Increased aid to distressed schools and end to Gap Elimination central to Russell’s education agenda

Watertown, NY - Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said restoring fairness to school funding is a top priority in the coming weeks as budget negotiations get underway.

“North Country schools have been underfunded for years,” Russell said, “and it’s getting to the point where there is very little left to cut before our children are robbed of a basic education.”

Direct financial aid central to Assemblywoman Addie Russell’s transportation agenda

Crumbling roads and barely passable rural bridges are being targeted by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, in this year’s budget season.

With nearly half of all miles driven in the state taking place on local roads, Russell said our funding priorities need to reflect that reality and she’s advocating for a portion of the state’s $5 billion surplus to be allocated towards local highway departments.

Russell calls for additional HEAP funding from Federal Department of Health and Human Services

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) requested the release of additional funding from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in a letter sent to Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell on Friday.

“With temperatures regularly dipping below zero this winter, it’s essential that we provide further assistance for vulnerable people within our communities,” Russell said. “A properly heated home is a basic necessity.”

Assemblywoman Russell appointed Chair of Task Force on Food, Farm & Nutrition

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced her appointment as Chair of the Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy.

“The appointment provides me a platform to support North Country food consumers and producers and tackle barriers to strengthening our families and communities,” Russell said.

Production Unlimited – more than just a place to work

Russell meets with state officials to keep opportunity in North Country

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) met with agency personnel from the state Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) in order to explore opportunities that would halt any state decision to close Production Unlimited, a sheltered workshop.

“Production Unlimited has provided caring and stable employment for many individuals here in the North Country, and I have experienced first-hand the importance of this and other workshops in the region,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “We can’t allow a one-size-fits-all approach that puts hardworking residents out of a job or put those with disabilities at a further disadvantage – it’s not right.”

Statement from Assemblywoman Addie Russell on the passing of former Jefferson County Sheriff Al O'Neill

I am saddened by the passing of former Sheriff Al O’Neill.  He served Jefferson County with distinction from 1977 to 1985. Al was also a retired New York State Police Officer, and Assistant Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections. He was also a New York City Police Officer.  He has been lauded across New York State for his law enforcement service. 

I know it was a proud moment for him when he saw his daughter, Colleen O’Neill become the first female-elected Sheriff in New York State.  Al O’Neill set a high bar as Sheriff and was admired and respected by members of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office both past and present. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, and to Sheriff Colleen O’Neill during this difficult time. 

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell announces grant for St. Lawrence Agricutural and Farmland Protection Board

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D – Theresa) announced today that the St. Lawrence Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board has received a $13,500 grant  from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund to be used update their Agricultural Development Plan. The grant will be used to update data which will provide the framework for the county to continue to encourage and support viable agricultural initiatives.

“Agriculture continues to have a vibrant and strong future as one of the main economic components in the North Country,” said Assemblywoman Russell.  “The agricultural community requires a large number of supporting businesses to meet the needs of their businesses. Helping our local farmers continue thrive is essential to our communities.”

Matilda Larsen from the St. Lawrence County Planning Office said, “This planning effort will result in the digital production of an Agricultural Development Plan that will be used to help preserve and advance the farming industry in St. Lawrence County.  An exciting element of the new plan will result from a partnership with St. Lawrence University’s GIS lab to create a virtual Agricultural Atlas of St. Lawrence County which will include aerial imagery, property boundaries, land use regulations, topography, soil types, and the presence of wetlands that will be centralized on an interactive website.”

Dawn Howard, Manager of the St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District said, “We have extensively used the 2001 Agricultural Development Plan that was developed with public outreach and stakeholder input, to guide our activities. This will allow us to update data, account for current and emerging issues, and guide future activities.”

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