Assemblywoman Russell passes legislation protecting victims of domestic violence

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, joined her colleagues on Tuesday to pass legislation that will support and protect victims of domestic violence. 

"One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime," Russell said. "That is unacceptable and cannot be ignored. I helped pass legislation that will offer victims resources for recovery and hold their abusers accountable. The physical and emotional damage victims face is daunting, but they should know that they are not alone. By passing these bills, the Assembly continues its commitment of providing protection, support, and justice."

Regent Ouderkirk announces listening session in Potsdam on May 13

 

Board of Regents member Beverly L. Ouderkirk, second from right, met with lawmakers in Albany to discuss the future of education in New York.

New York State Board of Regents member Beverly L. Ouderkirk met with members of the state Assembly on Tuesday, April 28, and announced a listening session scheduled for May 13 at 6pm in the Potsdam High School auditorium.

The listening session will provide an opportunity for teachers, school administrators, students, and community members to provide input on teacher evaluations and curriculum.

“I'm looking forward to the opportunity to hear from local residents on their vision for the future of education in New York,” Regent Ouderkirk said.

Regent Ouderkirk was appointed to the Board of Regents in April and brings with her a wealth of experience working in North Country schools – from the classroom to the boardroom.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell helps pass equal pay for equal work bill

Today Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell joined her colleagues in the Assembly to pass a bill that strengthens anti-discrimination language in state law in order to ensure women are treated fairly in New York.  

“Women are a driving force of our economy and many are the breadwinners supporting their families. Sadly, on average, they also earn only 78 cents to every dollar a man makes for working the same job. It is unacceptable that in 2015 a woman does not earn equal pay for equal work. It’s discrimination and it’s wrong. I am proud that the Assembly once again passed legislation that would ensure women would be paid fairly. This legislation not only helps women succeed, it helps all of us succeed.”

Russell supports plan to delay new teacher evaluations

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said she strongly supports the Board of Regents’ directive to the state education department to incorporate in the new regulations an extension for the full implementation of new teacher evaluations.

The Board of Regents will adopt teacher evaluation regulations by June 30 of this year, but the new directive calls on the state Education Department to come up with a plan that gives schools more time to implement the changes.

Assemblywoman Russell plans public forum on education funding

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell is inviting North Country residents to a special meeting of the Education Policy Advisory Committee on Thursday, April 30, from 6 to 9pm at the Indian River Central School’s Large Group Instruction room.

The meeting on April 30 will feature a panel discussion on school funding with Dr. Rick Timbs, executive director of the Statewide School Finance Consortium, Billy Easton, executive director of the New York State Alliance for Quality Education, and Charles Szuberla, assistant commissioner at the New York State Education Department.

A question and answer session will follow immediately after the presentations.

The Education Policy Advisory Committee was organized by Russell in 2014 to organize local efforts to strengthen curriculum and shape education policy. The committee is made up of educators, school administrators, and concerned community members from across her district.

A future meeting will be held to discuss curriculum.