Assemblywoman Russell pushed education wins in final hours of 2015 legislative session

Even as the final hours of the 2015 legislative session drew to a close, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, continued to fight for reforms that would make learning, not testing, the focus of education in New York State.

“I’ve heard from parents and teachers across the North Country and I believe we’ve made significant strides towards a more fair and functional educational system,” Russell said. “There is work to be done, but I’m proud of the work we did and look forward to continuing to fight for our schools in the future.”

Assemblywoman Russell secures $1 million for eight North Country schools

Eight North Country schools will receive funding totaling $1 million thanks to advocacy by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa.

“Too often schools are not treated as fairly as they should under our current school aid formula, a problem that has been exasperated by years of Gap Elimination Adjustment,” Russell said. “In our most recent budget my colleagues in the Assembly fought to restore money lost through the GEA, and this latest funding is targeted towards schools that are still in need.”

Clayton Riverwalk project will continue thanks to bill passed by Assemblywoman Russell

The village of Clayton will be able to continue the long-running Clayton Riverwalk project thanks to legislation introduced by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, and passed by the Assembly and state Senate last week.

“The village of Clayton is seeing growth in its tourism industry and I’m proud to do whatever possible to support this community and highlight the beautiful St. Lawrence River,” Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell passes bill to promote economic growth in Ogdensburg

Legislation championed by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, that will allow the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority to proceed with the expansion at the International Airport and other critical projects at the International Bridge and Port, unanimously passed the Assembly this week (A.5651-A).

The legislation gives the OBPA authority to issue bonds to improve its facilities by financing projects, including for the International Airport – an $18.5 million project, which will be mostly repaid by the federal government, that’s currently in progress. The bonding authority is also expected to spur other projects in the future.

“The passage of this legislation is great news for the city of Ogdensburg,” Russell said. “The Ogdensburg International Airport is one of the most important means available to North Country residents who need to reach other parts of the state, nation, and world for business and pleasure. I’m proud to lead my colleagues in the Assembly in supporting the OBPA as they work to attract private partners to the airport, facilitating new opportunities, and stimulating the region’s economy.”

Assemblywoman Russell passes legislation to help protect college students from sexual assault

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, voted in favor of legislation that would better protect college students from sexual assault. The bill would require all colleges and universities in New York to adopt uniform prevention and response policies and procedures to address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

“Sexual assault is a deplorable and devastating crime that cannot be tolerated and the prevalence of sexual assault in colleges is deeply troubling," Russell said. "College is an experience in one’s life that represents learning, exploration, and wonder; it is imperative that being sexually assaulted not be on the minds of students. I believe these measures are steps in the right direction that will better protect students and offer the opportunity to fully enjoy the unique experiences of college.”

Assemblywoman Addie Russell votes to curtail political corruption

On Wednesday Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, voted in favor of legislation that would strip public officials of their pensions if they are convicted of corruption.

“Public officials are elected or appointed to represent and serve their communities, not to use their political influence for personal gain," Russell said. "Corrupt politicians who selfishly take advantage of the faith placed in them must face the full consequences of their actions. That’s why I helped pass legislation that will strip the taxpayer-funded pension of any public official convicted of corruption. Increasing accountability is essential as our sole focus should be continuing to work for a better New York.”

Assemblymember Russell bill passes Assembly, would boost job creation in biofuel industry

Legislation authored by Assemblymember Addie J. Russell that would bring job opportunities to the North Country by boosting the biofuel industry (A.6166) passed the Assembly this week and was delivered to the Senate for a vote there.

The legislation would provide a financial incentive for companies producing biofuels like wood pellets.

“The North Country is already home to companies producing this kind of fuel,” Russell said. “My legislation is designed to put a wind in their sails that will create job opportunities and economic growth for the whole region.”

Assemblywoman Russell: Standing up for women veterans

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, announced the passage of legislation she authored to help women veterans, as well as a resolution she supported to proclaim June 12 as Women Veterans’ Day in New York State.

“All veterans deserve to be treated with respect and dignity,” said Russell. “As our brave servicewomen return home and transition back into civilian life, it is essential to ensure that quality health care services are available to them. This legislation will ensure that veterans who may have faced traumatic experiences can access the help and support they need.”

Assemblywoman Russell passes bill to spur Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority growth

Port of Ogdensburg.

The city of Ogdensburg is in a period of growth with expansion projects underway at the Ogdensburg International Airport and the Port of Ogdensburg. It’s an exciting time with new opportunities for economic development and job creation.

But to tap into that potential the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority – which owns and operates many public assets in the city – needs to modernize its ability to borrow money in order to facilitate and invest in projects large and small that will attract and enable future growth.

That’s why the New York State Assembly passed a new piece of legislation that would give the Authority the ability to issue bonds for up to $100 million to rev up the economic engine of Northern New York.