Economic growth and educational opportunities are top priorities for Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, as she continues to fight on behalf of the North Country’s working families and middle class.
"I have voiced my support for a fairer tax code that would benefit almost all residents of the North Country," Russell said. "I am continuing to advocate for more funding to bring healthier foods into our schools in a way that grows the market for local farmers while pushing for increased foundation aid to our local school districts to reduce property taxes.
"I am also urging a sensible increase in the minimum wage that's tied to economic growth while being sensitive to organizations that are already operating on the margins while serving our region's most vulnerable people," she added.
"These are steps we can take in Albany to better the lives of those struggling in tough economic times in the North Country," Russell said. "These aren't partisan issues - these challenges facing the region require everyone to work together on behalf of the region's residents, not against them."
Russell said election years often lead elected officials to turn their focus away from solutions and toward attacking the most vulnerable people, people without a political voice. She noted this year's particularly volatile presidential race has filled the airwaves with divisive rhetoric without much substance.
Instead of go-nowhere sound bites and policy proposals that will either maintain the status quo or hurt the middle class, Russell said she will continue her focus on substantive issues needed to assist struggling families and businesses in the North Country.
"We will be discussing some major issues over the coming weeks that will impact North Country residents. I will be supporting efforts to establish a family medical leave act so family members are better able to care for their loved ones in times of need. I will be working to improve the climate for our farmers and small businesses in the North Country and throughout the state. I will continue supporting legislation aimed at lifting up middle class families that are under so much pressure today," Russell pledged.
As the bedrock of future economic growth, the education of North Country children is particularly important to Russell. She’s been an outspoken proponent of a $2.4 billion investment in education in 2016. Russell also sees opportunities that will improve children’s health while expanding the economy.
"Giving schools the resources they need to bring locally-sourced food into the cafeteria will give students the energy they need to learn while simultaneously breathing life into the region's world-class farming community," Russell said.
She has proposed giving schools that buy local products up to 31 cents per meal - an increase of 25 cents from the current 6 cent reimbursement rate.
Russell has also taken a hard line on making the state's education aid formula fairer by emphasizing the needs of schools in low-income regions, where property taxes are already at the breaking point.
"In addition, rather than making impoverished people jump through more and more hoops to get the assistance they need to get back on their feet, we need to make sure the top earners in the state are paying their fair share and not gaming the system," Russell said.
She has backed a proposal to lower taxes for families making less than $150,000 while slightly increasing the rate paid by families making more than $1 million.
"In the coming weeks and months I will stand up for the North Country's middle class, the working poor, small business owners, and entrepreneurs who are trying to create jobs and grow the economy," Russell said.
"I urge my colleagues at the state and local levels of government to work with me to craft responsible policies that benefit the hard working men and women that call the North Country home. Common sense, practicality, and effectiveness must be our guide," she said.