Assemblywoman Russell helps pass budget for North Country families

            Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that she helped pass a state budget that supports vital programs for North Country families and does not raise taxes. The budget provides increased funding for childcare, tuition assistance for college students, and reduces taxes on energy bills while holding state spending under 2%.

            “For the fourth year in a row, we’ve passed a budget that holds the line on taxes and spending while making investments in our children at all stages of their lives,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

Making child care affordable

             The 2014-15 state budget provides funding to increase access to quality, affordable child care. The provisions include:

·       $34 million for more than 4,500 additional subsidized child care slots;

·       disregarding the earned income of teenagers under 18 in the household for the purpose of determining a family’s child care subsidy eligibility;

·       $846,000 restored to SUNY child care centers, with an overall funding of $1.8 million; and

·       $6 million to SUNY Potsdam for improvements to its childcare center.

“In these tough economic times, the financial burden of child care makes it even harder for families to make ends meet, often forcing them to leave the workforce. Affordable childcare is an absolute necessity because every parent deserves the freedom to work if that is what is right for their family,” Assemblywoman Russell said.  “Enhancing childcare subsidies helps to make quality, affordable childcare a reality for all working families and provides a solid foundation for our local childcare providers to effectively run their businesses. “

Restoring School Aid

The state budget increases school aid by $1.1 billion, or 5.4 percent, which is $551 million over the executive budget proposal.

            Included with this increase is $251 million in additional funding for Foundation Aid and $602 million in restorations to the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA). It also restores an additional $5 million in support for libraries. 

           

Investing in Higher Education

            The 2014-15 state budget funds a $165 million increase to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award to $5,165 per Full Time Equivalent student (FTE) and increases support by $75 per FTE to $2,497 for SUNY Community Colleges.

            “Community colleges are essential because they provide an affordable option for many working families” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Increasing critical base aid holds down tuition costs for families and reduces the financial burden on counties.”

            Assemblywoman Russell noted that she was able to secure state matching funds of over $6 million for Jefferson Community College’s Collaborative Learning Center. The Jefferson County Legislature recently approved the county share of funding for the project, clearing the way for the project to proceed following allocation of state funds.

            “The Collaborative Learning Center will be a great asset to our area and help attract more students to the campus and generate economic activity,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Investing in educational infrastructure ensures a bright future for our local community colleges and students.”

We are also encouraging more young people to pursue careers in farming by establishing the Farmers Loan Forgiveness program, added Russell. The program will provide $10,000 per year for up to five years to go toward repayment of student loans for degrees obtained at a New York State university.

“Agriculture is a critical piece of the North Country economy and a part of our heritage, but fewer young people are choosing to pursue farming as a career,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The North Country needs more young people to continue our agricultural tradition and this program provides the opportunity to do so without the pressure of repaying student loans that would otherwise push them toward other careers.”

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Assemblywoman Russell reacts to final budget school funding

“North Country schools have gone to heroic lengths to provide a solid education to our kids in the face of years of budget cuts. This year’s budget increases overall state aid but unfortunately the funding formula does not address the specific needs of several area school districts. I have been working with many superintendents throughout the budget process and after further discussions with them this morning I am resolved to continue to fight for more direct aid to our region so our children can get the education they deserve.”

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Final budget delivers for North Country farmers

Cuts taxes, restores funding to critical programs

            Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell announced today that the final budget for SYF 2014-15 includes measures aimed at supporting New York’s agricultural industry.  The final budget, which will be voted on Monday, provides critical tax relief for North Country farmers by continuing the phase-out of the 18-a energy tax, reforming the estate tax and restoring $3.5 million to agricultural programs.

            “Farming is an indispensable piece of the North Country economy and reforming tax policy so farmers can grow and expand is one of my top priorities,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The tax relief contained in this budget will lower the cost of doing business and make it more affordable for farmers to pass their businesses on to the next generation.”

            The budget agreement continues the phase out of the 18-a energy tax and lowers the rate for our families, farmers and businesses, providing $200 million a year in tax relief.

            “Farmers face enough challenges already and cannot afford burdensome taxes on the energy they use to make a living,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Eliminating this tax will make North Country farm products more competitive and enable farmers to purchase land, equipment and livestock, and grow their businesses.”

            To reduce the costs and help farmers prepare for the future, the final budget agreement reforms the estate tax by raising the amount of assets that can be excluded from this tax from $1 million to $5 million over 5 years. Family farms often have assets such as land and barns totaling over $1 million that subject them to estate taxes, jeopardizing their future, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

            The budget also restores nearly $9 million to critical programs administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and includes an an increase to the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) of $9 million which includes funding for wastewater and sewage treatment capital projects.

In an effort to protect farming operations from excessive lawsuits, the budget also includes new protections for farmers who voluntarily provide information in participation with cattle health programs. Under the statute, information provided such health programs will be protected from public disclosure. The new exemptions do not apply to information collected as part of official investigations or action taken in response to a public health risk.

Assemblywoman Russell also noted that the budget contains language legalizing crossbow hunting in the state of New York. Legislation she sponsored in 2010 temporarily legalized the practice but expired in December of 2012. This year’s budget permanently legalizes the crossbow hunting, opening up new opportunities for hunting in the North Country.

“The budget includes numerous provisions that are sensitive to the needs of North Country and will help strengthen our economy,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

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Common Core delayed in final budget

            “As testing is set to resume in April, students and parents can breathe a sigh of relief that high stakes Common Core tests will not be used for placement or advancement decisions. While I wholeheartedly support efforts to better prepare our students for a competitive global economy, the pitiful implementation of Common Core has led only to confusion and anxiety.”

            “This agreement follows the Assembly’s lead and halts the most damaging aspects of Common Core, protecting or kids from being penalized for its poor implementation. Now that the immediate harm of this program has been averted, we must turn our attention to providing our schools with the resources and support they need to prepare our children to be successful.”

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Legislation to increase business opportunities for disabled veterans passes Assembly, awaits governor’s signature

            Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced legislation she sponsored to increase business opportunities for disabled veterans passed the Assembly. The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act (A.9135) sets a 6 percent participation goal in the awarding of state contracts to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

            “Over a decade of active military operations has focused attention on the need to support our veterans after they have completed their service to our country,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The state is a large customer, and this legislation says let’s choose to do business with the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our country.”

            The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Act will establish the Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development within the Office of General Services (OGS). OGS would coordinate training of procurement personnel with an emphasis on increased responsiveness to the needs of service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. The Office would also provide advice, technical assistance and promote service-disabled veterans’ owned businesses understanding of state procurement procedures to increase participation.

            There are more than 900,000 veterans in New York State and over 19,000 reside in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.^[1]  In addition, New York has the fourth highest number of veteran owned small businesses in the country.

            “The North Country is privileged to have a large population of veterans and as their representative, it is my responsibility to ensure we honor their sacrifice by supporting them in their civilian lives,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This legislation recognizes that our veterans are a tremendous resource and possess a wealth of skills and values that make them ideal partners in conducting the business of state government.”

            For a small business to qualify, it must be at least 51 percent owned by a service-disabled veteran who controls the day-to-day operations. Eligible veterans must have at least a 10% compensation rating and have received an honorable or general discharge.

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[1] http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/36000.html

Assemblywoman Russell introduces resolution proclaiming April 2014 as the Month of the Military Child

            Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell announced that a resolution she authored proclaiming April 2014 as the Month of the Military Child in the State of New York was adopted by the Assembly today (K.987). The resolution recognizes and pays tribute to the military children within New York State who have made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role models for their peers.

            “Military children, youth and teens play a vital role in our communities and military families,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Faced with the unique challenges of military life, they often take on additional family responsibilities and serve as a point of hope and inspiration to their mothers and fathers while they are serving our country.”

            In 1986, then Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger designated each April as “The Month of the Military Child,” to celebrate the contributions of military children and to honor their accomplishments and resilience.

In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, Army Garrisons, Army Reserve CYS Services Coordinators, and Operation: Military Kids (OMK) State Teams plan numerous events ranging from picnics and parades to recreational fairs and fun festivals to recognize military children and families for the sacrifices they make in support of our armed forces.

            “These brave sons and daughters stand in steadfast support of their military parents through moves and deployments and make daily sacrifices on behalf of our country,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “It is truly an honor to represent so many extraordinary children and to have the opportunity to carry this resolution today.”

Assemblywoman Russell was joined by representatives of ‘NYS Operation: Military Kids’ from the Ft. Drum area who were in the chamber to watch as the Assembly proclaimed April as Month of the Military Child.

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Assemblywoman Russell announces deal on legislation helping disabled veteran owned businesses

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa), member of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, announced that an agreement has been reached on legislation to increase economic opportunities for veterans. She was among the lead advocates working to draft legislation that seeks to increases participation in state contracts by service-disabled veterans. Today’s agreement establishes a goal of awarding 6% state procurement contracts to businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.

 “Our disabled vets have made incredible sacrifices to protect our freedom and deserve to have every opportunity to be successful,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This legislation demonstrates our state’s commitment to honoring their sacrifice by proactively seeking to do business with the brave men and woman who have given so much to us.”

The legislation would create the Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development within the Office of General Services (OGS). The division would be led by a governor appointed director, who would be required to coordinate with the OGS commissioner to develop a statewide plan to promote the program among state agencies. 

“As a representative of many veterans and current service members in the Ft. Drum area, ensuring that we do right by our veterans is one of my top priorities and responsibilities,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “In this tough economy, it is even more imperative that we help these brave men and women be successful upon completion of their service to our country.”

The legislation calls for a public directory of certified service-disabled veteran-owned businesses to be posted on the OGS website, enabling the public and state agencies to compile and circulate information to assist service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. It would also establish annual reporting and monitoring requirements, and a review process aimed at identifying areas of the program that require change or improvement.

As part of her commitment to serving veterans, Assemblywoman also helped pass the Veterans Employment Act that provides preference to veterans applying for certain state jobs, and legislation establishing a permanent tax credit to small businesses that hire veterans (Ch. 557 of 2013 and Ch. 59 of 2013).

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Tax relief for farmers in Assembly budget

Restores funding to agricultural programs

            Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell announced that the recently passed Assembly budget proposal delivers tax relief that will benefit local farmers by reforming the estate tax, repealing the franchise tax on farmers and eliminating the 18-a energy surcharge for residential customers – a classification that includes many farming operations (E.914).

            “Agriculture plays a vital role in the North Country economy and presents a real opportunity for growth,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “One of my top priorities has been to reform tax policy so the North Country can capitalize on the boom in the dairy industry and locally sourced foods.”

New York is one of only 14 states that still has an estate tax exemption lower than the federal level. In an effort to reduce the financial burden this tax places on farmers, the Assembly budget increases the estate tax threshold from $1 million to $3 million over two years, raising the amount of assets that can be excluded from this tax.

“The estate tax has not kept pace with rising land and machinery values and as a result, farmers often have more challenges planning for the future,” Assemblywoman Russell said.  “People from other parts of the state might not understand, but a farming operation with a few hundred acres, plus cattle and equipment, easily puts farmers over the $1 million exemption.  By raising the exemption level we make it more affordable for farmers to pass the business they have built over a lifetime to the next generation.”

The Assembly budget proposal also speeds up the planned phase out of the 18-a utility assessment by eliminating it immediately for residential customers and reducing the assessed rate by nearly half for all other customers. Since many farming operations are classified as residential, eliminating the 18-a energy tax will result in immediate reductions in farmer’s utility bills, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

            Also included in the budget are tax credits for the use of bioheating fuel. Bioheating fuel is heating oil blended with biodiesel which can be derived from feedstock crops like soybeans. This tax credit will provide an expanding market for products like soybean oil created when beans are crushed for feed.

 “Incentivizing the use of biofuels will help create a new market and new customers for our farmers,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Rather than heating our homes with oil that often comes from foreign countries, biodiesel is literally homegrown and keeps more of our money in our community.”

In addition to the tax relief included in the Assembly budget, Assemblywoman Russell fought to restore funding to numerous programs that play a vital role in supporting North Country farming operations. Programs that received additional funding above the executive budget proposal include:

·       Agribusiness Child Development $1 million

·       Cornell University Rabies Program $200,000

·       Cornell University Farm Family Assistance (Farm Net) $200,000

·       NY State Apple Growers Association $544,000

·       New York Farm Viability Institute $1.1 million

·       Maple Producers $125,000

·       Tractor Rollover Program $100,000

·       NY Wine and Grape Foundation $250,000

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Assemblywoman Russell says Senate education budget shockingly inadequate

           Will continue fight for school aid

            Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell reacted today to the unveiling of the state Senate’s budget proposal, says that it falls far short in several areas including aid to public schools, how it funds Pre-K, and is critical of Senate’s failure to fix Common Core.

            The Assembly budget proposal increased aid to schools by nearly $1.1 billion for SFY 2014-15, which is $402 million over the executive budget. The Senate resolution proposed increasing general aid to schools by only $217 million.

            “Schools across the North Country have been crushed by years of budget cuts and are looking to Albany for a lifeline,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “I was shocked to see how far short the Senate fell in responding to the school funding crisis that we are facing. Now that final negotiations are set to begin, I will be fighting with everything I have to ensure our schools get the help they so desperately need.”

            Additionally, the Senate budget allocated $340 million of state money to the City of New York to fund full day Pre-K, whereas the Assembly budget requires the City to fund their own system out of their own revenue.

            “I think parents around the North Country would agree that if the City of New York wants to fund their own Pre-K initiative, we should give them the opportunity and free up money that could be used here instead,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell also noted that the Senate has so far failed to meaningfully address the failed rollout of Common Core.

“Last week, we passed legislation that responsibly delayed the implementation of Common Core that will spare our kids from high stakes testing without risking federal education funds,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The Senate missed an opportunity to deliver relief from this horribly implemented program before Common Core testing resumes in April. Parents, students and educators across the North Country are waiting for the Senate to act to put the brakes on this program until our educators have had the time and resources necessary to fix the Common Core.”

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Assembly budget ends energy tax for residential users

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the Assembly budget proposal delivers vital tax relief to North Country families struggling to afford high electric bills by immediately ending the 18-a energy surcharge for residential customers (E.914).

            “The rough winter this year has placed an exclamation point next to a burdensome tax that has been hurting North Country families years,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Eliminating this energy tax now will result in savings, helping our families that are struggling to keep up with rising energy costs.”

Governor Cuomo’s executive budget proposed eliminating the surcharge for industrial users while continuing the gradual phase-out for residential customers. The Assembly budget proposes an immediate elimination of the charge for residential users in SFY 2014-15 and significantly speeds up the phase out for industrial users.

            “High energy costs are forcing our families into a situation where they have to choose between heating their homes or putting food on the table,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “North Country families need tax relief right now, not in a few years. The faster we can lower taxes on energy bills, the better.”

            In last year’s budget, the Assembly championed the phasing out of the 18-a utility surcharge on energy bills, which was set to end in 2017. This year’s proposal fast-tracks this plan, saving families $200 million annually, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

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Assembly budget invests in North Country higher education

            Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell announced that as part of its commitment to higher education the Assembly budget proposal includes increased funding for critical capital projects at North Country colleges and increased base aid to community colleges (E.914).

The budget includes $7 million in matching funds for Jefferson Community College’s Collaborative Learning Center. The project, which has secured $7 million in county funds, would be a facility where students could access library materials, computers, smart boards, counseling services and tutoring.

The budget also doubles vital capital funding for SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton for improvements in infrastructure, enabling them to address several additional projects on campus.

            “If we want to attract the best and the brightest to North Country colleges, it is vital that we make the necessary investments in facilities that attract students from around the state to our region,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This budget provides a strong foundation for the future of North Country colleges and ensures our students have the proper environment in which to learn.”

Additionally, the Assembly budget also increases base aid to SUNY community colleges by $50 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student, bringing the total to $2,472 per FTE student, the third increase in a row.

“Community colleges play a vital role in our community and have been suffering under years of budget cuts just like our elementary and secondary schools,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This budget restores the critical base aid that holds down tuition and county support, keeping community college an affordable option for so many working families.”

“We know that our colleges are an important driver of our knowledge bases economy,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Securing this funding is one of my top priorities so that the North Country can benefit to the fullest extent possible from this academic work.”

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Assemblywoman Russell calls on Senate to act now on Common Core

Testing set to resume in April

            Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) called on the state Senate to pass the Assembly’s legislation delaying the effects of Common Core before the next round of testing begins on April 1.  The Assembly bill currently does not have a companion version in the Senate.

            “The disastrous implementation of Common Core has caused nothing but outrage and anxiety for our students, parents and educators,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “It is now time for the Senate to pass this legislation and spare our kids from another round of high stakes tests for which they have not been adequately prepared.”

The Assembly’s legislation, which passed 121-10, prevents the use of Common Core test scores from third to eighth grade as the sole or primary factor in determining student promotion or placement decisions. Additionally, those exam results would be barred from being included on a student’s official transcript or permanent record. The state Education Department commissioner would also be required to reduce the number of field tests administered in those grade years, noted Assemblywoman Russell. Through an accelerated review of teacher evaluation system plans, some unnecessary testing would be eliminated, enabling students to spend more time learning rather than taking tests.

The bill would also delay the sharing of sensitive student data until July 2015 and give parents and students the ability to opt out of disclosing sensitive information to certain third-party vendors. It would also require vendors to have a plan in place to resolve any data breaches and immediately notify schools or the state Education Department of any suspected or actual threat to data security.

“The Assembly heard the concerns of communities across the state and passed a responsible bill that protects our kids without risking billions in education dollars that our schools cannot afford to lose,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This has gone on long enough; it is time for the Senate to act.”

            

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Assembly votes to delay Common Core

            Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that the Assembly passed legislation today that halts implementation of Common Core testing standards on students' grades, teachers' evaluations and prohibits the state from providing sensitive student data to third party vendors until 2015.

            “We all support the goal of preparing our students to be successful as they enter college and the workforce, but the chaotic rollout of Common Core has only produced confusion,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This legislation gives our students, teachers, schools and parents an opportunity to catch their breath and adapt to these new standards while protecting students from being penalized for its poor implementation.”

The bill, which now moves to the Senate, prevents Common Core testing from being used in evaluating the performance of teachers and principals for two years and limits the use of Common Core tests in promotion and placement decisions for students in grades three through eight.  Additionally, the legislation instructs the state Education Department commissioner to look at ways to eliminate excessive tests and bans standardized tests in kindergarten through second grade.

“It’s not fair to our children to leave them caught in the middle while the state Education Department works to get the bugs out,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “While it’s vital that we adopt standards that prepare our students to compete in the 21^st century, we must provide the time and resources necessary to be successful.”

            The legislation will also prohibit the state Education Department from providing confidential student data to private, third party vendors like inBloom until July 1, 2015 and allows parents to opt out of the program once it takes effect. Parents across the North Country have expressed concern about the safety of providing personal student data to private companies and this legislation halts the process until security concerns can be addressed, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

           

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Assembly passes legislation to make childcare more affordable

              Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced the legislation she authored to cap out of pocket childcare expenses passed the Assembly today. The bill, which was passed along with several other pieces of legislation aimed at making childcare more affordable, limits a family’s co-payment to 20% of their income above the poverty line and will be accompanied by state appropriations to offset any increase in costs faced by county social service agencies (A.8928).

            “The high cost of child care places an enormous financial burden on parents that are already struggling to make ends meet,” Assemblywoman Russell said.  “In order for these families to survive, the parents must work, making child care an absolute necessity. Enhancing the state’s child care subsidy program will help working families by putting affordable, quality child care within their reach and help local childcare providers grow their businesses.”

            Assemblywoman Russell is a member of the Assembly Childcare Workgroup that developed the package of legislation. The workgroup formed in May of last year to study child care issues in New York State and better understand the challenges faced by working parents. The workgroup sought feedback from representatives of the child care industry including providers, parents, advocates and evidence-based researchers to explore potential measures for increasing availability and access to child care.

           

      As part of the package, the Assembly also passed several measures aimed at supporting child care providers:

·       A. 8924 creates a task force to review burdensome regulations placed on child care providers that are duplicative or unnecessary and create administrative burdens for child care providers.

·       A. 8926 requires social service districts to reimburse providers for at least 6 absences per child in 3 months, reducing uncertainty for childcare providers and stabilizing their reimbursements; accompanied by state appropriation;

·       A. 8927 harmonizes subsidy requirements and state regulations by defining an infant as a child under two years old. The current inconsistency results in a 6 month gap in reimbursements to childcare providers; accompanied by state appropriation;

“A crucial aspect of ensuring families have access to quality affordable childcare is supporting our local childcare providers and finding ways to simplify unnecessary and burdensome regulations,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “It’s not enough to simply ask more of our local providers, we have to provide meaningful regulatory relief so they can effectively run their businesses.”

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