Primary date change will save taxpayers $50 million

                                       North Country Legislatures should get on board

             Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell announced that legislation to change New York’s primary election date to June passed the Assembly and called on County Legislatures in the North Country to support the legislation as it moves to the Senate.

            “Holding multiple primaries is an unfunded mandate for localities across the state that is not only unnecessary, but harmful to the institution of voting,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This is a situation in which county governments should get involved and let the legislature know that they support this common sense solution.”

            Assembly bill A.8198 consolidates the election calendar so that state and federal primaries are held on the same day – the fourth Tuesday in June. Holding a single June primary day would encourage voter participation, save taxpayers almost $50 million and ensure that military personnel have ample time to participate in our elections, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

In 2009, the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act was passed, requiring that absentee ballots be in the hands of overseas military personnel 45 days prior to a general election. Currently, New York’s September state primary election day is not in compliance with this law because it falls too close to the deadline for transmitting military and overseas absentee ballots. New York State was granted a waiver from the MOVE Act in 2010, however, a similar request was denied in 2012 and a federal court imposed a June primary date in New York for federal offices. The Assembly’s bill would bring primaries for statewide office in line with the act.

           

            “While it’s unacceptable for voting to be made more difficult than it needs to be, it’s unconscionable to hamper our troop’s ability to participate in the very democracy they defend,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This bill protects our troop’s ability to vote and saves county governments money that they can put to better use maintaining infrastructure and ensuring public safety.”

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Assemblywoman to hold press conference on Governor's State of the State Address

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, (D-Theresa) will host a press conference on Friday, January 10th at 11:00am at her Watertown District office.  She will be addressing the Governor's State of the State Address. This is a media only event.

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Massena to be the location for Assemblywoman Addie Russell’s Education Reform Rally on Thursday

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) has announced that she is holding an education reform rally at the Massena High School Auditorium on Thursday January 9^th at 6:30pm. The rally, in conjunction with the Alliance for Quality Education, will address issues like the Common Core standards and the School Funding Equity Act, a bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell designed to bring more school aid to poorer rural school districts.  Parents, educators, and all those concerned with these issues are encouraged to attend to kick off this year’s advocacy efforts.

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Annual book drive nets over 5000 books

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D - Theresa) announced today that more than 5000 books were collected during the 5th Annual ABC Book Drive.  During the holiday season, books were donated at Kinney Drug stores across Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties.  The books were then brought to the Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County and the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program for distribution to needy families.

"Our goal was to break the 5000 book threshold and through the generosity of the North Country, we did it," said Assemblywoman Russell.  "I am so pleased that 5000 children received books this holiday season!"

Assemblywoman Russell also praised Kinney Drugs and in particular each store manager for their role in being collection points throughout the two counties. "Kinney Drugs has played an important role in this endeavor and the dedication of each store manager for setting up visible collection points is tremendous," she said.

Melinda Gault, Executive Director of the Community Action Planning Council said, "We are pleased to have participated with Assemblywoman Russell in the distribution of books in Jefferson County. I want to thank our community for its generosity.  We know how valuable these books will be to the children who receive them."

Norma Carey, Executive Director of the St. Lawrence Community Development Program said, "Sometimes little things like books are luxury items for some families. We are so pleased to distribute these books to those families and hopefully make thousands of children smile."

Addie's Books for Children has collected over 15,000 books in the last five years.

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Assemblywoman Addie Russell announces office relocation in Canton

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-Theresa) announced that she has relocated her Canton office to 3 Remington Ave, Suite 1, Canton.  Her Watertown office remains in the Dulles State Office Building.

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