Assemblywoman Russell passes legislation protecting victims of domestic violence

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, joined her colleagues on Tuesday to pass legislation that will support and protect victims of domestic violence. 

"One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime," Russell said. "That is unacceptable and cannot be ignored. I helped pass legislation that will offer victims resources for recovery and hold their abusers accountable. The physical and emotional damage victims face is daunting, but they should know that they are not alone. By passing these bills, the Assembly continues its commitment of providing protection, support, and justice."

Regent Ouderkirk announces listening session in Potsdam on May 13

 

Board of Regents member Beverly L. Ouderkirk, second from right, met with lawmakers in Albany to discuss the future of education in New York.

New York State Board of Regents member Beverly L. Ouderkirk met with members of the state Assembly on Tuesday, April 28, and announced a listening session scheduled for May 13 at 6pm in the Potsdam High School auditorium.

The listening session will provide an opportunity for teachers, school administrators, students, and community members to provide input on teacher evaluations and curriculum.

“I'm looking forward to the opportunity to hear from local residents on their vision for the future of education in New York,” Regent Ouderkirk said.

Regent Ouderkirk was appointed to the Board of Regents in April and brings with her a wealth of experience working in North Country schools – from the classroom to the boardroom.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell helps pass equal pay for equal work bill

Today Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell joined her colleagues in the Assembly to pass a bill that strengthens anti-discrimination language in state law in order to ensure women are treated fairly in New York.  

“Women are a driving force of our economy and many are the breadwinners supporting their families. Sadly, on average, they also earn only 78 cents to every dollar a man makes for working the same job. It is unacceptable that in 2015 a woman does not earn equal pay for equal work. It’s discrimination and it’s wrong. I am proud that the Assembly once again passed legislation that would ensure women would be paid fairly. This legislation not only helps women succeed, it helps all of us succeed.”

Russell supports plan to delay new teacher evaluations

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said she strongly supports the Board of Regents’ directive to the state education department to incorporate in the new regulations an extension for the full implementation of new teacher evaluations.

The Board of Regents will adopt teacher evaluation regulations by June 30 of this year, but the new directive calls on the state Education Department to come up with a plan that gives schools more time to implement the changes.

Assemblywoman Russell plans public forum on education funding

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell is inviting North Country residents to a special meeting of the Education Policy Advisory Committee on Thursday, April 30, from 6 to 9pm at the Indian River Central School’s Large Group Instruction room.

The meeting on April 30 will feature a panel discussion on school funding with Dr. Rick Timbs, executive director of the Statewide School Finance Consortium, Billy Easton, executive director of the New York State Alliance for Quality Education, and Charles Szuberla, assistant commissioner at the New York State Education Department.

A question and answer session will follow immediately after the presentations.

The Education Policy Advisory Committee was organized by Russell in 2014 to organize local efforts to strengthen curriculum and shape education policy. The committee is made up of educators, school administrators, and concerned community members from across her district.

A future meeting will be held to discuss curriculum.  

Assemblywoman Russell met with community members at Canton Free Library's "Living Library"

Dick and Diane Moore of Heuvelton.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, spent Saturday morning at the Canton Free Library's inaugural "Living Library" event. The event gave members of the community a chance to "check out" a selection of interesting people from the North Country and have one-on-one conversations in a relaxed, informal setting. 

"I jump at every chance I get to speak directly with community members," Russell said. "This event is special and I was proud to take part in the Canton Free Library's first Living Library."

Assemblywoman Russell recognizes Ogdensburg Zonta Club for community service

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, recognized members of the Ogdensburg Area Zonta Club for their community service at this year's Bridal Expo on April 19. Pictured from left to right are Gale Bouchard, Sheila Wright, Linda St. Joseph, Colleen Anderson, Barb Wood, Assemblywoman Russell, Kathy Brugel, Sheron Alfrod, Paige Weston, Marylou Ashley, and Merna O'Neill.

Assemblywoman Russell invites North Country residents to Bridal and Special Events Expo on Sunday

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, the Ogdensburg Area Zonta Club, Ogdensburg Area Boys and Girls Club, and the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority invite you to the 2015 Rediscovering Your Backyard: Bridal and Special Events Expo on Sunday, April 19. More than 50 local vendors will have booths at the event, providing an excellent opportunity to shop locally. Gifts for all occasions as well as for weddings and bridal showers will be on display.

“This is a great way to support local businesses and see what the North Country has to offer,” Russell said. “I’m always amazed by the variety of goods and services on display.”

The event features a fashion show and cake dive for brides with the winner receiving a cash price.

Proceeds from the event will be divided between the Ogdensburg Area Zonta Club and the Ogdensburg Area Boys and Girls Club.

The 2015 Rediscovering Your Backyard: Bridal and Special Events  Expo will be hosted at 830 Proctor Avenue, Building #7 in the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Industrial Park off State Route 37. The event runs from 11am to 4pm.

Admission is $5 at the door and children 12 and under are free.

Please contact Assemblywoman Russell’s Watertown office at (315) 786-0284 or email russella@assembly.state.ny.us for more information.

Assemblywoman Russell raises awareness about violence against women at JCC Take Back the Night

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, spoke at the Jefferson Community College Health and Wellness Center's Take Back the Night event Monday evening to raise awareness about violence against women. 

Assemblywoman Russell says strategic partnerships are crucial to provide New Yorkers reliable access to healthy food

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, left, addressed members of the state Faith and Hunger Network Saturday.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, chair of the Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm, and Nutrition Policy, spoke at a forum with the state Faith and Hunger Network Saturday, and said she wants to work on practical solutions to the problems many New Yorkers who are unable to have affordable access to locally sourced, healthy food struggle with.

"I'm looking at ways to leverage and utilize existing systems and resources, like the network of food banks, so we can connect more people and schools with the state's farming community in an efficient manner," Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell invites North Country residents to the 2015 Bridal Expo in Ogdensburg on April 19

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, the Ogdensburg Area Zonta Club, Ogdensburg Area Boys and Girls Club, and the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority invite you to the 2015 Rediscovering Your Backyard: Bridal Expo on Sunday, April 19. The event runs from 11am to 4pm and will feature more than 50 local vendors.

Come out and support local businesses while enjoying a fun day of shopping, including a fashion show and cake dive. The cake dive is for brides present at the fashion show and the winner will receive a cash prize.

Proceeds from the event will be divided between the Ogdensburg Area Zonta Club and the Ogdensburg Area Boys and Girls Club.

The 2015 Rediscovering Your Backyard: Bridal Expo will be hosted at 120 Commerce Park Drive, Building #7 in the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Industrial Park off State Route 37.

Admission is $5 at the door and children 12 and under are free.

Please contact Assemblywoman Russell’s Watertown office at (315) 786-0284 or email russella@assembly.state.ny.us for more information. 

Russell secures $30,000 grant for Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to work closely with local schools

A $30,000 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was secured in the state budget by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa. The funding will be used to create a new program designed to strengthen the bond between schools and the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Colleen M. O'Neill said, "I am extremely grateful for Assemblywoman Russell's support of our local students and of our schools. With funding secured by the Assemblywoman, we are initiating a program in which a Sheriff's Deputy will be trained and equipped to visit all interested schools on a regular basis. The goal will be to provide guidance to staff and students on all types of safety and security issues."

Russell said, “I’m proud to continue to support our local schools and law enforcement community, ensuring our children and teachers receive the protection they deserve.” 

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant is administered by the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance and provides critical funding to support a range of programs that help keep our communities safe.