ABC Book Program Nets Over 4,000 Books for Children

Assemblywoman Addie Russell announced today that 4,100 books were collected throughout Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties as a result of the third annual Addie’s Books for Children program.  This number quadruples what the program has collected in each of the previous two years, and it is due in large part to a new partnership with Kinney Drugs.

“Kinney Drugs generously placed drop boxes in each of its Jefferson and St. Lawrence County stores, which helped give the program more exposure.  I am so pleased with the response and I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Kinney Drugs and to each of the store managers for their assistance in making this a huge success,” said Assemblywoman Russell. 

Russell said that all of the books in St. Lawrence County went to the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program, which has neighborhood centers throughout the county.  Norma Cary, executive director said, “This will be a wonderful opportunity for low-income families to give books to their children, especially because books can be a low priority for families with limited incomes.  Books are also an important tool for the development of children’s literacy as well.”

Russell also indicated that the books collected in Jefferson County were delivered to the Community Action Planning Council.  "Addie's Books for Children is a wonderful component of our holiday programming," said Dawn Cole, deputy director for the Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County.  "It promotes of one life's greatest joys - parents and children reading together. What a truly special gift for the holidays."

Assemblywoman Russell said that she is very much looking forward to next year’s holiday book drive and hopes to reach a goal of 5,000 books in 2012.  

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Statement from Assemblywoman Addie Russell on the Historical Timeline in the Hall of Governors

“I would like to assure everyone that the War of 1812 and the North Country are not omitted in the Hall of Governors historical timeline.  In fact, there will be three plaques that refer to the War of 1812 and Sackets Harbor will be featured in one of them.  I know that everyone has been concerned about this timeline but rest assured, what has been displayed is simply in draft form and the three final plaques will be unveiled at a future date.”

Statement from Assemblywoman Russell on Board of Regents recommendations

Assemblywoman Addie Russell: Board of Regents recommended school aid reforms are a good first step

"I have called publicly for changes to the way our schools are being funded by the state.  I have introduced a bill in the state assembly to adjust the school aid formula so that a community’s wealth is more accurately reflected when precious resources are divided among school districts.  The bill also aims to stop providing unnecessary aid to wealthy school districts.  We must also stop the use of the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) to reduce school aid expenditures by the state.  The GEA is a regressive way to adjust school aid funding and is damaging our neediest schools while having very little impact on wealthy schools.  It is imperative that we address these funding issues and provide a plan for the future that provides for equity in how we fund public education.

"The Board of Regents is meeting today to vote on recommendations on a variety of issues.  I am encouraged that there appears to be an acknowledgment that recent cuts have eroded reforms made to the school aid funding formula in response to the campaign for fiscal equity and that the board must act to address the problem.  The Campaign for Fiscal Equity reforms drove more education dollars to North Country high needs rural districts, in addition to New York City schools.       

"We must use state school aid funding to ensure that all of New York’s children receive a sound basic education.  The cuts resulting from the GEA are jeopardizing our school districts’ ability to ensure our children receive even the most basic education.  Adjustments can be made immediately to address funding inequities.  I can fully support the Board of Regents recommendations to move away from the regressive tools used to balance the states budget and move toward make funding more progressive in the upcoming school year.

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Statement From Assemblywoman Addie Russell on the North Country Regional Council Award

“This is truly one of the finest days for the North Country.  As a Regional Council Best Awardee, our regional plan is receiving more than $103 Million.  These funds will really be the catalyst for creating jobs and boosting our economy.

“I believe that this is extraordinarily good news for the North Country and for Fort Drum.  Our housing gap is at a critical point and the future of Fort Drum depends on its availability.  Fort Drum will be at ‘full nest’ in the near future, meaning that all brigades will be home. Our community must have the available housing stock for our military and civilian residents.  I know that the Pentagon is paying close attention to this issue and so I am pleased that the State is doing its part to help with our housing expansion.

“I want to congratulate the members of the North Country Regional Council for their hard work and dedication, as well as to Tony Collins and Gary Douglas for their superb leadership.  I look forward to getting to work to do what I can do to help put this plan into motion.”

Assemblywoman Addie Russell: New bill brings relief to the North Country, reducing taxes and creating jobs

"Tonight the Assembly passed important legislation which reforms the tax code into a more fair and equitable structure, meaning tax cuts for nearly everyone in the North Country and provisions focused on creating thousands of jobs across the state. The legislation reduces tax rates for nearly 4.4 million New Yorkers and for small businesses. The bill also encourages corporate manufacturers to hire new employees.  The increase in revenue resulting from the reformed tax code – $2 billion for each of the next three years – will provide a significant amount of money to the state, enough to relieve some of the pressure from the state budget.

“This additional revenue stream will allow us to focus our advocacy on important issues facing our communities; instead of our time being dominated by more crippling budget cuts. This legislation puts us on stable fiscal ground going into next year, and in a much better environment to achieve restoration of vital educational funds to suffering schools in the North Country.”

This bill also includes the New York State Works agenda, a provision for job creation through an infrastructure fund. The fund includes investments to replace deficient state and local bridges, rehabilitate dams and flood control structures, renovate parks and rebuild water systems.  For the North Country that will also mean upgrades to our energy infrastructure.  In addition, New York Works also invests in conducting energy retrofits for homes, farms, businesses and schools, as well as pushing forward major SUNY projects. The legislation also designates tax credits to businesses that hire jobless young adults. Funds will also be allocated for job-training programs and can be used to support programs at local school districts and BOCES.

“New York State Works will provide valuable assistance to the North Country’s small businesses, farms and SUNY schools.  Not only will it help put our community back to work, it will also provide our youth with opportunities and training necessary to succeed.  I encourage all local businesses, schools, farmers and manufacturers to take advantage of the assistance made available with these programs.”

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Assemblywoman Addie Russell introduces bill on School Aid Formula Reform

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced today that she has introduced legislation to address inequities in the state’s school aid formula.  The key aspect of the legislation will adjust the arbitrary floor and ceiling of the wealth ratio in the formula.  Many North Country schools are affected by the floor imposed in the formula because it treats schools with wealth ratios below .65 as if that were their wealth ratio - even though many local wealth ratios fall well below that number.  Similarly at the high end of the scale, wealthy schools are allowed to appear poorer than they are, driving school aid to schools that do not need the funds.  The legislation will lower the floor of the wealth ratio used in the school aid formula to .25 and increase the ceiling to 3.0.  The average wealth ratio across the state is 1.0. 

“At a time when resources are scarce, we must review our policies to ensure they continue to work in practice,” Russell said.  “When school funding increases, the inequity in the formula is not as problematic, but when funding is cut, the problem is serious,” she added.  “Local schools are feeling the brunt of the cuts while wealthy school districts are essentially unaffected,” she stated.   

Russell is also an advocate for enacting a true millionaire’s tax as a compromise to the current millionaire’s tax that is set to expire at the end of December. 

“The revenue from the wealthy can get our state’s educational system back on the right track,” Russell insisted.  “We need to be able to stop further cuts, and reverse the inequitable school aid distribution,” she explained.  “If we do not commit to reforms now and make the tough decisions necessary to fix the inequities, the problem will only grow, making it that much more difficult and expensive to overcome in the future,” she concluded.    

Russell arranged for six area school superintendents to meet with high level assembly budget staff earlier this week.  “It was important for us to inform the budget staff about what the cuts actually mean for our students,” Russell stated.  “You cannot generalize how cuts impact schools because the reality is that our schools are being hurt to a much larger degree than in wealthy areas,” she stated.  “Some local districts have been cut roughly $2,000 per student, while other, very wealthy areas of the state were cut less than $500 per student,” she explained.  “Early advocacy on this issue is critical, and especially timely if we are called back to Albany this month to address the current years’ budget deficit,” she concluded. 

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Assemblywoman Addie Russell Special News Conference

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will hold a special news conference today at 1:30pm at her Watertown office to announce her introduction of a significant bill relating to education funding reform.  Media only. Please RSVP your attendance to Mark Pacilio, chief of staff at mark.pacilio@gmail.com or through text at 315-486-7160.

Announcement from Assemblywoman Addie Russell on her Albany meetings this Wednesday

Watertown, NY.  On Wednesday, November30^th, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell will be in Albany to attend several meetings, including a meeting with a handful of St. Lawrence and Jefferson County School Superintendents and Assembly budget staff to discuss school aid cuts and their impact on North Country Schools.  Assemblywoman Russell has met with several school superintendents about the impact of the cuts and is taking the lead early in the budget process to demonstrate the need for change in the school aid funding formulas.  She will also be meeting with the Alliance for Quality Education to discuss their recent assessment of the school aid distribution and advocates for small city school districts. 

“If we all speak with a unified voice on this issue, we can change the regressive impact of the severe cuts our local schools are struggling to address.  Failure to insist that our schools are treated fairly puts our communities in vulnerable positions,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

Statement from Assemblywoman Addie Russell on the SUNY Resolution

“Today the SUNY Board of Trustees passed an important resolution concerning shared services between SUNY campuses, and specifically addressed SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton.  The resolution acknowledged that there have been consultations with campus officials on this issue and as to the notion of whether there should be a shared presidency or separate presidencies, or some other organizational structure or approach that achieves the stated goals.  SUNY Central has concluded that, while there is great support for the concept of shared services, there is not that same support for the shared presidency model.  The resolution states that the institutions must continue to work together to explore and implement shared services where appropriate and to submit a report to the Chancellor by July 15, 2012 on progress, rather than March 30^th.  

“This is clearly great news for each campus.  I have maintained that while I strongly support shared services, I also supported having each campus retain their president.  I have worked closely with SUNY Central and have listened to campus administration, faculty and students, and know that they feel strongly about having each campus retain its president.  

“I am also pleased that SUNY Central will be including College Councils and other groups of whose concerns I share as well will be part of the process in terms of review and advisement on the strategic plan for shared services.  I believe that their invaluable input will make for a much improved shared services plan.  

“I want to thank the Chancellor and her staff, as well as the College Councils, students and faculty at both campuses for their hard work to get to this result.  I will continue to work closely with the Chancellor and with both campus presidents and respective administrations to ensure that progress is made for a successful implementation of a comprehensive shared services plan. 

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Assemblywoman Russell Announces 2011 ABC Book Drive

Watertown, NY Assemblywoman Addie Russell announced the kick-off of her third annual book drive – Addie’s Books for Children commencing this week.  In addition, she announced that Kinney Drugs has agreed to partner this year by serving as the drop-off location for new or gently used books.  Every Kinney Drugs store in Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties will have a drop box that the community is invited to use. 

The books will be donated to the Community Action Planning Center in Jefferson County and the Community Development Program in St. Lawrence County.  Those agencies will then distribute the books to children and families in the respective counties. 

“I am very excited to launch the ABC Program for the third year.  Thousands of books have been donated in our first two drives and we’re hoping that this year, in these tough economic times, our communities will be even more generous to this program.  I am also thrilled that Kinney Drugs is partnering with us in this endeavor so that we are able to provide donation boxes in convenient locations – at all Kinney Drugs stores throughout Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties.  Putting a book in every child’s hand this holiday season is our goal. We all know the importance of reading in children’s lives.”

Books will be accepted at Kinney Drugs stores until December 10^th. 

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News from Assemblywoman Addie Russell

Statement by Honorable Addie J. Russell, Chair of the

Subcommittee on Women Veterans

            This Friday, November 11, 2011 we come together as a nation and state to thank our military veterans for their service and let them know that their sacrifices will never be taken for granted.  We currently have troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, in addition to tens of thousands more stationed worldwide.  Every day, these men and women make tremendous sacrifices serving our country. 

            New York State is home to over one million veterans including about 68,000 women veterans.  They are our grandparents, parents, sons and daughters, aunts and uncles, cousins, co-workers, friends and neighbors, ordinary citizens who have served in extraordinary ways to preserve our freedoms and liberties.

            It is our duty as citizens, not just elected officials, to remember the service of our veterans, their sacrifices and their commitment to America and its citizens. 

            We should begin by thanking them for their service and honor them by adopting legislative measures that are meaningful so that they can make a successful transition from being a member of the armed forces to being a civilian once again.

            I will be attending several Veterans Day ceremonies.  On Thursday I will be at ceremonies at Fort Drum and on Friday I will be attending ceremonies in Clayton and Alexandria Bay. 

            Next week I will also be hosting a conversation with women veterans.  As Chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Women Veterans issues, I want to hear about some of the issues and circumstances that face our woman veterans in New York State.  That event will be on Wednesday November 16^th at 10:00 here at the Dulles State Office building on the 11^th floor.  I encourage and invite any woman veteran to attend this special event. 

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Assemblywoman Addie Russell - Announcement and Press Availability

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will be making an announcement on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 9:30am at her Watertown District Office, Suite 210, Dulles State Office Building 317 Washington Street, Watertown, NY.

The announcement will be concerning women veterans and the forthcoming forum, "A Conversation with Assemblywoman Russell".  She will be joined at this press event by Kelly Johnson of the American Legion Auxiliary Warrior Family Assistance Program. 

Assemblywoman Russell will comment on several other topics and also be available for questions. Please RSVP your attendance to: mark.pacilio@gmail.com.

Assemblywoman Russell: New law will help families caring for loved ones with autism

Law will save families money and improve patients’ quality of life in the long run

“I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing this law which requires insurance companies to cover screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. This law is a sigh of relief for many families who have struggled to keep up with the expensive medical care necessary for treating children with autism.

“Caring for a child with autism is a challenge, and it becomes even more challenging given the ever-rising cost of treating the disorder. This law means that hardworking families won’t have to go broke to care for a child with autism. With more families being able to afford coverage, children with autism will be diagnosed sooner, start treatment sooner, and will need less care later in life, bringing costs down for everyone and improving the quality of life for countless New Yorkers affected by autism.”

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Rediscovering Your Backyard

Assemblywoman Addie Russell invites you to Rediscover your backyard.

Assemblywoman Addie Russell Announces an Event

Assemblywoman Addie Russell is hosting a North Country Department Store

On Saturday, November 5th, Assemblywoman Addie Russell is hosting a North Country Department Store at the Indian River Middle School.  Details for this event are here: North Country Department Store

Assemblywoman Addie Russell Friday Press Availability

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will hold a press availability Friday at 10:45am at her Watertown District Office.  The Assemblywoman will be making an announcement about a Women Veterans event to be held in the North Country in November.  She will also have comments on several other issues that she has been working on.  This is an event for media only.  Attendees should email Mark Pacilio at mark.pacilio@gmail.com or call 315-486-7160 to confirm attendance.

Assemblywoman Addie Russell Friday Press Availability and Announcement

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will hold her regular Friday press availability on Friday, October 7th at 10:00am at her Watertown office.  At that time, she will be making an announcement on the North Country Department Store.  In addition, she will be discussing other issues and will be available for Q and A.  Media only.

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Assemblywoman Russell appearing on YNN's Capital Tonight this evening

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will be appearing on YNN's Capital Tonight with Liz Benjamin this evening, Thursday September 29th to discuss the her legislation to establish a War of 1812 Commemorative Commission, which was recently vetoed by Governor Cuomo.  The show is at 8:00pm and repeats as 11:00pm. 

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Russell Statement on SUNY decision not to have shared presidents at Canton and Potsdam

Today, the SUNY Board of Trustees has unanimously passed a resolution that essentially directs both presidents of SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton to work together toward a goal of increasing the percentage of funds devoted to instruction and academic services.  The Board has decided not to make a decision on whether a single president should serve both campuses. Instead, it will reserve that decision based upon consideration of a joint report from presidents Kennedy and Schwaller which is due on March 30, 2012. 

As I have stated in the past, I have been working with SUNY on almost a daily basis and have urged them to allow both Presidents to remain and work on the issue of shared services.  I am very pleased that my input has been taken seriously and that the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees have acted in this manner.  I believe that both campuses will benefit from a full analysis by the Presidents and that the goal of shifting funds from administration to instruction and academic services will be met. 

Assemblywoman Addie Russell Friday Press Availability

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will have press availability Friday morning at her office at the conclusion of the 9/11 ceremony at the Dulles State Office Building.  She will discuss issues relating to SUNY and several other topics.  This is a media-only event.

Statement from Assemblywoman Addie Russell in response to recent revelations regarding SUNY Canton President Kennedy's status

 “As a result of my ongoing dialog with SUNY, last week I was able to persuade them to go one step further than offering Dr. Kennedy one more year as President of SUNY Canton.  My understanding is that Dr. Kennedy was offered to be returned to his previous status as President for an unspecified period of time.  

“This would come with less job security for the President but would be a signal that SUNY would move forward with one president at each campus, a goal clearly desired by everyone directly affected by this situation.

“Given that this arrangement would mean that Dr. Kennedy would return to serving in an at-will capacity, like every other president in the SUNY system, I have asked SUNY to provide a little more job security for him.  In light of the tumultuous circumstances I have asked that they provide him with a contract to serve as president of SUNY Canton for three years.  This type of contract is unprecedented, but warranted given the events of the past few weeks.  

“However, if this effort is not successful, I would not fault President Kennedy if he were to decide to continue with his contract to serve out the year as president and then serve as an advisor to the Chancellor for two more years.

“If President Kennedy opts to keep his current agreement with SUNY, I will absolutely become a co-sponsor of Senator Ritchie’s legislation to ensure that each campus has its own president and work closely with her to find a way to make the bill become law.  We need to ensure that if President Kennedy leaves the campus at the end of the school year, that he is replaced to preserve the integrity of the campus.   

     

“In the meantime, I will continue to advocate on behalf of the campus’ needs, specifically for Dr. Kennedy to remain president for at least the next three years.   He has been placed in a very difficult position and it is unfortunate that this personal matter is being played out in the press.”

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Press Availability

Assemblywoman Addie Russell will hold an open press event Friday, September 2, 2011 at her office in the State Office Building in Watertown at 11:30am.  Media only.  She will be discussing a number of topics and events. 

Russell’s Bill aimed at providing support to anglers and fishing charter operations

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that Governor Cuomo has signed a bill (A.3480b/S.2462b) that she authored, along with Senator Tom Libous, allowing anglers to use up to three fishing rods simultaneously.  Being able to use three rods will help enhance the fishing experience in the state’s streams, rivers and lakes.  The law is expected to have positive impacts in several situations. 

“This law will allow charter operators to maximize the use of their equipment in instances when they do not have a full group on board.  If a couple of people have to pull out of a fishing trip because of their personal finances, the remaining group will be put at a disadvantage because the charter will not be able to set up the lines for optimal fishing,” Russell explained.  “We want our sport fishermen and women to have exciting trips so they keep coming back to our region,” she added.  “Allowing a third rod helps our charter operations ensure they will have an exciting outing,” said Assemblywoman Russell. 

Allowing three rods is not new to the angling community.  Several other states currently allow the use of up to three rods per person.  “By adjusting our rules, we will put our fishing destinations in a competitive position when trying to attract major tournaments,” Russell said.  “Our fishing resources are a major asset and we need this change to help unlock the economic potential of our region,” she stated.

The added benefit to local fishermen and women is that those who fish to feed their families will also have an advantage.  “If you are fishing to put food on your table, having another line to find where the fish are biting and catch them is a plus,” Russell said.  “I want to be able to help my neighbors support themselves, and I hope that this is helpful to all those who depend on fishing to do so,” she added.

The Assemblywoman reinforced that the catch limits have not changed and must still be followed.  The law will expire in December of 2013 but will be considered for extension.  In the meantime, she hopes that anglers will take advantage of the new three rod rule and hopes that charter operators and marketing agencies will use this new provision to increase fishing activity in the region.  “Hopefully we will see an increase in recreational fishing, and that this will generate excitement in the angling community and make New York more competitive in attracting major tournaments,” she concluded.  

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Assemblywoman Addie Russell reacts to the Governor’s Veto of Campgrounds legislation

The vetoing of this legislation, which helps consumers and businesses alike, is disappointing and contrary to the goal of easing unnecessarily burdensome regulation on our small  businesses so that our economy and business climate can improve.  My goal in writing this bill was to ease regulations on small campground businesses by providing a balanced alternative to installing a costly chemical toilet dump station.  In addition, my bill provided revenue to New York State Parks by directing campers at these small private campgrounds that are within 30 miles of a state park to go there to dump their waste water and pay the daily park rate. 

Instead, the Governor chose to veto this legislation, stating that there is a waiver process for campgrounds.  Requiring that campgrounds go through an arduous process to obtain a waiver is only temporary and is far more business-unfriendly than what my bill would have allowed.  Further, the waiver process is applied differently across the state, some regions being extremely inflexible and unwilling to provide a waiver all together.

It is also my understanding that the Department of Health was not supportive of the bill, citing concerns that people would choose to just dump their waste water illegally if no on-site waste water system is in place.  It shocks me that the DOH has such a low regard for our community members.  I believe they should be embracing solutions like this one that the state Assembly and Senate both supported.  I will be consulting with the Chair of the Assembly Health Committee about the possibility of holding hearings to examine the overregulation by the DOH.  

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Statement on the future of SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam

 “As a staunch proponent of consolidation and shared services during my tenure as a member of the New York State Assembly, I have always supported creative and unique opportunities to rein in spending, especially at the top as opposed to always cutting the rank and file.  With the launch of the SUNY Campus Alliance Networks, SUNY will be able to invest more resources toward academic instruction and student-support services as a result of the cost savings generated by functional and administrative consolidation among the alliance partners. 

“Already SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam have initiated planning for shared services, thanks to the leadership of Presidents Joseph Kennedy and John Schwaller.  This can serve as an example that government can operate effectively and efficiently with smaller, centralized administrative units. 

“It should be stressed that this will not mean that the two campuses will merge into one college.  The administrative alliance should be invisible to the public and the students.  But the reduction of administrative personnel allows SUNY to channel resources that will directly improve educational functions at each campus respectively. 

“As New York State continues to recover from the downturn in the economy and tremendous budget gaps, this is exactly the kind of bold leadership needed.  I had discussions with Chancellor Zimpher last week and appreciate that she heard my concerns and my encouragement to proceed with a sound, open process for continued planning. Our respective staffs have had ongoing communications and will continue to do so.  Again I commend SUNY for its leadership in reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and expanding academic resources.”

Assemblywoman Russell Introduces Legislation to separate regulating districts

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D – Theresa) announced today that she is re-introducing a bill to unconsolidate the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District. 

In 1959 the Hudson River Regulating District (HRRD) (established 1922) was combined with the Black River Regulating District (BRRD)(established 1919) creating the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (the Regulating District). The combined Regulating District is a New York State public benefits corporation established by the NYS legislature in Article 15, title 21 of the Environmental Conservation law (ECL). By law, reflecting the wisdom of the legislature at the time, the accounts of the two districts are required to be separate.

Now the Hudson River Regulating District is facing a shortfall of close to $4.0 million of its annual $5.4 million budget. The Black River Regulating District is currently fiscally sound. In order for the HRRD to make up for this shortfall, in the face of its inability to assess the benefited Hudson River counties, it proposed that the HRRD borrow from the BRRD. The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) denied this request. In a letter dated October 23, 2009 to the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District, the OSC stated that ECL. §15-2141(1) requires that: moneys constituting the respective "general fund" or "debt service fund" or other fund or funds of either the Black River Regulating Board or District, shall remain and be kept separate and apart and shall be applied for the cost of maintenance and operation in the area of the appropriate district and to pay the debts and obligations of the appropriate board or district, on whose account such moneys were received.

“The legislature merged the two districts and for over sixty years the two accounts have been segregated.  Just because the Hudson River Regulating District has been unable to solve its financial challenges does not mean that we should sit by and allow them to undermine the financial health of the Black River Regulating District,” Russell argued.

The Hudson River Black River Regulating District passed a resolution today authorizing a loan between the districts under pressure from an order related to the ongoing litigation. 

“It is very uncertain whether they will have the resources to or if the Hudson River Regulating District even plans to pay back a loan taken from the Black River Regulating District.  Separating the two entities, as the legislation I will re-introduce proposed, will ensure that the intent of the legislature to keep the finances separate will in fact occur going forward, and not keep the Black River Regulating District hostage during the Hudson River District’s legal troubles,”  said Russell. "This legislation being re-introduced would once again separate the two regulating districts. It is clear that the Hudson River Regulating District needs a long-term resolution to resolve its financial difficulties. Borrowing from the financially sound Black River Regulating District is not the answer."

Governor Signs Russell's Bill to Expand the Ogdensburg Foreign Trade Zone

Yesterday the Governor signed legislation I authored to expand the Ogdensburg Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) to include St. Lawrence County.  This bill (A3724) is critical in increasing the competitiveness of St. Lawrence County at a particularly critical time, on the cusp of the North Country economic development council meetings, the first of which will be tomorrow morning. 

Attracting new companies is one of my main focuses as our state and our region begin building a portfolio of assets that bolster our region.  The expansion of the FTZ is a very unique asset and will certainly enhance our advantage as an economic development region. 

This legislation allows the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority to ask the Federal Foreign Trade Zone Board to approve the expansion of the current limited 75 acre zone within the City of Ogdensburg to an unlimited acreage within 60 miles or 90 minutes of travel from the Port.  Through the passage of Assembly bill 3724, we are opening the ability to locate companies within St. Lawrence County while conferring a Foreign Trade Zone designation to the businesses.  This will significantly increase the competitiveness of businesses locating in St. Lawrence County not only within the United States but on the global market.

“The direct efforts of Assemblywoman Russell, Senator Ritchie, and Governor Cuomo, have secured the state legislation necessary to expand the competitive benefits of the Foreign Trade Zone.  When approved by the US Foreign Trade Zone Board, the restructured Foreign Trade Zone will provide companies a new tool for increased competitiveness, ultimately creating additional jobs for North Country residents.  We sincerely appreciate the efforts of our elected officials.” said Wade Davis, Executive Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority.

“I am particularly pleased to be able to increase the tools in our arsenal in a time where our unemployment is at an all time high.  This designation will assist in retaining businesses as well as attracting businesses.  We have a unique pool of skilled laborers to offer any business re-locating or expanding in our area.  In addition, we have the necessary land resources, as well as capability to produce the needed energy resources to run a business.” Russell said.

The bill was sponsored in the Senate (S1379) by Senator Patty Ritchie.  I am appreciative of her efforts as well for moving the bill in the Senate. Together, we continue to work to give our constituents the needed advantage to thrive economically.

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Assemblywoman Russell reacts to SUNY Chancellor Zimpher's announcement

“Our SUNY system is one of New York State’s greatest assets.  As we continue to look for opportunities to operate government more efficiently and effectively, I am very encouraged by today’s announcement from Chancellor Zimpher regarding the implementation of Campus Alliance Networks.

“I have consistently called for a reduction of administration within every state department that is equitable with the ongoing staff reductions.  Our SUNY system provides a unique opportunity to create these Campus Alliance Networks that will provide for sharing of academic resources, courses, and programs while preserving the identity of each SUNY school.  This is exactly the kind of forward thinking that we need throughout state government. 

“In the North Country, we are already seeing the beginning of this collaborative approach between SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam.  I am confident that the unique relationship shared by these institutions will help build a model for collaborations among other SUNY institutions in the state without resorting to mergers or loss of identity of any school.”

St. Lawrence River Boat Tour with the Greenest NYer

This past Monday, I accompanied Erik Baard, the Greenest New Yorker and his friend Edward Hancox on a trip with Uncle Sam Boat Tours on a river tour. 

Statement Regarding SUNY President Joseph Kennedy

“I am pleased that SUNY Canton President Joe Kennedy will stay on through this next academic year at SUNY Canton.  He will then go on to make important contributions to the 64-campus SUNY system, advising SUNY and the Chancellor on shared services implementation. 

“I am also pleased that he and SUNY Potsdam President John Schwaller will be working collaboratively to implement shared services between the two campuses over the next academic year, which will become a model for other SUNY collaborations. 

“Joe has done an outstanding job at SUNY Canton and we are fortunate to have him continue for an additional year before he joins SUNY Central and play a major role in the future of the SUNY system.

“Finally, I want to thank Chancellor Nancy Zimpher for being responsive to my concerns and receptive to my input in this important matter for our SUNY institutions in the North Country. “

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Statement from Assemblywoman Addie Russell regarding SUNY Canton

For Immediate Release: July 29, 2011

SUNY Canton educates many North Country residents, is a large employer and major component
of the fabric of Canton and the entire St. Lawrence County community. The sudden revelations
that the president of SUNY Canton, Dr. Joseph Kennedy, is leaving are concerning. Sudden
changes of this magnitude result in confusion, lack of confidence, can have a negative effect on
support from private sources, result in the loss of momentum for great initiatives and can end up
costing more money, not to mention the potential loss of talent at the college.
“The rumors of Dr. Kennedy’s departure are of great concern to me. I have worked with him for
several years now, and know how talented he is and of his tremendous record of positive growth at
the college,” Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell said. “I support SUNY’s efforts to find internal
efficiencies and save money,” she added. “However, I find the suggestion made by the Canton
College Council to form a committee to study the areas where the campuses can share services or
coordinate more efficiently to be very reasonable,” she stated.
Assemblywoman Russell has been in contact with SUNY’s administration to voice these concerns.
“I have been assured by SUNY that there have been no final decisions made regarding how the
campuses will be tasked with finding ways to work together and cut costs – everything is said to be
on the table for discussion,” she relayed. “SUNY welcomed my comments and point of view, and I
am pleased and grateful that they were receptive,” she said. “I advised them that Dr. Kennedy is an
outstanding president, and that I hoped he would continue to be the president of SUNY Canton,”
said Russell. The assemblywoman will continue a dialogue with SUNY to provide the North
Country’s perspective and concerns to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees.

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Russell legislation streamlines hospital construction review process

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Legislature passed a bill she
authored that would make the process of obtaining approval for certain repair and maintenance
projects for hospitals more efficient (A.7665-B). The measure now heads to the governor’s desk for his
consideration.

“The current burdensome regulations can leave hospitals waiting for approval for vital, much-
needed renovations for months and even years,” Russell said. “It is not necessary for routine repairs
and maintenance to undergo the same scrutiny as major projects such as building a new hospital wing.
It wastes crucial time and money. This bill will help expedite hospital repairs without jeopardizing
patients’ health and safety.”

The Certificate of Need (CON) program, administered through the New York State Department
of Health (DOH), is a review process that governs the construction and renovation of New York State
hospitals. Health care providers are required to submit a CON application to the DOH and obtain its
approval or the State Hospital Review and Planning Council’s (SHRPC) approval before building new
hospitals or renovating existing ones, and before acquiring major medical equipment.

Currently, the DOH has to approve all hospital construction projects in excess of $3 million, and the
SHRPC has to approve projects in excess of $10 million. In addition, the DOH is not required to act on
CON applications within a specific time frame.

Assemblywoman Russell’s legislation would eliminate the requirement for prior approval, regardless
of the project’s cost, for projects, such as:

• Routine repairs or maintenance;

• Non-clinical infrastructure projects, such as expanding parking lots, replacing roofs, elevators and heating, ventilating and air systems; and

• Equipment replacements, including acquiring state-of-the-art equipment to be used in place of outdated equipment.

“I urge the governor to sign this bill into law,” Russell said. “It streamlines the review process, cuts
red tape and helps improve patients’ health and well-being by helping hospitals install the most up-to-
date medical technology in a timely and efficient way.”

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Assemblywoman Russell announces 2011 Summer Reading Challenge

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the kick-off of the Assembly’s annual
Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages children to read throughout the months of July and
August to maintain their skills for school in the fall. This challenge is in coordination with the New
York State Library’s “Summer Reading at New York Libraries” initiative.

“I can not stress enough how important reading is to our children’s development and success,”
Russell said. “Children who read more not only read better, they also write better, spell better and have
much larger vocabularies.”

The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to prevent the “summer slide,” which is when
children forget some of what they learned during the school year because they didn’t put their newfound
knowledge to use over the summer. It is estimated that school summer breaks will cause the average
student to lose up to one month of instruction, with disadvantaged students being disproportionately
affected.*

“The Summer Reading Challenge is about reducing the summer learning loss and encouraging
children and parents to make reading and learning a year-long activity,” Russell said. “A little bit of
reading each day can have a big impact on our student’s success. I encourage everyone to participate.”

To participate in the program, children must read alone or with someone else for at least 15 minutes
each day for 40 days throughout the months of July and August. They must mark off the days they read
on a calendar and send it to Assemblywoman Russell’s office at the end of the summer. Children who
complete the challenge will receive a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate. Last
year, nearly 250 children in Assemblywoman Russell’s district completed the challenge.

For more information about the 2011 Summer Reading Challenge, contact Assemblywoman Addie
Russell by email at russella@assembly.state.ny.us or call her office at 315-786-0284.

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* The New York State Library, www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/research.htm

Russell’s reform proposals included in mandate relief, tax cap legislation

Today, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced passage of a mandate relief
package that includes some of the provisions contained in her own reform proposals. The mandate relief
package – part of an omnibus bill which includes the state’s property tax cap – contains reforms that will
help local governments and school districts drive down costs.

Along with addressing a variety of other mandates, the package will allow piggybacking on
information technology (IT) equipment and service contracts with federal government contracts. It also
permits school districts with less than 1,000 students to share superintendents and allows school districts
to provide regional transportation services with BOCES, reforms that Assemblywoman Russell has been
pushing.

“Piggybacking is a simple concept that will save taxpayer dollars by allowing local governments
to take advantage of better prices on equipment and services,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “I fought
hard to make sure piggybacking was included in the bill. And while the provision relates specifically
to IT, as opposed to a more expansive bill I have introduced, I am hopeful that we can expand upon the
concept in the future.”

The bill also caps real property taxes for municipalities and schools at 2 percent of the previous
year’s levy and prohibits local governments and schools from exceeding the cap without a 60 percent
vote to override. The tax cap will take effect in 2012 for the school-budget year 2012-13 and will expire
in 2017.

Assemblywoman Russell said the tax cap takes into account a number of factors important to many
communities by allowing local governments and school districts to adjust the tax levy upward if there
is a growth in the property tax base and exempting certain court orders and judgments arising out of
litigation. It also provides for an exemption if pension contributions exceed 2 percent.

“This bill provides a tax cap that will place even more pressure to keep property tax increases down.
It is just as important, maybe even more important, to provide relief to local governments and school
districts from the policies that have been driving their expenses. I fought hard to ensure we started
enacting mandate relief measures in this bill. The mandate relief included in this bill is a start. I intend
to continue to band with my colleagues in the Assembly to push for more relief so we can further assist
local governments and school districts to contain real property taxes,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

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Russell bill preserves access to health care for rural New Yorkers

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced passage of legislation (A.5366-B)
she sponsored that would allow rural hospitals designated as Critical Access Hospitals to receive
cost-based reimbursements from Medicaid for outpatient services.

“Rural hospitals in the North Country and across New York State serve as lifelines to the
communities where they are located, and increasingly operate as outpatient clinics as well,”
Russell said. “We must do everything we can to keep their doors open and help them remain
financially viable.”

The Critical Access Hospital Program (CAH) was created by Congress in 1997 to improve
rural health care access for Medicare recipients. Medicare reimburses these hospitals on
a “reasonable cost basis;” the same rules, however, do not apply for Medicaid patients. For
many Critical Access Hospitals, current Medicaid reimbursement rates do not reflect the actual
cost of providing care, causing them to endure financial burdens. Allowing these hospitals to
receive cost-based reimbursements will help ensure they remain open to the public.

There are currently 13 hospitals in New York State that are designated as Critical Access
Hospitals, including three in the North Country. Critical Access Hospitals – like River Hospital
in Alexandria Bay – provide services that are essential to their community, including outpatient
services. Because they provide care in a rural area they have more challenges, but they also play
a critical role in preventative care that can save health care dollars in the long run.

“When it comes to these hospitals, it’s about access to quality and affordable health care.
Paying these hospitals on a ‘reasonable cost basis’ will go a long way to ensuring there is access
to health care, enable these facilities to maintain their quality of care and not push additional
costs onto other patients to balance their budgets,” Russell said. “Many of us in the North
Country depend on hospitals and their health care clinics for basic health care and to manage
their health problems without having to travel long distances. If any of these hospitals were to
close it would have a devastating impact on our region.”

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Leaders meet with Governor's Staff, Lt. Governor Duffy on North Country Issues

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) met with representatives from the Governor’s office regarding several North Country issues.  Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush arranged the meeting which also included representatives from Ft. Drum including Fort Drum Garrison Commander Col. Noel T. Nicolle, Deputy Commander for Fort Drum Medical Activity Ltc. Kyle Patterson, Fort Drum Garrison Command Sergeant Major CSM John McNeirney, Fort Drum Department of Planning Community Planner Michael Richardson, Denise Young, Executive Director of the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization and Senator Patricia Ritchie.  The meeting is part of the ongoing effort to address several issues important to the North Country and Ft. Drum.

The group provided statistical information regarding the percentage of air medical calls from Jefferson County within the 14 county region that includes the North Country.  Jefferson County accounts for 25 percent of all the calls.  The four county region north of Syracuse accounts for 55 percent of those calls.   Further, patients 18-54 years of age have a 39% greater risk of death if they are transported to trauma centers by ground instead of air according to a recent CDC study.  Assemblywoman Russell also pointed to the difficulty in timely transport of North Country patients such as those on islands or other remote locations.   

Additionally, Assemblywoman Russell raised the critical need for housing in the communities surrounding Ft. Drum.  There are estimates that the community needs 1035 additional rental units with two or three bedrooms.   The group made the point that the housing shortage affects military families and civilian families alike.  The tight housing market has affected everyone who resides in Ft. Drum area, not only in finding housing but also being able to afford housing.  As our military is allowed more time home between deployments, ensuring there is adequate housing for reuniting families was a core concern of the group.

Once the meeting with staff concluded, Assemblymembers Blankenbush and Russell along with Ms. Young and the representatives from Ft. Drum met with Lt. Governor Robert Duffy to emphasis the issues facing the North Country.  Lt. Governor Duffy recently attended a ribbon cutting ceremony and announced state funding for housing development in Watertown.  He offered to work on the issues and have the new Secretary of Housing, formerly a member of the NYS Assembly, Darryl Towns meet with officials to help find solutions.  

“The governor’s staff and Lt. Governor Duffy have offered to assist the North Country and the needs of Ft. Drum.  They stated the importance of Ft. Drum to the state and the need to review the specific needs of the region relative to the housing shortage and gap in air medical service,“ Russell said.  “I could not be more pleased with their response and the sincerity in which they expressed the willingness to look at ways to support the region,” Russell added.

The meetings concluded with a pledge to continue the dialogue and for a follow-up meeting in the near future, given the time sensitive nature of the housing concerns. 

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Legislature approves bill to promote commemoration of the War of 1812 200th Anniversary

June 17, 2011

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that the Assembly and Senate have passed legislation she sponsored that would establish a War of 1812 commemorative commission (A.3722-A) to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the war fought between the United States and the British Empire, what is present-day Canada. Commemoration activities are expected to draw thousands of tourists from the US and Canada to historical sites across Northern New York.

The North Country played a key role in the War of 1812. Sackets Harbor was the site of two decisive battles during the war and the center of American naval and military operations for the upper St. Lawrence Valley and Lake Ontario. By 1813, Sackets Harbor had become the US Naval Headquarters for the Great Lakes region and was home to thousands of troops.

“The commemoration of the War of 1812 has great historical and economic significance for the North Country,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Not only are we celebrating 200 years of peace with our neighbors to the north, Canada, but as the anniversary approaches we have a great economic opportunity to draw thousands of interested tourists to our region.”

Assemblywoman Russell has been working with several local and statewide groups, including the Seaway Trail, Inc., Fort LaPresentation and the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, to work toward the establishment of the commission. Russell said that when tourists visit the North Country’s historical sites, they will spend money locally and help boost the region’s economy.

“While tourists are here, they will dine in our restaurants, stay in our hotels and motels, shop at our stores and discover everything the North Country has to offer,” Russell said. “Many Canadian provinces and other states have already created official commissions to commemorate the war. With this legislation, New York will be able to catch up and ensure that we will host commemorative events and benefit from the economic activity here in the North Country.”

Constance B. Barone, Site Manager, Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site said, “With the Governor’s pending approval of this legislation, the War of 1812 Bicentennial may soon have a solid foundation upon which to implement the numerous observance plans we have developed over the past few years in anticipation of marking the 200th anniversary of this seminal event that engaged both the north country and our neighbors in Canada."

Barbara O'Keefe, Director, The Fort La Presentation Project said, “I am very pleased that this legislation has now passed both houses and look forward to its enactment with the Governor's signature.  This will mean that we can confidently carry out the significant events that commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812."

The legislation, which passed the Assembly on May 23rd and the Senate on June 16th, now heads to Governor Cuomo’s desk for his signature.

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Assemblywoman Russell announces passage of a bill supporting fishing in New York State

June 17, 2011

Assemblywoman Addie Russell announced today that her bill (A3480B) to allow anglers to use up to three fishing rods has passed the Assembly.  The Senate bill, sponsored by Senator Tom Libous, has also passed the Senate and is now being forwarded to the Governor for his consideration.  The current limit is two rods. 

Upstate New York is one of the world’s best fishing regions, and the north country is particularly blessed with fishing resources.  This bill enhances the experience for anglers as it increases the chance of catching a fish.  Several states, including Michigan and New Jersey already have a 3-rod rule in place are seeing a favorable impact to their sporting tourism as a result.

“It is important that we give our sportsmen and recreational tourists a favorable probability of catching fish so they can be successful and continue to visit the prime fishing spots on our lakes and rivers.  Enhancing our fishing experience will help to boost the economy as increased business for lodging, eateries, gas stations, and related businesses that rely on recreational tourism will mean increased revenues,” said Assemblywoman Russell. 

Patricia McKeown, executive director of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce said, "I applaud Assemblywoman Russell and Senator Libous for sponsoring this legislation.  Anything that keeps us competitive with other fishing destinations is a boon to our entire region."

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Russell Discusses Mandate Relief bill on procurement on Capital Pressroom

Assemblywoman Addie Russell discussed several bills that she introduced or is co-sponsoring which she deems are, "the core of what is mandate relief."  
 The link is provided here: Capitol Pressroom June 16th 2011

Russell legislation would pave way for research center at Clarkson’s downtown campus

Today, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced passage of a bill (A 6726-A) that
would allow the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries to develop a center for advanced
environmental technology at Clarkson University’s historic Old Main Building in downtown Potsdam.
“This is an exciting project for Clarkson University, Potsdam and the surrounding communities as a
whole,” said Russell. “The science and technology fields are the job creators of the future. In order to
compete for these jobs, we need to have world-class facilities right here in the North Country.”
Clarkson University President Tony Collins said, “This is a win-win for Upstate and Downstate New
York because the legislation will enable Clarkson to use these funds to renovate and equip the
University’s historic Old Main Building in Potsdam to develop real-time, technology-based monitoring
and forecasting network platforms for deployment on New York’s great rivers, the Hudson and St.
Lawrence.”
Russell’s legislation would allow the Beacon Institute to access funding through the Dormitory
Authority to renovate Clarkson’s 116-year-old Old Main Building and design and construct an advanced
research facility at the site. The Old Man Building, like much of Clarkson’s downtown campus, has sat
idle since the university moved most of its operations to the hill more than a decade ago.
“The new research center will not only help spur job growth in the science and technology fields but
it will also help breathe new life into downtown Potsdam,” said Russell. “I am pleased that we will see
more redevelopment of Clarkson’s downtown campus as a result of this project.”
The Beacon-Clarkson collaboration will support research and development in partnership with the
River and Estuary Observatory Network (REON), a joint effort between the Beacon Institute, Clarkson
University and IBM.
REON, the first technology-based monitoring and forecasting network of its kind, will provide
minute-to-minute monitoring of data from the Hudson and St. Lawrence Rivers. Researchers say
monitoring systems like REON will allow scientists to better understand and predict how large river and
estuary ecosystems work. That knowledge, in turn, will translate into better public policy and
management of the Hudson and St. Lawrence Rivers, and rivers and estuaries worldwide.
“To say that the technology has broader applications would be understatement. These rivers will
serve as test-beds for the advancement of a technology that can be commercialized to meet a global
demand for technology that provides early warning and identification of isolated threats to water quality
before they become larger problems requiring costly multi-year remedial actions,” Collins said. “I am
very appreciative of Assemblywoman Addie Russell’s work in the Assembly and Senator Joe Griffo’s in
the Senate in passing this legislation that authorizes the University to receive state funds to support our
collaboration with the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries.”
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