As
a result of her hard work and dedication to advancing our state’s agriculture
industry, the New York State Farm Bureau has named Assemblywoman Addie J.
Russell (D-Theresa) to its “Circle of Friends” for 2013. Russell has been
recognized in the Circle of Friends since 2010.
“As a member of the Assembly
Committee on Agriculture and someone who was born and raised here in the North Country , I know how local farms
are integral to the success of our community,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “I’m
grateful for this recognition and will continue fighting for the tax and
regulatory relief that our farmers need to thrive.”
When selecting legislators to receive this
honor, the Farm Bureau examines their voting record on agricultural issues and
support of farming-related issues, including sponsorship of bills that the Farm
Bureau has supported during the latest legislative session.
Among the measures that prompted the Farm Bureau
to include Assemblywoman Russell in this year’s Circle of Friends was her work to
lower taxes for farmers. She has been
working with the Farm Bureau since 2011 on this issue, providing information
and advocating in support of legislation which caps increases in agricultural
assessments at 2 percent per year (A.165). Assemblywoman Russell also worked to
give local wineries the right to sell their products at farmers markets, which
will increase their visibility and demand (A.1512).
“The North Country is the epicenter of New York State
-30-