Assemblywoman Addie J.
Russell (D-Theresa) today acknowledged hard work of the Jefferson County Fair Board as it readies for the kickoff
of the 197th Jefferson County Fair. The fair will be held July 8-13
in Watertown. Founded in 1817, the Jefferson County Fair is the oldest continuously
operating fair in America and has attractions for the whole family. Activities
include traditional carnival games and rides, agricultural photo contests and
vegetable, poultry and livestock competitions.
Russell noted that to help ensure this local tradition
continues, the 2014-45 state budget increased funding for county fairs by
$160,000 for a total of $500,000.
“From
its start, the Jefferson County Fair has been an opportunity for local farmers
to showcase their work and the vital role it plays in our communities,” said
Assemblyman Russell. “Agriculture is the backbone of the North Country economy
and helping our farmers grow their businesses has been one of my top priorities
this year.”
To
help secure the future of family farms, Assemblywoman Russell fought for
reforms to the estate tax, and helped restore nearly $9 million to critical
programs like the New York Farm Viability Institute and
Cornell University Farm Family Assistance
(Farm Net). Additionally, the 2014-15 state budget established new protections
for farmers who voluntarily provide information in participation with cattle
health programs to help protect farmers from frivolous lawsuits.
Assemblywoman Russell also sponsored a law that caps the
increase of agricultural assessments at 2 percent per year to provide tax
relief to farmers who have seen their property tax assessments rising at
alarming rates (Ch. 385 of 2013). This legislative session, she authored and
helped pass two bills to provide soil and water conservation districts with the
authority needed to expand their work fighting invasive species and educating
the public about environmental conservation (A.9131, A.9132). Soil and water
conservation districts help ensure farmers’ land remains viable and profitable.
“If you come to the fair, you will see that North Country
agriculture is second to none and is an area of great potential growth,”
Assemblywoman Russell said. “My priority has been to help lower the cost of
doing business for our farmers so they can expand their businesses and create
jobs.”
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