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.”

           

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[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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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