Assemblywoman Russell welcomes Fort Drum representatives in Albany

 

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, welcomed representatives from Fort Drum to the Assembly Chambers in Albany, NY, last week. Pictured from left to right are Garrison Commander Colonel Bryan J. Laske, Speaker of the State Assembly Carl Heastie, Fort Drum's Acting Commander Brigadier General Paul Bontrager, and Assemblywoman Russell.

Assemblywoman Russell recognizes SUNY Potsdam on its bicentennial on floor of the state Assembly

Assemblyman Marc Butler, fourth from left, and Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, fourth from right, hand a proclamation to SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin Esterberg honoring the college on its bicentennial. They were joined Tuesday afternoon on the floor of the New York State Assembly by SUNY Potsdam students and staff.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, hosted a delegation from SUNY Potsdam on the floor of the New York State Assembly in recognition of the school's bicentennial.

Assemblywoman Russell told her colleagues the representatives traveling to Albany for the Tuesday event included Dr. Kristin Esterberg, the college's 16th president; staff and SUNY Potsdam students.

The charter founding the college, initially known as St. Lawrence Academy, was signed on March 25, 1816, marking the culmination of a nearly four-year process from when the residents of Potsdam had sent a formal petition to the New York State Board of Regents seeking to establish the school.

Assemblywoman Russell, speaking on the floor in the Assembly chamber, said the efforts to charter the school started in 1812, but initial efforts were derailed by the War of 1812.

"It got delayed a little while. There were significant battles and skirmishes fought during that war in the North Country," she pointed out.

The college, one of the first 50 in the country, has a long and proud tradition. The St. Lawrence Academy opened its doors for the first time on Sept. 30, 1816. The Academy was later chosen to become part of the new Normal School system, officially becoming Potsdam Normal School in 1867. The Crane Normal Institute of Music, which later became The Crane School of Music, was founded in 1886.

In 1942, the institution became Potsdam State Teachers College, along with all other Normal Schools. Finally, in 1948, the State University of New York was established, and the campus would come to be known as SUNY Potsdam.

Assemblywoman Russell said the school's accessibility near the northern border has made it the college of choice for large numbers of North Country students over the years as well as offering programs that have attracted students from around the state, nation and world. 

"I would like to express my gratitude for the role SUNY Potsdam has played to keep the American dream alive for residents of New York State and the North Country," she said.

She noted she was providing the SUNY Potsdam delegation with a proclamation honoring the college on its bicentennial.

Assemblywoman Russell said her mother and sister are graduates of SUNY Potsdam so the college always holds a special spot in her heart.

Assemblyman Marc Butler, a SUNY Potsdam graduate whose assembly district also covers a portion of central St. Lawrence County, joined Assemblywoman Russell in recognizing the college on its bicentennial.

Speaker Pro Tempore Jeffrion L. Aubry congratulated the SUNY Potsdam delegation on the college's 200th anniversary.

"This is an accomplishment and a tribute to the school, to the community and to the state," he said.

Assemblywoman Russell honors Lady Islanders on floor of New York State Assembly

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, presents members of the Thousand Islands-Alexandria Lady Islanders with a resolution honoring the team for skating to the New York State high school championship in February. Pictured are, front row (l-r): Madison Fleming, Assemblywoman Russell, Emily Rose, Miranda Kolb, Madison Cullen, Taylor Hudon, Lindsey Bradley and Head Coach Brian Hudon. Second row: Lydia Cantwell, Talia Parker, Mikayla Cippulo, Mia Coene, Emilie Waiti, Kelsey Bannister and Kelsey Cullen. Third row: Addison Reed, Kayla McCabe, Keeley Rose, Annika Balk, Maddy Coene and Renzi Young. Top row: Coach Cullen, Sydney Aubertine, Kyleigh Prance and Kaitlin Irvine.

The girls' varsity high school hockey team from Thousands Islands and Alexandria central schools was honored Monday on the floor of the New York State Assembly.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, noted she was pleased to be joined in the Assembly chambers by members of the Lady Islanders hockey team and their coaches. She pointed out the players had been joined on the trip to Albany - the site where they skated to their state title - by parents, grandparents and other team supporters.

The Lady Islanders edged Kenmore Grand Island from the Buffalo area 3-2 in the state title game last month. Kenmore had downed the Lady Islanders in the semi-final round of the state championship round in 2015.

The Lady Islanders had advanced to this year's state championship game by downing Beekmantown 4-1 in the semi-final round.

The Alexandria Central School team had advanced to the state semi-finals by blanking Skaneateles 2-0 in the Section III championship game.

Skaneateles was the only team that had beaten the Lady Islanders during the regular season and was unbeaten on home ice before the sectional championship game.

"It was great vindication for the Lady Islanders to beat Skaneateles for the Section III championship. They were the only team they had lost to during the regular season," Assemblywoman Russell said.

The Lady Islanders state championship roster included Mia Coene, Kayla McCabe, Keeley Rose, Miranda Kolb, Taylor Hudon, Maddie Coene, Talia Parker, Kelsey Bannister, Maddy Cullen, Mikayla Cipullo, Emilie Watt, Emily Rose, Annika Balk, Kaitlin Irvine, Lindsey Bradley, Kyleigh Prance, Sydney Aubertine, Kelsey Cullen and Madison Fleming. The team is coached by Brian Hudon, Matt Cullen and Jamie Wiley.

The Lady Islanders feature just over a half dozen players from the Alexandria Bay and Thousand Islands school districts, two players from Immaculate Heart Central and players from General Brown and Indian River.

"This is a fantastic example of high schools working together to make sure there are opportunities for these young women to compete." Assemblywoman Russell said.

She also suggested the traits that led the Lady Islanders to a state title also provided the young women with the character that will benefit them in the future.

"Anyone who has been part of a championship team understands how much deeper you have to dig to be successful. It is a testament to the character of these young women, their ability to persevere and do whatever it takes to win," the assemblywoman said. "I think it shows their leadership capabilities ... that will only go on to serve the people of this state as they grow and mature into young women and leaders of tomorrow."

Assemblywoman Russell also credited the players' support network with playing a role in their success, noting hockey season often involves early morning practices, late nights and long bus rides for games around the region.

"It is not really easy to be a hockey player. We want to make sure we recognize all the people in their lives who have helped them be successful," Assemblywoman Russell added.

Speaker Pro Tempore Jeffrion L. Aubry praised the Lady Islanders for skating to a state title.

"May this taste of victory lead you on to victories in life," he said.

Coach Hudon, reflecting on the day as he rode the bus back with his team from Albany to the Thousand Islands region, said the players and coaches were overwhelmed by the experience.

"It was incredible. We were so honored to come down and get recognized. It was a special day for the girls. The kids were honored and quite excited. It could be life changing for the girls. It is something these girls will never forget," he said.

Coach Hudon noted the girls' hockey title marked the first state championship for student-athletes at the Thousand Islands and Alexandria central schools.

"The girls are starting to realize what an accomplishment this is," he said.

He noted Assemblywoman Russell had also visited the school to present certificates to the players during a brief ceremony in the days following their victory in the state title game.

"She said some heartfelt, inspirational words that were very meaningful to the girls," he added.

Kaitlin Irvine, a junior at Alexandria Central School, said she enjoyed the opportunity to visit with the elected officials serving the North Country in Albany.

"It was a really nice experience. It was really neat to hear all the things that were said on the floor," she said.

Annika Balk, an eighth grader at Thousand Islands Central School said she enjoyed the opportunity to get an insider's view of the state capitol.

"It was definitely neat getting to go around the state capitol building, seeing how things are run, getting a good idea of what goes on in the building," she said.

The eighth grader said the team has been treated very well since winning the state title.

"It is definitely a lot of fun being a state champion. I didn't expect that much to come of it. It's really cool," she said.

The team was also recognized by the state senate on Monday afternoon.

Assemblywoman Russell: Effort under way to gain support to fund pilot farm to school program in North Country

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says she is continuing to work to get funding included in the 2016-17 state budget to launch a pilot farm to school program in the North Country.

She said the Assembly’s budget proposal includes $300,000 to build upon the successful farm-to-school program, but additional funding will be necessary in the final budget to get the pilot program off the ground.

"I am continuing to work to get that additional funding for the pilot program in the final state budget. The support for the effort in the Assembly's one house budget bill is an important first step toward making this program a reality," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"But it is clear there is still a need for additional monies - several hundred thousand dollars - to get those local products in our school cafeterias by the next school year. Our vibrant agricultural community and high needs schools in the North Country make us an ideal region to launch a pilot program," she said.

This additional funding would spur development of a farm-to-school food supply chain, making it more affordable for schools to purchase healthy food grown or raised in New York State.

“This program would help schools provide fresh food grown in our state, stimulating the local economy and introducing our students to more healthy food options,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This is a win-win for local farmers and our children.”

The farm-to-school initiative would modify the state’s reimbursement formula for school lunches, by increasing reimbursement rates by 5 to 25 cents a meal from the current 6 cents.

The rate would be dependent on the percentage of locally grown and produced products that school districts purchase each year.

The reimbursement rate for school lunches hasn’t been increased in 40 years, and low reimbursement rates hinder schools’ abilities to purchase farm-to-school products, according to Assemblywoman Russell, who chairs the state Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy.

As part of her farm-to-school initiative, Assemblywoman Russell authored a bill making it easier for school districts to purchase from local cooperatives (A.6182). The bill would allow schools to make purchases of less than $25,000 from associations or coops without applying for permission from the state education commissioner.

The bill passed the Assembly’s Local Governments Committee in January and is now awaiting action by the Ways and Means Committee.

“When we empower our schools to purchase local food, we demonstrate our commitment to New York’s agricultural community,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “I will keep fighting to enact policies and secure funding so that our kids have more access to healthy foods."

Assemblywoman Russell honors SUNY Potsdam as it celebrates its bicentennial

The New York State Assembly has passed a resolution sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, commemorating the 200th anniversary of The State University of New York at Potsdam.

The charter founding the college, initially known as St. Lawrence Academy, was signed on March 25, 1816, marking the culmination of a nearly four-year process from when the residents of Potsdam had sent a formal petition to the New York State Board of Regents seeking to establish the school.

"SUNY Potsdam has served a valuable role in the region for the past two centuries. I was pleased to bring this resolution to the floor. It is a good time to reflect on the impact the college and its graduates have had on the North Country, the state and the nation," Assemblywoman Russell said.

“From its founding in 1816, the institution known today as The State University of New York at Potsdam has been dedicated to serving our region, the state and the nation. Thousands of diligent students, loyal alumni and dedicated faculty and staff have passed through the college's halls over two centuries. Just as they emerged with new insights and memories to last a lifetime, SUNY Potsdam will forever be grateful for each and every individual who has left an impact here as well,” President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg said.

"During our bicentennial, we invite everyone to honor the legacy of the people who have made SUNY Potsdam a pioneering and enduring institution — from 1816 to 2016, and beyond,” she added.

The college, one of the first 50 in the country, has a long and proud tradition. The St. Lawrence Academy opened its doors for the first time on Sept. 30, 1816. The Academy was later chosen to become part of the new Normal School system, officially becoming Potsdam Normal School in 1867. The Crane Normal Institute of Music, which later became The Crane School of Music, was founded in 1886.

In 1942, the institution became Potsdam State Teachers College, along with all other Normal Schools. Finally, in 1948, the State University of New York was established, and the campus would come to be known as SUNY Potsdam.

The college began construction for its new Pierrepont Avenue campus in 1950, and by 1954, Potsdam passed its former downtown building on to neighboring Clarkson University and relocated to its new campus.

SUNY Potsdam now serves as home to 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students studying for degrees ranging from science education to music business and international studies.

SUNY Potsdam educates many Northern New York residents, with 36 percent of the student body hailing from the North Country and 18 percent coming from St. Lawrence County. There are currently 10,200 SUNY Potsdam alumni living and working in the North Country.

Students come to SUNY Potsdam from every corner of the Empire State, including 18 percent from New York City. Others come from across the country, including from as far afield as California and Alaska. A large contingent of Canadian students study at SUNY Potsdam, along with international students from China, Brazil, and Italy, just to name a few origin countries.

The college has 850 employees, and an additional 180 people work on campus through Potsdam Auxiliary College and Educational Services.

"SUNY Potsdam is also a major employer in the North Country, and its employees strengthen our communities. The region continues to benefit from SUNY Potsdam alumni - some native Northern New Yorkers and others that have come from outside the region - that have continued to call this region home. Quite simply, these alums bring skills to our communities that help make the North Country a better place to live," Assemblywoman Russell said.

The resolution noted SUNY Potsdam has maintained the spirit of perseverance and community engagement envisioned by its founders.

"Although there are many top tier programs offered at SUNY Potsdam, tens of thousands of students at North Country schools - in fact, students across the state and nation - have benefited from teachers trained at the college," she said. "Further, the talent of musicians trained at the Crane School of Music have brought joy to our hearts as they perform on stages ranging from our local schools to the top opera venues in the world.”

Assemblywoman Russell pointed to the significance of the college's accomplishments in preparing the youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow for the challenges ahead.

Assemblywoman Russell: Assembly votes overwhelmingly to support ethics reform package

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has announced the Assembly voted 137-4 Tuesday to back ethics reforms that include closing the limited liability corporation (LLC) loophole as well as placing limits on outside income for legislators.

She said the bill was necessary to address issues surrounding state lawmakers in the Senate and Assembly that have faced corruption charges in recent years.

“The people of the North Country need to be able to believe their voices are not being drowned out by the most powerful and wealthy residents of our state," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"Our democratic system is strongest when the will of the people is heard loudly and clearly. Unfortunately, big money and special interests have unfairly bought access and influence, and this is unacceptable,” said Russell. “By closing the LLC loophole and limiting outside income, we are sending a clear message that we all must play by the same rules.”

According to the state Board of Elections, LLCs are treated the same as individuals, which allows an individual to make multiple contributions to the same candidate or committee through separate LLCs.

The Assembly’s ethics reforms would clarify election law to treat LLCs like corporations, holding them to an aggregate $5,000 contribution limit, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

"This will help level the playing field," she suggested.

Furthermore, the legislation would limit legislators’ outside incomes, using a formula similar to what is used by congressional representatives.

"I made a personal choice to not earn a living as an attorney while I am serving in the state Assembly. The North Country residents I represent in Albany deserve representation focused on their needs," Assemblywoman Russell said.

The measure also reduces the spending threshold by which lobbyists must disclose their donors to any amount spent over $5,000.

“These measures are necessary to bring trust back to state government, and I will continue to fight to ensure we have a more transparent and accountable system,” Assemblywoman Russell added.

She noted there is more work to be done.

"I expect the Assembly will also address pension reform in the coming days. I am co-sponsoring legislation that would prevent public officers convicted of felonies stemming from corruption from receiving their taxpayer-funded pensions," Assemblywoman Russell said.

The proposed constitutional amendment would apply to all elected officials at the state and local level, as well as judges, executive appointees, policymakers and certain members of public boards and government bodies.

Assemblywoman Russell sponsors resolution honoring Lady Islanders

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, sponsored a resolution Tuesday afternoon honoring the Thousand Islands-Alexandria Lady Islanders for capturing the New York state high school girls' varsity hockey championship last month.

The Lady Islanders edged Kenmore-Grand Island 3-2 to earn their first state title. Their run to the state championship included avenging their sole loss of the season when they downed Skaneateles 2-0 in the Section III title game and downed Beekmantown 4-1 in the state semi-finals.

Assemblywoman Russell said the Lady Islanders were winners on the ice and were positive contributors in their schools and communities.

The resolution also pointed to the support the state champions had received from their families, friends and fans and noted the state championship had been a source of great pride in the Alex Bay and Clayton area.

"These outstanding athletes have made a contribution to the spirit of excellence, which is a tradition at their schools," according to the resolution. "Athletically and academically, the team members have proven themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talent, reflecting favorably on their schools."

The Lady Islanders feature just over a half dozen players from the Alexandria Bay and Thousand Islands school districts, two players from Immaculate Heart Central and players from General Brown and Indian River.

The Lady Islanders state championship roster includes Mia Coene, Kayla McCabe, Keeley Rose, Miranda Kolb, Taylor Hudon, Maddie Coene, Talia Parker, Kelsey Bannister, Maddy Cullen, Mikayla Cipullo, Emilie Watt, Emily Rose, Annika Balk, Kaitlin Irvine, Lindsey Bradley, Kyleigh Prance, Sydney Aubertine, Kelsey Cullen and Madison Fleming. The team is coached by Brian Hudon, Matt Cullen and Jamie Wiley.

Assemblywoman Russell has invited the team to Albany later this month to be introduced on the floor of the New York State Assembly.

Assemblywoman Russell: Assembly budget plan provides additional water infrastructure funding that could benefit town of Orleans.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Thursday, has announced the state Assembly budget proposal approved Monday includes $300 million for water and sewer infrastructure funding, $50 million more than was included in the governor's spending proposal.

The funds would be dispersed as grants to local governments making repairs or improvements to their water and sewer systems.

"This is yet another sign to the people of the town of Orleans and other parts of the state that the state Assembly is committed to making sure funding is available for critical projects in our communities," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"I know from my conversations with the governor's office that the commitment to finding the funding necessary to move the Orleans water project forward remains a priority. The additional funding provided in the Assembly budget proposal would provide another mechanism to make that happen," she said.

Orleans town officials have said they need an additional $3 million in funding to move forward with a $13 million water line project in the vicinity of Route 12 between Alexandria Bay and Fisher's Landing.

"I remain committed to working with local and state officials to move this project forward. The residents of the town of Orleans have been dealing with groundwater contamination for too long already. It is time for a solution. I am optimistic this extra pool of money included in the Assembly budget plan can provide the resources necessary to get the Orleans water project in the ground," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She noted a number of alarming situations involving drinking water have surfaced around the state and nation in recent weeks.

"The crisis in the town of Orleans needs to be fixed immediately. Providing safe drinking water to the residents of Orleans - and other communities facing similar issues - is a sound investment in our future. The health of our children and families depends on it," she said.

Assemblywoman Russell has previously directed $500,000 toward the project through the state Dormitory Authority.

The town has also been awarded an $11.4 million loan from the state Environmental Facilities Corporation, $500,000 through the North Country Economic Development Council and $100,000 from the state Senate.

Town officials have said they face regulations that mean they can only spend $8 million from the loan on the water project. Following a meeting Assemblywoman Russell attended with other state lawmakers and agency representatives in early February, assurances were made the funding gap would be closed through grant funding.

"These additional funds included in the Assembly budget would simply provide another tool to make sure that happens." Assemblywoman Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell: Assembly budget plan adds critical funds for local schools

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell. D-Theresa, says the state Assembly's budget proposal increases state funding for North Country schools and helps alleviate tax burdens for property owners.

The Assembly budget proposal also includes a $1.7 billion investment in higher education and freezes tuition at the State University of New York for two years.

Assemblywoman Russell said school superintendents and educators from throughout the district had called for additional funding in foundation aid from the governor's proposal.

"Our schools have been shortchanged for years and need increased support to stop having to make harmful cuts and keep property taxes down," Foundation aid drives funding to our rural school districts with the highest needs," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"I will continue fighting for our students and for the educators working so hard to provide them with a high quality education.

The Assembly proposal includes:

• An increase of $1.1 billion for Foundation Aid, which is $875 million over the governor's proposal.

• $434 million to fully restore the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA).

• $5 million for additional library aid above the $91.6 million included in the governor's budget.

• $10 million in capital support for public libraries.

"Increasing state funding for north country schools, as well as other schools across the state, is not only fair, it's the right thing to do. This Assembly budget proposal will help stabilize our schools so they can give our students the quality education they deserve," Assemblywoman Russell said.

The plan also fully restoresfor Teacher Resources and Computer Training Centers to $14.3 million.

"Providing teachers with the tools and training they need is critical for teachers to effectively do their jobs in the 21st Century and that is why the Assembly is rejecting the governor's proposed cuts to this program," she noted.

She said students at SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton and Jefferson Community College - as well as the other colleges and universities in the SUNY system - would also benefit from the funding included in the Assembly proposal.

"At a same time that a college degree is almost a necessity for a 21st Century job, more and more young people are being priced out of higher education. Students are already coming out of college saddled with years of debt. That's no way to start out," Assemblywoman Russell said.

In addition to freezing tuition, the Assembly's budget proposes more than $819 million in capital assistance and increases the base operating aid to community colleges as well as grant awards under the tuition assistance program (TAP).

Assemblywoman Russell: New regent has pledged to visit Jefferson County schools, communities

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says she is confident the newly elected regent for the Fifth Judicial District will be a frequent visitor to schools and communities in Jefferson County.

The state Legislature elected Luis O. Reyes, Nan Eileen Mead and Elizabeth Smith Hakanson to the New York State Board of Regents. Smith Hakanson, a Syracuse educator for over 30 years, will fill the Fifth Judicial District seat.

Several candidates, including a trio from the 116th Assembly District, interviewed for the Fifth Judicial District seat.

The Fifth District regent represents a mix of urban, suburban and rural school districts in Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, Onondaga, Oneida and Herkimer counties.

"All candidates from our area interviewed very well, but there were many candidates from the large Fifth Judicial District, which stretches from the Mohawk Valley through Syracuse into Jefferson County," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"It is a process. Many of the assembly people from the Fifth Judicial District and the members of the assembly that sat in on the interviews for the Board of Regents reviewed the candidates and two names came forward for the vote on the floor," she noted.

Assemblywoman Russell said after sitting in on the interviews and talking to the candidates she chose to support Hakanson's nomination.

"Although none of the Board of Regents candidates nominated this week were from my assembly district, I fully expect Regent Elizabeth Smith Hakanson will be responsive to the needs of the North Country," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"She conveyed to me her plans to visit the area's schools and wants to hear from the community, especially parents and teachers," she added.

Assemblywoman Russell noted the state Legislature had elected the candidate she had nominated for the Board of Regents, Beverly Ouderkirk, to the Fourth Judicial District seat in 2015. That district stretches from St. Lawrence County to just north of Albany.

"I was fortunate to have a constituent from this district - a resident of Morristown - elected to the Board of Regents last year. I would have loved to have had two members on the board from this assembly district, but it didn't work out that way this year."

The 17-member Board of Regents is responsible for the general supervision of all educational activities in the state and preside over the State University of New York and the state Education Department. The Board of Regents sets the standards for elementary and secondary education in the state.

Assemblywoman Russell said Hakanson has already met Regent Beverly Ouderkirk.

Hakanson has more than 32 years of education experience, which includes teaching at the high school and middle school levels in the Syracuse City School District.

Assemblywoman Russell supports re-appointment of town supervisor in Morristown

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell said she has been advised the governor's legal staff is reviewing a request from Morristown town officials to appoint a town supervisor.

A series of procedural errors has left the board with just two duly elected officials on the five-member board.

The two remaining board members, lacking a quorum, are unable to make appointments to fill the vacancies on the town board. The remaining two board members are also not authorized to sign checks, so the municipality is currently unable to pay its bills, including its payroll. The town's next payroll is March 17.

"I have been looking into the town's options and in contact with the governor's staff. I have been told they are researching the request and are working on it in an expedited fashion," Russell said.

She noted she would support former Supervisor Frank Putman being reappointed to a position he has held since the late 1990s.

"The residents of the town of Morristown deserve a functioning government. The taxpayers in the town of Morristown have paid to have their services provided, and they need a functioning government," she said.

Russell said the appointment of the supervisor is necessary so the town can pay its bills and meets its payroll.

"This is a busy time of year for the highway department as winter transitions into spring. The board needs a quorum so it can pay for necessary supplies for its road maintenance work," she noted.

Russell said she is also advocating the town call a special election to fill the remaining two vacancies on the town board.

"I know there will be a cost for a special election, but I think it is warranted in this case so the residents of the town of Morristown can make the determination if this is just a case of clerical errors or there are broader issues that warrant change. That needs to be a local decision. I also feel it is a decision the voters need to be able to make in a relatively short period of time," Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell: Funding can boost heroin, opioid fight in north country

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has announced the Assembly’s state budget proposal includes $30 million to expand treatment services for those struggling with opioid and heroin addiction.

“Heroin and opioid addiction have had an increasingly devastating impact here in the North Country in recent years,” Russell said. “Anyone who has a family member or friend that has succumbed to opioid addiction understands the human and financial toll it takes on them and the community. It is truly heartbreaking, which is why I’ve been working to develop solutions to this serious issue.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there are 125 deaths from drug overdoses each day in the United States. While exact numbers are difficult to nail down, health officials estimate that just over 20 people have died from heroin overdoses in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties in recent years, with even more overdoses that didn’t result in death.

The growth of the heroin problem in the region is illustrated by statistics from St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force. The task force investigated 52 heroin-related cases in 2015, up from just four heroin-related cases in 2011. Those investigations in 2015 led to 191 felony and misdemeanor charges.

The budget proposal includes $15 million specifically targeting underserved areas and populations, and at-risk individuals. The funding will be used to provide treatment and ensure there are post-treatment services to help prevent relapses, Russell said, noting there are now more deaths from heroin overdoses in rural areas than urban areas.

Russell said while there are quality opioid abuse treatment providers in the area there are simply not enough spaces or programs - particularly programs designed to prevent relapse - to meet the skyrocketing demand.

She pointed out there are also a lack of physicians in the area that can prescribe medications to people seeking to stop using heroin or other opioids. The lack of mental health providers in the north country also provides struggles for people that are also dealing with mental health issues.

“These vital funds are necessary to protect our loved ones who continue to deal with this deadly epidemic, and I will keep fighting to make sure that North Country families have the resources and services they need to prevent further tragedy," she said.

Assemblywoman Russell encourages top students in Class of 2016 to apply for STEM scholarships

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is urging high school students in the top 10 percent of their graduating class to consider taking advantage of scholarship opportunities designed for students that plan to major in math and the sciences.

“The New York State Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Incentive Program is a wonderful opportunity to get a degree in these fields at our SUNY schools with less worry about being burdened with huge student loan debt,” Russell said.

The New York State Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program application is now available for high school students entering college in fall 2016.

The program provides a full SUNY tuition scholarship to students in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class if they major in a STEM field and work in a STEM job in New York state for five years after graduation.

The program is a key tool in encouraging the best and brightest high school students to pursue high-demand, high-tech careers and build their future in New York.

Since the program’s inception, over 1,400 top scholars have received STEM awards totaling more than $7.5 million.

Applications must be submitted by Aug. 15 for June high school graduates planning to enroll in college in the fall of 2016.

Russell is encouraging students to apply as soon as possible, however, given the early deadlines to decide on attending college and the timing of financial aid awards.