resources they need to provide the education our students deserve.

Morristown Resident Beverly Ouderkirk appointed to State Board of Regents

Morristown resident Beverly L. Ouderkirk was appointed to the New York State Board of Regents Today. Ouderkirk was nominated for the position by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, right.

Morristown resident Beverly L. Ouderkirk was appointed to the New York State Board of Regents today after being voted on by members of the state Senate and Assembly.

Ouderkirk was nominated for the Fourth Judicial District, which stretches from St. Lawrence to Clinton County and down to Schenectady, by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa.

Beverly Ouderkirk, candidate for State Board of Regents, slated for Tuesday vote

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said she looks forward to Tuesday’s vote for New York State Board of Regents candidate and Morristown resident Beverly L. Ouderkirk and expects her confirmation.

“Ouderkirk brings more than 50 years of experience in education to the table,” Russell, who nominated Ouderkirk for the position, said. “Her election will ensure residents in the North Country are well served by the Board of Regents, and will help formulate positive change as our state moves through a tumultuous time in education.”

Agriculture support key to economic success of New York - Assemblywoman Addie Russell

Assemblywoman Addie Russell met with students from the Future Farmers of America and representatives from the St. Lawrence and Jefferson County chapters of the New York Farm Bureau this week in order to discuss how to ensure a bright future for the state's farmers.

Farming is big business in New York and Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is calling on the state to renew and expand on its commitment to farmers and their communities. Recently appointed Chair of the Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm, and Nutrition Policy, Russell said she's looking forward to using her new position to be a stronger advocate on behalf of North Country farms.

"In communities across the North Country, farms and agribusiness are the cornerstone of the economy,” Russell said. "It's one of my top priorities this year to ensure our farmers are supported by the state."

Assemblywoman Addie Russell calls for expanded access to college

Students from Jefferson County Community College visited the State Capitol
Wednesday to get a better idea of how state government works. 

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, met with students from Jefferson County Community College at the Capitol on Wednesday to discuss the problems facing today's students.

It’s more important today than ever before for people of all ages to get a college education. But increased costs are making it more and more difficult to afford higher education, and those who do are often saddled with years of debt.

We need to support young people - especially those who may lack the means to pay for college themselves - so we keep the best and the brightest minds here in New York,” Russell said. “When they succeed, we all do.”