Assemblywoman Russell secures $15,000 for Potsdam's veterans' memorial project

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has announced she has secured $15,000 for the village of Potsdam that will be used to establish a veterans' memorial plaza at Ives Park.

"I know the village of Potsdam has been working with the local veterans' organizations on this plan for the past few years, and I am pleased I was able to secure funding to help move this project forward," she said.

Potsdam Village Planning and Development Director Fred Hanss said the plan includes moving three veterans' monuments currently on the lawn in front of Clarkson University's Old Snell Hall to a new location just east of the existing gazebo at Ives Park.

He said the new plaza, on the banks of the Raquette River, will include the existing memorials that honor the 57 members of the armed forces from the Potsdam-area that lost their lives in World War I and World War II. The other monuments honor those killed in Korea and Vietnam.

Monuments honoring those who have served in Iraq and Aghanistan will be added, and poles flying the American and Prisoner of War flags will also be installed at the new location. A pathway from the memorials to the Raquette River is planned, and additional park benches will be placed in the area.

Mr. Hanss said Potsdam's Memorial Day observances have been held at Ives Park for years, but the Veterans' Day observances have been held on the lawn at Old Snell Hall, where the memorial tablet honoring the war dead from World Wars I and II was erected in the late 1940s.

"The new site will be much more appropriate location for these observances to take place," he suggested.

Assemblywoman Russell said the Ives Park location is ideal for the tribute to those who have served or are serving in the military.

"I am pleased to be able to provide some seed money for this project. The location is clearly much more ideal for services honoring our veterans and those who made the supreme sacrifice and will also be much more accessible for our veterans with mobility challenges. This plan also fits in well with the village's vision for enhancements to Ives Park. I look forward to seeing the final results later this year," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"It is commendable that so much thought and work has gone into ensuring that those that have given the ultimate sacrifice will always have a prominent place of remembrance in this community," she noted.

"It is heartening that as new projects are planned and public spaces are revitalized we continue to recognize the sacrifices of those in our history that have made it all possible," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

"I consider it a personal responsibility to help ensure that we never forget those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. Reflecting on their commitment to the rest of us provides me with guidance and perspective and a renewed energy and purpose," she pointed out.

"I hope that the creation of a new memorial will enhance the ability of this community to reflect on the role of these honored dead. And that the comrades of our fallen have a fitting setting to pay tribute to their heroism and stay connected to their bonds of brotherhood forged during the fight for freedom," Assemblywoman Russell said.

Potsdam Mayor Ron Tischler said the village has been working closely with veterans' organizations to bring the project to fruition. He shared news of the $15,000 grant secured by Assemblywoman Russell during the Memorial Day observance at Ives Park.

"Our target date is to have the project completed by Veterans' Day, Nov. 11. I think this is going to be a great addition to Ives Park and the community as a whole," Mayor Tischler said.

"We want to thank Assemblywoman Russell for securing the funding for us. This plaza will be a great opportunity to thank our veterans and honor those who have given their lives for our country," he added.

Mayor Tischler said village officials have been working on the project with Veterans of Foreign Wars Roy D. Graves Post 1194 Commander Bob Crary and leaders of other veterans' organizations in the Potsdam area.

Commander Crary said the effort to find a more appropriate location for the monuments started many years ago, and he said some members of the Disabled American Veterans, including the late Richard LaPage, were instrumental in moving that plan forward.

"I am pleased we are going to be able to make their dream come true. A lot of veterans during my tenure as commander of the VFW have told me they would like a place where they could go and remember our brothers in arms. The present location just doesn't justify that, but the new space will provide more space where veterans can go and sit, reflect and remember," Commander Crary said.

He noted paving bricks will be sold as part of the fundraising effort for the plaza. Those bricks will include the names of veterans that have served in the armed forces.

He praised Potsdam Village Administator Everett Basford and Mr. Hanns for their support and work on the effort to establish the veterans' memorial at Ives Park.

Commander Crary said he was also appreciative of Assemblywoman Russell's support for the project.

"I'm very excited about it. It gets us started," he said.

Assemblywoman Russell followed up on a theme set by the main speakers at the Potsdam Memorial Day observance, Lt. Col. Jennifer A. Amato, commander of U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 536 at Clarkson University, and Potsdam resident John Lancaster, who served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his valor in combat.

Both speakers shared the names of men they had served with that lost their lives overseas.

"As this community grows and changes, there is one constant. The ability to prosper has been secured by personal sacrifice made for love of our country, our democracy and the desire for generations to come to live peacefully in a fair and just society," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"Without the dedication of those that made the ultimate sacrifice, we would not be who we are today. We would not enjoy the personal freedoms that are so important to the fabric of this community," she noted.

IN THE PHOTOS:

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Veterans of Foreign Wars Roy D. Graves Post 1194 Commander Bob Crary (center) stands at the site of the planned veterans' memorial space at Ives Park in Potsdam. He discusses plans to move three monuments currently located on the lawn at Old Snell Hall to Ives Park with Potsdam Mayor Ron Tischler (l) and Potsdam Planning and Development Director Fred Hanss.

BOTTOM:

The first monument honoring the 14 men from the Potsdam area who died while serving in the military during World War I and the 43 men killed in action during World War II was erected in the late 1940s. That monument and the tablets honoring those who served in Korea and Vietnam will be moved to Ives Park later this year.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Roy D. Graves Post 1194 Commander Bob Crary (center) stands at the site of the planned veterans' memorial space at Ives Park in Potsdam. He discusses plans to move three monuments currently located on the lawn at Old Snell Hall to Ives Park with Potsdam Mayor Ron Tischler (l) and Potsdam Planning and Development Director Fred Hanss. The mayor has called for the project to be completed by Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

A women in attendance at the Memorial Day observance in Potsdam's Ives Park show her appreciation to those who serve our country.

The Rifle Squad fired a 21-gun salute to honor those members of the United States armed services who died while serving in the military. Stanley Crump, who served as the master of ceremonies at the Potsdam Memorial Day observance, noted many of those soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines were lost at sea or their bodies were never recovered.

A bugler plays "Taps" during the Memorial Day observance at Ives Park in Potsdam.

The Potsdam High School band, under the direction of Jill Rubio, concluded the Memorial Day observance in Potsdam by playing National Anthem.

Assemblywoman Russell honors Akwesasne code talkers

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says the stories shared at Saturday's Congressional Medal Ceremony honoring the Akwesasne Mohawk code talkers underscore the true meaning of Memorial Day observances.

Twenty-four Mohawks, including the lone surviving code talker, Louis Levi Oakes, were honored during a ceremony that drew approximately 500 people to the Travis Solomon Memorial Lacrosse Box at Generations Park in Akwesasne.

Congressional medals were awarded to family members of the other 23 code talkers, with the awards being accepted by ranging from wives and sons and daughters to grandchildren and a great-nephew.

"Their skills were central to the success of our military efforts, and those of our allies, in preserving the principles of a just and fair society," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"Those being honored served in the strongest traditions of American heroes, and, most importantly, the strongest traditions of the Mohawk nation," she added.

"The warrrior culture from which they descend is long and celebrated, but it emanates from a society ruled by collective decision making, with reliance upon allies with similar concerns and shared values - with women playing extremely imporant roles within the community. While the warrior is a vital necessity to preserve an protect the society, its use is aimed at a balance to provide for an everlasting peace and prosperity for its people," Assemblywoman Russell suggested.

She acknowledged the federal govenment had launched a program in the 19th Century to send Mohawk students to federal boarding institutions as part of an effort designed to separate those young men and women from their culture.

"The irony of the underlying reason we are gathered today is not lost on me. It was civil disobedience against an oppressive government that eventually proved critical to saving that government and her allies," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She said it is humbling to reflect on the strength and tenacity of the Mohawk culture that is governed by the principles and values at the core of our representative democracy.

"It is heartening these principles can and do endure and to see, not withstanding the injustices suffered, it sent its warriors to serve the greater needs of the world," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"Today is a day we honor these individuals that made great personal sacrifice in support of the values and ideals of their longstanding society and the needs of the United States of America and her allies," she noted.

"We honor their personal strength, character and skill as they embody the wisdom, tenacity and altruisms of the great civilization that has provided for the resiliency and endurance of a legacy that we would all be better for studying," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Chief Ron Lafrance Jr. noted Orlo Ransom had come up with the initial list of 24 Mohawks who spoke the language when they served in the armed forces during World War II.

"It's about time our elders and their families are recognized for the valiant efforts they made in securing the peace," Chief Lafrance said.

American Indians used their native languages to send coded messages that could not be deciphered by enemy code breakers,

Navajo code talkers gained the most fame during wartime, working in the European and Pacific theaters with the U.S. Marines.

But 33 tribes were represented in the ranks of code talkers, including Akwesasne Mohawks.

Congress passed the Code Talkers Recognition Act in 2008 to honor the achievements and service of these important Indian troops, and the U.S. Mint created specially designed medals in honor of each tribe’s contribution to the war effort.

Efforts began to honor members of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe in 2012 by first verifying the service records of men who were believed to have served as code talkers.

Their names were included on the government’s Certified Federal Registry to make them eligible for the congressional medals.

St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council Communications Director Brendan White said per capita Native Americans traditionally have sent the largest percentage of its people to serve in the armed forces.

He also pointed out during the weeks leading up to the code talkers ceremony he had an opportunity to review the honorable discharge papers, commendations and citations for the men being honored.

“These are stories that the code talker could have written themselves and shared with their family members. Stories that were shared with their commanding officers, and I have to tell you, they are more than just code talkers, they are heroes,” Mr. White said.

American Legion Post 1479 Commander Michael R. Cook said members of the armed forces from Akwesasne had fought in the Pacific, Central Europe, Italy and Northern Africa during World War II.

"When war was declared by the United States, many men and women from Akwesasne answered that call. Some would never have the opportunity to return to Akwesasne," he said.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro) listed those battles fought by code talkers, and it was a map of World War II.

There were stories of two Mohawks who reunited at Normady Beach; a Mohawk who made 14 treks across the Rhine River, most after his boat had come under machine gun fire from a German post, to ferry soldiers taking part in the invasion of Germany in March 1945; and the first Mohawk paratrooper who dropped into France with his fellow members of the 82nd Airborne Division. The soldiers fought in battles in Northern Africa and Central Europe and helped free prisoners at concentration camps.

“For too long this selfless sacrifice went unrecognized by our nation, and sadly, these heroes were instructed not to speak of their important roles in these military campaigns,” Congresswoman Stefanik said.

“For many, that meant that the families and friends of these code talkers were unaware of the contributions these patriots made to this country,” she added.

Seventeen of the men, including Mr, Oakes, received Congressional Silver Medals. They included Mike Arquette

Another seven men, whose role as code talkers has not been confirmed as code talkers by the Department of Defense, were awarded Bronze Awards. They included Joseph Robert Herne, Abe Ransom, Andrew Rourke, Peter White, Edgar Jock, Louis Ransom and Phillip Thompson.

The medal was designed by John Thompson.

One side of the coin shows a soldier armed with his M-1 infantry rifle that was standard issue during World War II. He also carries a beaded sheath for a utility knife. The code talker us surrounded by the three major clans initially associated with the Mohawk people - bear, wolf and turtle.

The reverse side of the coin features a Mohawk warrior surrounded by items representative of the Mohawks of Akwesasne. The headdress, featuring three upright eagle feathers, signifies the warrior being Mohawk.

Situated behind the warrior's likeness is the Akwesasne wolf belt, which continues to bind the Mohawks in friendship and to guide the Mohawks on the path of peace as one people.

IN THE PHOTOS:

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Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell congratulates Louis Levi Oakes, the lone surviving Mohawk code talker from World War II, after the ceremony where he received his Congressional Medal.

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The crowd at Generations Park in Akwesasne stands to honor Louis Levi Oakes as Congresswoman Elise Stefanik presents him with his Congressional Silver Medal.

Louis Levi Oakes stands with American Legion Post 1479 Commander Michael Cook and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik moments after receiving his Congressional Silver Medal for his role as a Mohawk code talker during World War II.

Louis Levi Oakes was surrounded by family Saturday when 24 Mohawk code talkers were recognized for their efforts during World War II.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visits with family members of the late Alex Wilson Lazore. Mr. Lazore's family was presented with a Congressional Silver Medal honoring his contributions as a code talker during World War II.

Assemblywoman Russell's bill making it easier for schools to purchase products from local farmers moves to governor's desk

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says the passage of a bill she sponsored this week will make it easier for North Country farmers and producers to sell their products to school districts.

The state Assembly voted 140-1 to pass legislation (A6182) that will allow school districts to now purchase products from associations of growers as long as they are for purchases of under $25,000 without needing the approval of the commissioner of education. The bill has also been passed by the New York State Senate and has been sent to the governor for his review.

Assemblywoman Russell said the legislation stemmed from a request from St. Lawrence County farmers, who were finding it challenging to sell their products to local school districts due to the bureaucratic hurdles that needed to be crossed.

"This bill is aimed at cutting through the red tape and getting local food products into our school cafeterias. It encourages schools to purchase local food products," Assemblywoman Russell said.

The current law requires school districts to apply for permission from the commissioner of education to purchase food such as eggs, livestock, fish, or dairy products from separate growers and producers if there are more than 10 growers or producers in the association.

This application process can be burdensome to smaller school districts and contradicts current food hub programming by discouraging purchases from cooperatives or food hubs. Current law makes purchasing locally difficult and fails to promote the current farm-to-school program.

"It helps local farmers and producers, and it also brings fresher and healthier foods to our students in their school cafeterias," she added. "This bill fosters the development of our smaller farms by allowing these collaborating family farm operations to sell to local school districts by making the process clearer and more efficient."

Assemblywoman Russell, chair of the Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy, is a leader in the farm-to-school initiative in the state legislature.

This year’s state budget includes funding for a pilot program in the North Country that will provide local school districts with funding so they can provide fresh, local food grown and raised by New York State farmers and producers.

The pilot program will provide increased reimbursements for North Country schools that purchase food from New York farmers.

The budget allocates $300,000 to the Adirondack North Country Association to oversee the farm to school program specifically targeting schools in the North Country to help purchase food from regional farmers.

"ANCA has sent out letters to school districts in the St. Lawrence and Jefferson BOCES regions seeking schools that are interested in being on the ground floor of this effort," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"Our aim is to start small with a few school districts and have positive results so we can grow additional support for expanding funding for this valuable program in next year's budget," she added.

The assemblywoman’s farm-to-school pilot program is part of her larger “Drive for 25” initiative, which is also supported by the New York School Nutrition Association. That initiative would provide increased state funding of up to 25 cents more per lunch for schools that meet set goals for expanded usage of local food products.

That 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.

While some school districts across the state have been able to offer local food to their students, the reimbursement rate has not changed in 40 years, meaning cash-strapped districts, including many in the North Country, are not be able to more fully utilize regional farms as a source for their food supplies.

Assemblywoman Russell helps pass zombie property legislation

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has announced the passage of legislation she sponsored aimed at tackling the increasing number of abandoned and vacant residential properties has passed the Assembly this week.

“We have seen more and more foreclosed properties in the North Country in recent years due to the recession, and the challenges are numerous,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

“It's an issue that is on the minds of local elected officials from Watertown to Massena in the 116th Assembly District. They place financial strain on our local governments, reduce the quality of life and negatively impact the surrounding houses and pose potential health risks in our neighborhoods,” she noted.

The bill, known as the “New York State Abandoned Property Relief Act of 2016,” would improve early detection and maintenance of abandoned and vacant residential properties (A.6932-A).

The bill would also:

• Expand the existing duty of a mortgagee to maintain vacant residential real property to include “pre-foreclosure” vacant properties;
• Require periodic inspections to determine whether properties secured by a delinquent mortgage have actually been abandoned;
• Allow localities and the Attorney General to enforce the maintenance of property requirements; and
• Create a statewide registry for abandoned residential property under the supervision of the state Attorney General and a toll-free hotline for community residents to report the presence of such properties.

Massena Village Trustee Matthew J. LeBire, who has been working on the issue with code enforcement officials in his community for the past several months, said code officials had filed a report in 2015 indicating there were 159 vacant properties in Massena.

Those properties included 56 that had been foreclosed on and another 25 were being investigated as possibly being in the foreclosure process at the time the report was filed.

Meanwhile, the Development Authority of the North Country has hired a Buffalo-area consultant to review housing trends and to analyze the housing market in the city of Watertown.

Watertown Mayor Joseph Butler Jr., who requested the study, has expressed concerns about the number of vacant and foreclosed properties in the city of Watertown since first taking office in January.

RealtyTrac reports there are 233 properties in Watertown that are in some stage of foreclosure, ranging from bank owned to default. RealtyTrac also noted the number of properties in Watertown receiving a foreclosure notice last month was 125 percent higher than the same time last year.

That same website reported the number of properties in some stage of foreclosure in other North Country communities in April ranged from 91 in Massena and 42 in Ogdensburg to 22 in Potsdam, 15 in Canton, 14 in Clayton and 10 each in Alexandria Bay and Sackets Harbor.

St. Lawrence County Acting County Treasurer Renee Cole said it is difficult to gauge the number of vacant properties in the region.

She said St. Lawrence County currently has less than 280 properties that owe two or more years of back taxes, with 30 to 35 of those properties being in Massena.

Other zombie property measures passed by the state Assembly this week aimed at protecting homeowners’ rights, including clarifying provisions of law relating to mandatory settlement conferences in residential foreclosure actions (A.1298) and extending the right to challenge the legality of a foreclosure proceeding, allowing that it be exercised at any point during the process (A.247).

Assemblywoman Russell: Assembly bill will assist military spouses with professional licenses

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says legislation that passed the New York State Assembly this week is good news for spouses of members of the military assigned to Fort Drum.

Assemblywoman Russell co-sponsored a bill (A4394a) that provides for expedited licensing for military spouses with out of state professional licenses in equivalent occupations.

"This is clearly very good news for the men and women at Fort Drum and their families. It is also very good news for North Country employers who often have difficulty filling vacant positions in fields that are licensed by the state's Education Department," she said.

Assemblywoman Russell said the assembly had passed similar legislation in 2014 to assist the members of households of members of the military whose licenses are regulated by the Department of State in areas including real estate sales.

"The legislation we passed this week will impact spouses in 50 professions ranging from medical professionals to architects and accountants and from social workers to veterinary technicians," Assembywoman Russell said.

"The families of the men and women who volunteer to join our military should not be penalized by their spouses' commitment to protect and defend our country. This legislation is aimed at ensuring the members of the military and their spouses are not penalized when they are transferred to a new base," she noted.

"We know those delays and the expense of relicensure cause many military spouses to not practice in their professions. That can impact the economic stability of those families and it also deprives our communities of access to employees with the training and skills to be valuable members of our workforce," Assemblywoman Russell added.

The legislation would allow an applicant whose license is in good standing in another state to be granted a temporary practice permit for six months with an opportunity for a six-month extension while they wait for their New York State license to be granted. The spouses of active members of the military would also be charged half of the normal fee for those licenses.

The Department of Defense has engaged in a collaborative effort with 27 states, including New York, to collect best practices to reduce the time required for a military spouse to transfer a current license when entering a new state.

The legislation is awaiting action by the state Senate before it can become law.

Assemblywoman Russell: Assembly passes measure to extend the military service retirement credit to all veterans

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said she once again supported legislation last week that would extend eligibility for additional credits in the state retirement system to all veterans.

The bill (A.9531) was sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. The legislation would remove the existing date of service limitations and expand eligibility for the veteran’s service credit to otherwise eligible veterans regardless of when they completed their military service.

Under current law, only those veterans who have served in specific military conflicts or during limited time frames are eligible to receive up to an additional three years of service credit in the pension system.

Other provisions of the current limitations have effectively excluded a significant number of female veterans from eligibility. As a result, there was a varied and inconsistent application of the benefit.

"I will keep fighting to get this bill signed into law. I have supported this legislation for three years, and I am keeping it on the front burner," Assemblywoman Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell noted the 116th Assembly District serves as home to Fort Drum, and there are a large number of veterans living in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties.

"We all benefit when these well trained men and women join the state workforce after they leave military service. When they join the armed forces, these men and women are accepting the call to duty to defend this nation in times of conflict," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

"All veterans deserve the benefits that are included in the legislation the state Assembly recently approved. I am hopeful the state Senate will once again pass this legislation and that Gov. (Andrew M.) Cuomo will sign the bill into law," she added.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has also expressed his support for the bill.

"We owe so much to our veterans for the sacrifices they have made in the service of our country and our state," Speaker Heastie said.

"This bill is a testament of our gratitude to these honorable men and women who complete their military duties and return home to continue their leadership in our communities and in our public workforce," he noted.

Assemblywoman Russell: North Country residents deserve meaningful ethics reforms by end of session

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says state lawmakers returning to Albany this week need to find common ground and pass meaningful ethics reforms.

"North Country residents expect and demand more from their elected officials. I pledge to continue to fight for meaningful ethics reforms to ensure there is long-lasting punishment for elected officials that violate the public trust so they aren't rewarded by being allowed to keep their pensions after being convicted of crimes that violate the public trust. I will also continue to work to close loopholes that allow lawmakers to profit from work that raises legitimate concerns about influence peddling," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She said she understands both parties in each legislative house have their own ethics reforms packages, but Assemblywoman Russell says with just 12 days left on the session calendar it is time to move forward with common sense reforms that need to be enacted to help regain the public's trust in its elected officials.

"There may be some issues we can't resolve by the end of this session, but it is equally clear there is much we can and must do. Unfortunately we are continuing to work under a black cloud in Albany," she said.

"We should not leave Albany next month without addressing the need to take pensions away from elected officials and political appointees convicted of violating the public trust," Assemblywoman Russell stressed.

The former speaker of the state Assembly and the former majority leader of the state Senate were both sentenced to prison in recent weeks after being convicted of corruption charges.

Assemblywoman Russell said she understands the anger of North Country residents seeing scandal after scandal unfold in Albany.

She acknowledged she had issued a vigorous defense of the former Assembly speaker following his arrest.

"I feel personally betrayed by what has gone on. Eighteen months ago, I initially strongly defended the then speaker of the state Assembly. We don't expect that kind of behavior in the North Country so it kind of catches us by surprise. Our word is our bond, and we give others the benefit of the doubt. But when we are crossed we don't forget and take it personally," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"It is clear from the details that have emerged as the speaker's case moved through the court system that support was neither warranted or deserved," she said.

"I plan to use this experience, where my own faith in our leadership was betrayed, in my fight for ethics reforms in state government," she said.

Assemblywoman Russell said the convictions of the two former legislative leaders is also simply further proof of the need to pass legislation that would close an LLC loophole in state election law that sets the stage for possible illegal acts.

"The current regulations allow LLCs to make multiple contributions to the same candidate or committee even though those LLCs may be under the control of the same individual. There is clearly a need for more transparency so that an individual in control of multiple LLCs would have to follow the same rules as corporations. It is another matter of fairness and good government to help ensure the voice of middle-income working class and the working poor don't have their interests drowned out by the interests of big money," she said.

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.

She also reiterated her support for legislation that would limit outside income earned by state lawmakers, using a formula similar to what is used by congressional representatives.

"I was an early supporter of banning outside income. I have chosen not to earn an outside income while I am serving in the state legislature," Assemblywoman Russell said, noting she was a practicing attorney prior to being elected to the New York State Assembly.

Assemblywoman Russell helps pass legislation to strengthen child care in New York

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, announced she helped pass a series of bills that help put working families first by expanding access to affordable, safe child care and improving the state’s child care system.

“In light of the growing child care crisis in New York, this legislation is critically important,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Many parents with children are struggling to make ends meet, and every New Yorker deserves access to quality child care.”

Assemblywoman Russell co-sponsored a bill that ensures child care needs are taken into account when evaluating an unemployment insurance claimant’s efforts to find work (A.4780).

The assemblywoman said the bill would require child care responsibilities be taken into consideration when determining if claimants are meeting the requirements to make a sustained and systematic approach to find new employment.

"People who are on unemployment should not have to fear losing their unemployment benefits because they can't afford child care anymore and need to find work while taking care of their children," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She also co-sponsored legislation allowing child care providers to post their participation in taining programs and credentials on the state Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) website (A.1864).

The legislative package also includes a measure requiring local social services districts to provide a child care subsidy for parents who work late or overnight shifts and meet income requirements (A.775-B).

This ensures that parents are not forced to choose between providing child care and getting necessary sleep, according to Assemblywoman Russell. 

"You should be able to receive child care assistance even if you have to work the night shift," she said.

In addition, the Assembly passed a bill to ensure workers who leave a job because of child care obligations and make reasonable efforts to find alternative care are not denied unemployment benefits (A.7004).

"There are times when parents lose their child care provider and are forced to leave their jobs to care for their children. There should be flexibility in the law so parents unable to find another child care provider are eligible for unemployment benefits until they are able to find an alternative option. I know the search for child care can be challenging in rural areas like the North Country," she said.

"I know many families with young children in the North Country are living paycheck to paycheck. Those families shouldn't be forced to choose between making sure their children have appropriate care and living in poverty," Assemblywoman Russell said,

“Many parents find the cost of child care is higher than the income they can make in the workforce. For them, affordable child care is as an absolute necessity,” she added. “I will continue to fight for New York’s working families to ensure everyone has the opportunity to achieve economic success.”

Assemblywoman Russell seeking $125,000 for Crosby Public Library renovation, expansion

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, had good news for supporters of the Crosby Public Library in Antwerp at this week's groundbreaking for a renovation and expansion project at the facility.

She said she has arranged for library officials to apply for $125,000 in capital project funding to help meet the costs of the $425,000 project.

"A lot of volunteers have come together to make this happen. They will still need a local capital campaign to raise the funds necessary to meet all the costs of this project," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

The plan calls for electrical upgrades, improvements to the heating and ventilation system, parking lot improvements and an addition.

Barbara J. LaMont, president of the Crosby Public Library Board of Directors, said the project will provide space for more children's programming and additional computer training. A conference room will offer space for meetings, training and music events.

She said a sloped approach to the vestibule at the entrance to the library off Hoyt Street will make the building handicap accessible and two new restrooms will be accessible for all library users.

She said the work will also focus on energy saving improvements, ranging from new windows as well as updates to inadequate light fixtures. "It gets pretty dark in here in the winter," Ms. LaMont said.

She said work on the project has been underway for over two years. Ms. LaMont noted she was thrilled to discover Assemblywoman Russell was working to secure the $125,000 in funding.

"That was pretty awesome. It's nerve wracking to try and work to raise funds when normally we are offering services that are free of charge," she pointed out.

The Crosby Public Library had previously received a $93,000 library grant, and library officials are applying for a second grant for the final phase of the project.

"Each one of you here today has had a special role in getting this library to today's ceremony. We are all part of a small, strong community who work hard for what we believe in," Ms. LaMont said.

The Crosby Public Library was opened in July 1919.

"The impact this project will have on the community if Antwerp is immeasurable. This library will continue to be a valuable community resource, providing opportunity and growing young minds," she added.

Antwerp Primary School Principal Elizabeth Culbertson was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony with several students from her school.

She said it is important for the children to see the support for the library in the community.

"We're part of the community. We are trying to instill a love of reading, support a quest for knowledge and show being a lifelong learner is important," Ms. Culbertson said.

Assemblywoman Russell said the community's support for its library sends the right message to the next generation of community leaders.

"Our young people should feel extremely proud to live in a community that is investing in its library. It shows the community cares about its children and their future," she noted.

IN THE PHOTOS:

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Patrick Currier of Aubertine and Currier, Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors, PLLC; Barbara J. LaMont, president of the Crosby Public Library Board of Directors; Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa; and Bonnie Fikes, representing State Senator Patty Ritchie, (l-r);  prepare for the ground breaking of the renovation and expansion project at the Antwerp library.

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Assemblywoman Russell gets assistance from Antwerp Primary School students ready to help shovel a little dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation and expansion of the Crosby Public Library in Antwerp.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell announced she had secured $125,000 in funding for the renovation and expansion project at the Crosby Public Library in Antwerp.

Barbara J. LaMont, president of the Crosby Public Library Board of Trustees, speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the library's renovation and expansion project.

Efforts are underway to raise $40,000 to complete a renovation and expansion project at the Crosby Public Library. Photos show the blueprint for the expansion, a conceptual drawing of the building with the addition and a different view of the current library.

Several students from Antwerp Primary School were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation and expansion project at the Crosby Public Library.

Assemblywoman Russell introduces legislation aimed at saving lives of OD victims, improving data detailing heroin, opioid abuse

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has introduced legislation that would require members of the New York State Police and sheriff and city police departments to be trained in the use of a medication that reverses an opioid overdose.

The officers would also be required to carry the medication in their patrol vehicles.

"Police officers are often the first emergency responders arriving at the scene of an overdose call, and it simply makes good sense to have state troopers, sheriff's deputies and city patrol officers trained in the use of naloxone so they can carry the medication and administer it in situations that literally can mean the difference between life and death," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She also pointed out recruits are already being trained in the use of naloxone at some police training programs, including the David Sullivan - St. Lawrence County Law Enforcement Academy at SUNY Canton.

"Police also have the training to appropriately address the agitation and combativeness that often occurs when naloxone is administered. That is even more important in rural areas when many of our first responders are volunteers serving on their local rescue squads," she noted.

The bill does include a provision that would allow county legislatures and city councils to pass legislation to opt out of requiring their officers to carry naloxone.

Assemblywoman Russell has also introduced a bill (A10062) aimed at improving tracking deaths from heroin and opioid abuse in New York State.

The New York State Department of Health is required to provide data on heroin and opioid abuse to the governor and members of the state legislature.

"To the credit of the Department of Health, they have chosen by regulation to make that information available to the public. But this legislation would take it to the next level, and I am convinced additional information can only help communities and agencies working to combat heroin and opioid abuse in the North Country and around the state," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She said data available on the state's heroin and opioid epidemic currently varies from county to county.


"It is just common sense for the Department of Health to share the data it already collects from local and county governments with the public so a true picture of the epidemic is public knowledge," she suggested.

The Department of Health, for example, currently lists an average of deaths from heroin and opioid addictions over a period of a few years.

The bill introduced by Assemblywoman Russell would require the data to include the actual number of deaths year by year and county by county over a five-year period. It would also include information on pre-hospital services and emergency room visits related to heroin and opiod abuse.

"I think those numbers are very important for our elected representatives, public health officials, non-profit agencies and concerned community members seek solutions to a crisis that is damaging the lives of far too many North Country families," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"It is critical for those involved in this fight to have comprehensive data so they can examine trends and have data to support whether strategies they have taken are having an impact," she added.

Assemblywoman Russell helps pass bills to improve quality of life of New Yorkers with disabilities

In recognition of Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, announced the passage of legislation aimed at enhancing and protecting the rights of New Yorkers with disabilities.

“The obstacles faced by people with disabilities are complex and it is important that we do everything we can to level the playing field,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This legislative package seeks to address these unique challenges people with disabilities face every day.”

Veterans with disabilities would see improved services with a piece of legislation establishing the New York State Interagency Coordinating Council for Serviced-Disabled Veterans (A.4789-A). This council would identify the needs of service-disabled veterans and help them access appropriate state resources.

“Service-disabled veterans who bravely served our country should be able to access the programs aimed at improving their lives without additional headaches in identifying what they qualify for and this council seeks to provide solutions,” Assemblywoman Russell said. 

“As the chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Women Veterans and a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will continue to fight to make sure our veterans have access to the services and support they deserve,” she noted.

The Assembly also passed measures to assist all New Yorkers with disabilities in times of emergency. Under legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell, owners of high-rise buildings would be required to establish emergency evacuation plans for disabled occupants and visitors, with a fine to be imposed for those who do not comply (A.2200).

Another bill requires counties that have local emergency plans to maintain a confidential, voluntary registry of residents with disabilities who may require assistance during a disaster.

“People with disabilities are most vulnerable in emergency situations,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Life-threatening situations can be prevented when proper safeguards are in place, and these measures seek to increase the amount of information emergency personnel have in order to be better equipped to handle these difficult situations and prevent tragedy from occurring."

In addition to these bills, the Assembly’s package also included measures aimed at fghting discrimination, providing sign-language interpreters at public hearings, enhancing voting rights and improving housing and community living options, Assemblywoman Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell: Training session will offer physicians tools to combat opioid epidemic in the North Country

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has announced a training course is being held June 11 at Bonnie Castle Resort for physicians so they can be certified to prescribe buprenorphine, an office-based treatment for opioid use disorders.

Assemblywoman Russell said as she has been discussing heroin and opiod addiction issues with recovery and treatment providers she repeatedly was told there continues to be a lack of providers available for addicts in treatment.

There are just three physicians in Jefferson County that currently are certified to prescribe the medication, and two of the doctors, including one working for the CREDO treatment program, can only prescribe to patients in their programs.

Buprenorphine is a medication-based treatment used to help people quit or reduce their use of heroin or other opioids. When used in its prescribed dosages, Buprenorphine can assist patients in coping with the physically challenging side effects related to withdrawal from an opioid addiction.

Physicians who complete the eight-hour course, which includes 3.75 hours of online training, and focuses on substance abuse treatment, opioids and the use of Buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid use disorders. Physicians will receive eight continuing medical education credits. Physicians must take the course and pass an examination in order to be granted the waiver to prescribe Buprenorphine.

Assemblywoman Russell said she has heard too many stories of people traveling as far as the outskirts of New York City to get their buprenorphine prescriptions filled.

"I found this training for certification was very difficult to come by so working with our partners in the health care and recovery community we developed a plan to bring this training to the North Country," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"It is a recognition that the few physicians currently certified to prescribe the medication is clearly not enough to appropriately address the need in our communities," she added.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine, Chevy Chase, Md., will provide the training, and Dr. Edwin Salsitz, DFASAM, based in New York City, will teach the course. The training session will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 11 at Bonnie Castle Resort, Alexandria Bay.

Assemblywoman Russell said she is sponsoring the course in conjunction with the Alliance for Better Communities, Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization, the North Country Initiative and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

She said she is hopeful a number of local physicians will take advantage of the training. The training is not limited to physicians from the North Country. It is also being offered for physicians from throughout New York and surrounding states.

"There is no way to put a dent in the heroin epidemic in the North Country without having an appropriate number of physicians in the area able to prescribe a medication that has proven to be successful in the recovery process," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She suggested it would also be beneficial to have enough treatment providers in the region so patients in recovery from opioid addiction could have their care decentralized in the North Country.

Anita K. Seefried-Brown, project director for Alliance for Better Communities, Watertown, said she is optimistic the certification course will be well attended.

"We certainly hope there is sufficient interest in the medical community to meet the needs of individuals who are opioid addicted," she said.

"This training is of utmost importance in light of the incredible opioid epidemic sweeping across the region. This event will provide the training necessary for physicians to feel comfortable prescribing Buprenorphine. It gives opioid users in the early stages of recovery an opportunity to stay drug-free and alive. It is absolutely desperately needed to keep people alive," Ms. Seefried-Brown stressed.

The link for registrants to begin the online modules is http://www.cvent.com/Surveys/Welcome.aspx?s=cae80c56-ed2e-43dd-9585-d5969cf42bdd

Assemblywoman Russell: Boys and Girls Club of Massena should have quarter of million dollars in funding from state shortly

Massena Mayor Timmy J. Currier, who also serves as president of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena's Board of Directors, said he still remembers the conversation a couple of years ago when Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, first mentioned the amount of funding she had secured for the agency.

He said Assemblywoman Russell had indicated she wanted to support the project, and a meeting took place in former Massena Mayor Ken MacDonnell's kitchen. Mr. MacDonnell is an active volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club of Massena. Assemblywoman Russell told the group at that time she had started the process to bring a quarter of a million dollars to the project.

Mr. Currier said he had a number in mind when he walked into that meeting with Assemblywoman Russell, but he hinted his number was well below $250,000.

"When she said what she had secured, I nearly fell out of my chair," he recalled.

A large crowd - ranging from community leaders to students that are already members of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena - gathered Friday at the future site of the club to hear Assemblywoman Russell say the lengthy funding process is nearly completed.

"The $250,000 is well on its way to coming physically into the (Boys and Girls Club of Massena) bank account," Assemblywoman Russell.

The funds will be used toward completing the payment for the Bayley Road building and property to the Diocese of Ogdensburg and and for making the necessary renovations to turn the one-time St. Joseph's School and later St. Joseph's Social Hall into a boys and girls club with space for athletic and arts and craft activities as well as space for social and educational pursuits.

Assemblywoman Russell said she knew it was critical to provide more than just a little seed money to a project she suggested was strongly needed in Massena.

"The changes in Massena since I was first elected have been dramatic. It was not a very hard decision to make to support the Boys and Girls Club here in Massena. The central role for someone in my position is to do everything I can to help support our communities so they can grow and prosper," she noted.

"I knew it would have to be a dramatic type of support. There was no question in my mind I wasn't going to come with a small number that would help buy a couple of tables and chairs," she said.

"It's important we do this right. It's completely deserved by this community. This community deserves a state of the art facility; it is what our children deserve. It is the big investment we can make for our future and for the future for Massena," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

"I think being able to come to the table with $250,000 I hope it gave this community shot in the arm and shows the priority you are to me and my heart and the entire region," she pointed out.

Assemblywoman Russell said after she had informed Boys and Girls Club of Massena officials in the summer of 2014 she had would be seeking $250,000 through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York's Community Capital Assistance Program for the project she saw their plans for the facility take another step forward. She said she was pleased to see organizers looking at big and bold ideas for the club.

"I think that is the most important message we are sending to our kids. We are going to do it right. We are going to reach for the stars. We are going to go big because we are worth it," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"And if at the beginning of something you plan appropriately and take time to do it right that is what matters. It shows that we have enough faith and pride in ourselves that we are going to do it right," she added.

Assemblywoman Russell said a community partnership is allowing the club to get off the ground, pointing to the support of the school system, the business community, the faith community and countless volunteers.

But she singled out Mr. Currier, who served as the village's police chief before being elected mayor, for special praise for his role in the effort.

"He has been in a particularly important position to see the effects of poverty, the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, the effects of parents having to work more than one job and work difficult shifts. He has seen what is necessary to raise up a community, to raise our next generation," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"He has been on the tip of the sword for so long. He is looking out for the success of our kids, the safety of our community and for our prosperity. There is no one I would rather partner with to support a community than your mayor, Tim Currier," she added.

Mr. Currier said the process that eventually led to the creation of the Boys and Girls Club came from a journey that started in 2010-11 when community leaders started looking at programs in light of an increase in juvenile issues and a desire to find proven crime fighting strategies.

He said the group looked at several programs but kept coming back to the Boys and Girls Clubs, which already have a presence in Ogdensburg and Akwesasne.

He said the club's focus on character building, leadership skills and support for education are critical to the success of the community's youth as are the opportunities to take advantage of athletic programs, arts programs and other community offerings that will be available at the club.

He pointed out the club is designed to offer a safe, positive place to grow in an increasingly complec world.

The not for profit was formed in 2013, and the deal to purchase the former St. Joseph's School was reached in December of that year. The Boys and Girls Club has operated a program, thanks to funding from the Alcoa Foundation, out of two Massena Central elementary schools for the past two years as they worked to get the financing in place to finalize the deal for Bayley Road facility.

"We love the location. It is easily accessible for some of the people who need it the most," Mr. Currier said.

He said the club also benefits from a strong relationship with the school district, and Massena Central School Superintendent Patrick H. Brady noted it is two-way street. The club has been operating out of Massena Central schools on a temporary basis for the past two years.

"The research is clear. Students are more successful when they are in places where they are engaged socially and academically. This is the next generation that will lead Massena," he said, gesturing to the club members that were in attendance at the event.

Debra A. Donatto, chief professional officer for the club, said the Boys and Girls Club of Massena is already serving 324 students at its satellite locations, essentially from just three grade levels. The club has also raised nearly $700,000 through its capital campaign.

Rev. Mark Reilly, the priest at St. Joseph's and St. Mary's Parish in Massena, said long-time parishioners at St. Joseph's will be thrilled to see students back in the building.

He noted the school was dedicated in April 1959 and served students for nearly 25 years. Father Reilly said the school's highest enrollment was 247 students in 1967, but declining numbers eventually led the school to shutter its doors and merge with the other two parishes in Massena to form Trinity Catholic School.

Father Reilly said Friday's announcement was a remedy for older members of his parish who had witnessed the closing of the school and then its successor, St. Joseph's Social Hall, and were saddened by seeing the structure sit dormant.

"If walls could talk, I bet the walls would be shouting and singing it is about time to get kids back in here," he said.

Assemblywoman Russell said she expects painting and renovation work at the building will begin shortly.

"Hopefully the next time I am in this building it is full of kids laughing and playing and having a great time," she said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

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Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, puts paint held by Tim Lashomb on a roller so members of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena could help turn the white doors on the former St. Joseph's Social Hall blue, the color of Boys and Girls Clubs across the country. Father Mark Reilly of St. Joseph's and St. Mary's Parish in Massena, keeps an eye on the progress.

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Timmy J. Currier, president of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena's Board of Directors, talks about the impact a $250,000 funding commitment secured by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell had on moving the project forward. Also shown, seated (l-r), are Assemblywoman Russell, Massena Central School Superintendent Patrick H. Brady and Father Mark Reilly.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and Massena Mayor Timmy J. Currier visit outside the future Bayley Road home of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena.

Father Mark Reilly, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and Massena Mayor Timmy J. Currier put the first touches of blue paint on the doors at the future home of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena. They were joined in the painting project a short time later by club members.

Members of the Boys and Girl Club of Massena stand with club officials Tim Lashomb and Timmy J. Currier stand next to a sign that reads "Fun Will Happen Here." The sign was bolted over a sign on the building that had been banned skateboarding and horseplay from the parking lot area.

Assemblywoman Russell addresses nurses rallying in Albany for safe staffing levels

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, addresses a crowd of nurses from around the state that rallied on Tuesday in Albany to demand safe staffing levels to ensure patient safety at health care facilities. The AFL-CIO reported more than 1,000 people took part in a march for safe staffing levels organized by the New York State Nurses Association. They were joining by striking members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Communication Workers of America.

Assemblywoman Russell meets with state corrections officers

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, met with members of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) on Tuesday in Albany. She spoke with corrections officers from the North Country about the need to ensure staff are retained and new members are given the benefits they deserve. She is the sponsor of a bill, A.7801c, which would modify the in-service death benefit for state correction officers covered by tiers 2 through 6 of the state retirement system The bill would ensure the in-service death benefit will be the value of the pension reserve as if the member had retired on their date of death. The current law penalizes the families of correction officers working past their retirement date who die on the job.

Sen. Valesky joins Assemblywoman Russell to Introduce Bill to Help Schools Buy New York State Farm Products

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, and State Senator David J. Valesky, D-Oneida, are sponsoring legislation that would bring more locally produced food into school cafeterias.

The bill (A9379/S7525) would significantly increase reimbursements for school lunches when local food is used in their preparation.

“I am continuing to aggressively push the Farm to School legislation in the state Assembly and am looking forward to working with Senator Valesky in an effort to move this important program forward. We know this legislation will benefit our local farmers and producers by expanding their markets and will benefit our children by bringing healthy, locally produced foods into their school cafeterias,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

“This legislation builds on the farm to table movement by incentivizing school districts to purchase New York State farm products,” Sen. Valesky said. “I support every opportunity to incorporate our state’s high quality agricultural commodities into school lunches.”

The farm-to-school initiative, known as the “Drive to 25,” would modify the state’s reimbursement formula for school lunches, increasing reimbursement rates by 5 to 25 cents per 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 Russell, who chairs the state Assembly Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy.

Assemblywoman Russell noted this year’s state budget includes a $300,000 Farm to School pilot program that will provide North Country school districts with funding so they can provide fresh, local food grown and raised by New York State farmers. The Adirondack North Country Association will oversee the program.

“This pilot program will provide immediate assistance to North Country schools while simultaneously demonstrating the merits of a statewide program,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

“I am pleased to work with Assemblywoman Russell to advance a program that will provide healthy school lunches to our children and support Central New York’s agricultural industry,” Sen. Valesky said.

Assemblywoman Russell: Environmental protection legislation is an investment in our future

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has announced the Assembly has passed a legislative package to protect New Yorkers and their families from toxic chemicals and to preserve the environment for future generations.

“This legislation shows our commitment to the preservation and protection of our natural resources, as well as to ensuring the health and safety of our families,” Assemblywoman Russell said.

“This issue is especially important for the North Country, where our unique environmental features drive tourism and are a key part of our local economies,” she added.

Assemblywoman Russell pointed out the impact of toxic chemicals has been seen in her assembly district. She noted hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent and work is continuing to address industrial pollutants at the Alcoa and former General Motors plants in Massena.

Polychlorinated biphenyls that were used in hydraulic fluids at the plants in the 1960s and 1970s were later found to have serious health impacts. The chemicals had been used as fire retardants.

The pollutants were found in the St. Lawrence, Grasse and Raquette Rivers, and led to the state issuing consumption advisories due to the level of PCBs found in fish.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation and federal Environmental Protection Agency also found the pollutants in wetlands and the river banks near the two plants along with contaminated groundwater. The former GM plant site borders Akwesasne.

The EPA has also identified a number of other Superfund sites in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties over the past three decades ranging from the Sealand Restoration site in Lisbon and a several acres at Fort Drum to the Abe Cooper Surplus Co. site on Factory Street, Watertown, and a site on the New York Air Brake property on Starbuck Avenue, Watertown. Restoration work at most of the Superfund sites in the two-county region has been completed.

"The residents of the North Country have seen first hand the impact toxic chemicals can have on our environment and the health of residents exposed to those chemicals over a long period of time. It is clear the legislation passed by the state Assembly this week is necessary to prevent these types of environmental catastrophes in the future," Assemblywoman Russell said.

Increased transparency

Historically, low-income communities and areas with existing environmental hazards are disproportionately affected by the siting of new projects that have potentially adverse environmental impacts. This often exacerbates existing hazards within communities and puts residents at undue risk, Assemblywoman Russell noted.

To combat this, the Assembly passed a bill requiring the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to publish a list of “high local environmental impact zones” and consider various factors that contribute to a locality’s environmental health (A.3382).

The Assembly also passed legislation that creates an Environmental Justice Advisory Group and Environmental Justice Interagency Coordinating Council to craft statewide environmental justice policy (A.3063).

“By providing greater transparency in the selection of project sites and the assessment of environmental risk in communities across the state, we can do a better job of protecting the health of our neighbors,” said Assemblywoman Russell.

Improved health standards

To ensure consumer safety, especially with regard to products designed for children, the Assembly passed legislation to restrict the use of toxic chemicals in children’s products and authorize the DEC to participate in the interstate chemicals clearinghouse (A.5612-A).

An additional bill creates stricter standards for light bulbs containing mercury (A.5844-A).

Research has shown that exposure to high levels of mercury is linked to severe health problems, particularly for infants and young children.

“Families should not have to worry that a children’s toy or any other household item poses a serious health risk,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “By limiting the use of dangerous and toxic chemicals in consumer products we can help keep children healthy and give New Yorkers greater peace of mind.”

Protecting wildlife

The Assembly’s legislative package also includes a moratorium on the DEC’s proposed plan to eradicate most of the mute swans in the state (A.9289).

The DEC had announced in 2013 it intended to completely eradicate mute swans by 2025. The majority of the estimated 2,200 mute swans in New York state are located on Long Island and in the Lower Hudson Valley, but the DEC has reported there are approximately 200 swans on Lake Ontario.

The DEC has suggested the swans damage local ecosystems by eating large amounts of vegetation and aggressively occupying large portions of wetlands during breeding season, but public input and further research are needed before resorting to extreme measures, Assemblywoman Russell said.

The agency's initial plan released in December 2013 had called for eliminating all mute swans in the state. A revised plan in March 2014 said the swans would be allowed to live in controlled settings, such as urban parks, without allowing breeding or escape, but called for all mute swans on Lake Ontario to be eliminated.

The birds first appeared on Lake Ontario around 1980. The DEC's initial policy came under fire after a DEC crew shot a mute swan in June 2014 on Black River Bay in Sackets Harbor.