Assemblywoman Jenne gets peek at BOCES program located on SUNY Potsdam campus

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne recently visited the SUNY Potsdam campus to learn more about the college's education program from students, faculty members and administrators.

She toured some of the ancillary programs offered on campus during her visit, including a brief stop in the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Education and Human Development program classroom located at Flagg Hall on the SUNY Potsdam campus.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she was pleased to see St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES and SUNY Potsdam working in partnership to address the looming teacher shortage in the region.

"This collaboration on the Education Careers Academy for high school seniors is a critical first step in addressing the teacher shortage in the North Country. We need to make a concerted effort to convince our best and brightest high school students that there are currently tremendous opportunities available in the education field," she said.

"The BOCES class planned to begin next year will provide high school students interested in becoming teachers or entering the education field with a great opportunity to get a head start on their peers," according to Assemblywoman Jenne.

The program exposes the high school students to potential career pathways in the education, early childhood and human services fields.

The two-year Education and Human Services program includes instruction in human development from life to death, nutrition, recreation, planning and supervision of play and learning activities, child abuse and neglect prevention, parent-child relationships and applicable legal and administrative requirements. Throughout the program, students gain practical hands-on experience working with children.

Students operate a laboratory school under the direction of the Education and Human Services program teacher. The on-site laboratory school gives students practical experience working with children from two- to five-years-old before they enter their off-site work-based learning experience. Work-based sites range from Head Start through elementary school classrooms.

Students receive a minimum of 250 hours spent in areas ranging from working with young children in the classroom to hands on experience in the field of their choice. Ms. Taylor said she currently has students interning with speech pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and in elementary and middle school classrooms. She also has students interning at nursing homes, child care centers and independent living centers.

SUNY Potsdam and St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES officials told Assemblywoman Jenne steps are now being taken to offer a program for students interested in entering the education program.

"In just a short time frame, I have built wonderful relationships with the faculty and staff at SUNY Potsdam. We are currently in the process of developing a new program, an Education Careers Academy, that will be offered as a full-day program to high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in the education field, which includes many more careers other than teaching," St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES instructor Sonya Taylor said.

Students in the Education Careers Academy will graduate with college credits. Students will also be certified in BLS (Basic Life Skills), which includes CPR, AED, Choking and Basic First Aid.

St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES officials are also hopeful they will also be able to offer students an opportunity to complete all requirements to be a certified teacher's assistant.

"We are continuing to explore opportunities for my students to collaboratively work together with SUNY Potsdam students currently in the college's education program," Ms. Taylor said.

Assemblywoman Jenne also learned about the literacy program for elementary school students located in the Sheard Literacy Center at SUNY Potsdam.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (right) visits with St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Supervisor of Instruction Rachelle Romoda (left) and teacher Sonya Taylor (center) during a visit to the BOCES education and human services classroom located on the SUNY Potsdam campus.

BOTTOM PHOTO:

St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES instructor Sonya Taylor (left) discusses her program with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne.

Assemblywoman Jenne talks teacher shortage issues with SUNY Potsdam education majors, faculty and staff

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne said concerns about the looming teacher shortage in the region and state prompted her recent stop at SUNY Potsdam to learn more about the college's education program from students, faculty and staff members.

"The significant decrease in the number of students majoring in education at SUNY Potsdam is posing challenges for teacher recruitment efforts at local schools and the loss of those future teacher candidates has posed challenges for SUNY Potsdam due to the drop in its enrollment numbers," the assemblywoman said.

There were 216 undergraduate education majors (childhood/early childhood and secondary) during the fall 2016 semester compared to 729 undergraduate education majors in 2010.

The number of graduate education majors this past fall, 113, is approximately half of the 225 graduate education majors that were enrolled in the graduate education program just six years ago.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the drop in new teacher candidates is a reflection of job losses and a difficult job market in recent years as well as a political environment that has often portrayed educators in a negative light.

The teacher shortage is not an issue limited to the North Country. The Teach NY Advisory Council's report released in May 2016 revealed the onset of the Great Recession in 2009 significantly reduced the demand for elementary and secondary teachers.

School districts in the North Country eliminated hundreds of teaching positions by laying off teachers and opting not to fill positions vacated through retirements.

The Teach NY report said approximately 300,000 teachers and other school employees lost their jobs over the past decade, and education majors faced one of the worst job markets in recent history when they earned their degrees. New York was one of the states that was hardest hit by those economic challenges

But schools around the North Country and the state have started restoring positions in the past couple of years, and SUNY Potsdam said simple demographics show the demand for teachers will be growing over the next few years.

SUNY Potsdam Secondary Education Department Chair Peter Brouwer said the average age of teachers in the state is 48. "That means there will be significant turnover in the teacher workforce in the next five years," he pointed out.

Dr. Brouwer said the institution of the Common Core also impacted interest in the education field and has created issues in efforts to recruit future teachers.

"Common Core, the way it was rolled out, made it very hard. But it is not as stressful now as it was. It has become institutionalized," he pointed out.

The college's Secondary Education chair said he is already seeing the demand for teachers.

"One of my biggest frustrations right now is we have already been contacted about a dozen openings for math teachers, and we are only going to have three math grads this year," he noted.

Nicole Conant, assistant director of School Partnerships and Teacher Certification, said the demand for teachers is running across the curriculum.

"The North Country Region is experiencing a high demand for secondary-level teachers due to turnover and retirements. SUNY Potsdam receives many inquiries from local districts to help fill positions with our high-quality candidates," she said.

The college currently has challenges meeting that demand. SUNY Potsdam currently has 63 undergraduate and graduate education majors student teaching - 43 childhood, eight secondary science, eight secondary social studies, three secondary English, two secondary foreign language and secondary math.

The teaching degrees from SUNY schools offer graduates flexibility with selecting employment locations, with approximately 10 percent of the college's education graduates leaving the state for employment.

Dr. Brouwer said in addition to the value of working with students there are also other positives to entering the field of education.

"Teaching is essentially a job for life with stable employment and good retirement benefits," he pointed out.

Several education majors from SUNY Potsdam - most from the North Country - shared their experiences from the education program and showed their passion for their chosen career field during the roundtable with Assemblywoman Jenne.

They ranged from lessons about the importance of diversity in the classroom that Brittany Severson of Freeport said she learned as she spent time in an elementary classroom in Massena to the opportunity Brittany Van Tassel has had to work one-on-one with students through the Adopt A Bear program at Potsdam Central.

Roger Maxam, an early childhood/childhood education major from Clinton, had high praise for SUNY Potsdam's education program.

"If you want to succeed in education, you can do it here. That's why I am going to come back here to get my master's degree," he said.

The roundtable discussion also featured discussions about the college's effort to attract students to stay and teach in the North Country, professional development opportunities available to students through the Teacher Education Student Association, work underway to increase the diversity of teacher candidates and some of the challenges facing students through edTPA and certification exam process.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she found the roundtable discussion to be a valuable learning experience.

"As a state level leader, I think it is important for me to get a first-hand look so I can learn about the impacts larger educational policies at the state and national level have had on the profession," she said.

"Teachers are one of the most important professions in our society. It's important for me to understand the serious challenges we are facing to get our best and brightest to enter the education field," according to the assemblywoman.

"This visit provided me with an opportunity to talk to students and educational professionals, including the interim dean, about the current state of affairs and strategies they are taking to strengthen the pipeline," she added.

"This isn't going to be an easy time. It's going to take a concentrated and targeted effort to really address the situation. I was delighted to see SUNY Potsdam is working in earnest to address the situation, not just for the North Country but for the profession on a much larger scale," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and SUNY Potsdam education major Brittany Severson discuss the value of adding diversity to the North Country teaching force. Ms. Severson said her initial experiences in an elementary classroom led to her decision to stay in the North Country for her student teaching assignment. Pictured are (l-r): SUNY Potsdam education major Katherine Ames, SUNY Potsdam School of Education and Professional Studies Interim Dean Robyn Hosley, Ms. Severson, Assemblywoman Jenne and SUNY Potsdam education major Brittany Van Tassel. (Jason Hunter/SUNY Potsdam Photo)

BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne recently spent time at SUNY Potsdam visiting with students, faculty and staff members to discuss the college's education program and the looming teacher shortage. Pictured are (l-r): SUNY Potsdam education major Katherine Ames, SUNY Potsdam School of Education and Professional Studies Interim Dean Robyn Hosley, SUNY Potsdam education major Brittany Van Tassel, Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification Director Amy Guiney, Secondary English Education instructor Joanne Stiles, education major William Murphy and SUNY Potsdam Director of Strategic Partnerships John Wicke. (Jason Hunter/SUNY Potsdam Photo)

Nicole Conant (l), assistant director of SUNY Potsdam's Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification, leads Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (center) on a tour of Mary E. English Commons that celebrates the history and traditions of SUNY Potsdam. Ms. Conant and Assemblywoman Jenne were joined on the tour by SUNY Potsdam Director of Strategic Alliances John Wicke. (Jason Hunter/SUNY Potsdam Photo)

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne recently visited SUNY Potsdam to talk with students, faculty and staff members about the college's education program and the looming teacher shortage. Pictured are, front row (l-r): SUNY Potsdam education major Katherine Ames, SUNY Potsdam School of Education and Professional Studies Interim Dean Robyn Hosley, SUNY Potsdam education major Brittany Van Tassel and Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification Director Amy Guiney. Back row: Teacher Education Advising Coordinator Lisa Stewart; education majors Marisa Madson, William Murphy, Roger Maxam and Brittany Severson; Secondary English Education instructor Joanne Stiles; SUNY Potsdam's Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification Assistant Director Nicole Conant and Secondary Education Department Chair Peter Brouwer. (Jason Hunter/SUNY Potsdam Photo)

Ogdensburg woman takes home $200 from cake dive at Assemblywoman Jenne's Special Day Expo

Lindsay Drummond, Jessica Moore and Amanda Taylor competed in the 2017 Special Day Expo. Ms. Taylor of Ogdensburg, foreground, took home the $200 prize from this year's event, which was held at the Ogdensburg Airport. Amanda received some assistance from Jon Persons, Jr. Assemblywoman Jenne kept a close eye on the search.

Special Day Expo at Ogdensburg Airport opens with nice crowd

Vendors have filled up the interior of the Ogdensburg Airport terminal for this year's Rediscovering Your Backyard: Special Day Expo hosted by Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Muni electric customers should be carved out of renewable energy assessment charge

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (D-Theresa) is calling on the state's Public Service Commission to exclude the state's municipal electric service providers from a zero emissions tax credit fee that will be passed on to customers under the state's clean energy standards.

The PSC approved the Clean Energy Standard in August 2016 requiring 50 percent of the state's electricity to come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar by 2030.

NYSERDA has noted the Clean Energy Standard will require all six New York investor-owned utilities and other energy suppliers to pay for the intrinsic value of carbon-free emissions from nuclear power plants by purchasing zero-emission credits.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the new charge will generate the resources necessary to help keep the nuclear power plants in upstate New York, including the James A. FitzPatrick plant in Central New York, operational.

The closure of the nuke plants would likely force energy suppliers in the state to purchase more power from fossil-fuel generation facilities. The loss of the power generated at the nuclear power plants would also likely cause a spike in the cost of electricity in the state due to the market forces of supply and demand.

But she suggested municipal electric systems in the state should be excluded from the new charge since they are already getting well over 50 percent of their power from renewable sources.

"Our municipal systems should not be penalized for being ahead of the curve and making a really smart decision to rely on renewable energy sources years ago," Assemblywoman Jenne told Public Service Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman during a recent joint budget hearing in Albany.

Assemblywoman Jenne represents three municipal electric systems - Massena, Philadelphia and Theresa - in the 116th Assembly District.

"The customers in those munis are not going to be able to realize the benefits of switching to more renewable energy sources because they are already doing it and have been for years," she said.

The Massena Electric Department, for example, would be adding a 6 percent on top of the state's 4 percent sales tax as a result of the zero-emissions credit fee requirement.

The department already receives 23.5 megawatts of its average 28 megawatt load in hydropower generated by the New York Power Authority. Many of the state's 34 municipal systems were on board more than five decades ago when a contract was signed with the power authority to purchase the hydropower at a rate that was higher than the market rate from other sources at the time.

"The customers in those communities long ago made the commitment and paid the price for using a renewable energy source. Those customers shouldn't be hit with a new fee when the record shows they are already well above the Clean Energy Standards that have been outlined by the governor," she said.

Assemblywoman Jenne also pointed out the additional fee would have an impact on efforts to market low-cost energy as an enticement to draw businesses into the North Country communities served by municipal systems.

Utilities and other energy suppliers will initially be required to phase in new renewable power resources starting with 26.31 percent of the state's total electricity load in 2017 and grow to 30.54 percent of the statewide total in 2021.

This will allow financially-struggling upstate nuclear power plants to remain in operation during New York’s transition to 50 percent renewables by 2030. A growing number of climate scientists have warned that if these nuclear plants were to abruptly close, carbon emissions in New York will increase by more than 31 million metric tons during the next two years, resulting in public health and other societal costs of at least $1.4 billion, according to NYSERDA.

NYSERDA, in a release issued last summer, estimated the Clean Energy Standard fee will cost the average residential customer less than $2 a month. The cost would likely be slightly higher for municipal customers in the North Country.

Assemblywoman Jenne: More than three dozen vendors lined up for Special Day Expo at Ogdensburg Airport

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (D-Theresa) says more than three dozen vendors will have booths at Sunday's Special Day Expo at the Ogdensburg Airport terminal.

"We're very happy with the lineup for Sunday's event. This year's event will feature vendors that have been with us for years as well as newcomers, and they offer a variety of services and options that are ideal for a variety of special events," she said.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she is also excited with this year's move from the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority's industrial park to the Ogdensburg International Airport.

"The new location provides a more intimate setting for our vendors, and it is a win-win situation. The OBPA will benefit from having new people get a first-hand look at the wonderful improvements that have been made at the airport in recent months, and the show is gaining exposure to the hundreds of travellers that use the facility each week," she noted.

The annual expo featuring bridal and special event planning services hosted by Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Ogdensburg International Airport, 5840 state Route 812.

This year’s event, “Rediscovering Your Backyard: Special Day Expo,” will again feature a fashion show at 2 p.m. followed by the popular cake dive for brides to be with $200 in cash up for grabs. There will also be multiple drawings throughout the day.

Proceeds will be split between the Ogdensburg Boys & Girls Club and the Zonta Club of Ogdensburg.

There will be free parking for expo attendees.

"The goal of our Special Day Expo has always been to provide an opportunity for residents to discover products and services that are available in their own backyards. “It’s a great opportunity to connect local businesses with residents in the area planning events,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"Moving the event back to February provides the lead time necessary for events planned for late this spring and this summer and fall," she pointed out.

In addition to vendors that can focus on wedding day plans, there will also be businesses and artisans that can help with plans for proms, graduation parties, class reunions, anniversary parties, baby showers and birthday parties. Gifts for these types of events will also be on sale.

"There really is a great mix of vendors at this year's show. We have everything from a horse and carriage service offering a special ride to weddings, proms and other events to a firm that offers portable potties for outdoor events," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"We have everything from photographers to photo booths, from shops that serve brides and grooms and prom goers to a Louisville company that provides tent rentals and from a disc jockey to event planners," she added.

"This year's show also features a number of small businesses, artisans and crafts people who produce high quality products and services,

Other co-sponsors of this year's event include 96.7 YES FM, Q Country 102.9, Super Hits PAC 98.7, Mix 96.1. 101.5 The Fox and 1340 WMSA. The cakes for the popular cake dive are being donated by Bonnie Persons.

For more information about this year's event, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/948760158593756/

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:
Jennifer Savage of Albany went home with the prize money after finding the winning token baked in her cake during the 2016 Special Day Expo cake dive. She was assisted in locating the token, a penny, by Patricia Tynon of Ogdensburg.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne keeps a close eye on a spirited 2016 cave dive competition at the Special Day Expo in Ogdensburg.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne visits with Chris Durand of 3 Bears Gluten Free Bakery at the 2016 Special Day Expo in Ogdensburg.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Assembly bill helps homeowners receive timely tax relief

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, is co-sponsoring legislation (A.5969) to reform the state’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program and revert back to the system that had been in place for a number of years.

"It is clear the move to have the program administered by the state Department of Taxation and Finance has not been effective, and the testimony at a recent joint budget hearing offered little hope many of the problems that have plagued the program in the past year are going to be fixed in year two or even down the road," she said.

The new Assembly Majority legislation reverses the changes made last year, including a return to the local administration and an upfront reduction in yearly school tax bills for all eligible homeowners.

The changes made to STAR last year included switching administration of the
program over to the state Department of Taxation and Finance instead of local assessors and altering how certain homeowners receive their tax relief.

Before last year, all eligible homeowners saw a yearly reduction in their school tax bill. Now, all new homeowners – those buying their first home and those who moved to a different home – have to pay their full school tax bill but receive a rebate check from the state.

Those checks were supposed to arrive in the fall before property owners paid their school taxes in September in the North Country, but the state was unable to meet that deadline.

"The new system has proven to be terribly inconvenient and the inability to get the rebate checks in the hands of property owners before their tax bills are due defeats the program's goal of easing the burden on the state's homeowners," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"I, like my colleagues, have heard stories about seniors being forced to borrow money from relatives to pay their school tax bills that were due before they received their rebate checks," she noted.

"I've also heard from property owners waiting months to get their rebate checks and then discovering they were for the wrong amount and from local residents being placed on hold for sometimes up to two or three hours when they phoned the call center seeking answers to questions about the STAR program,' Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The Assembly Majority legislation would reverse these changes and transitions the program back to the way it was, providing all homeowners with their deserved tax relief upfront as a reduction in their school tax bill, she said.

Administration of the program would be returned to the hands of local assessors, and the bill requires the state to help localities in notifying residents of these new changes so that all qualified homeowners receive the exemption.

“The changes made last year did little more than penalize our hard-working families and seniors that moved into new homes only to learn their tax burden would be much higher than they expected," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"They simply hindered many homeowners’ ability to receive tax relief in a timely and convenient manner. That’s why I’ve been fighting to ensure that we fix those issues so that families aren’t left waiting for a check to make ends meet,” she stressed.

Assemblywoman Jenne calls for more forest rangers as state continues land acquisition policy

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (D-Theresa) says the state's Department of Environmental Conservation needs to add forest rangers to reflect the growth of forest land the state has acquired in recent years.

Assemblywoman Jenne, speaking at the recent joint budget hearing on environmental conservation issues, reminded Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos that the number of forest rangers in the state has actually been reduced over the years during a significant increase in the amount of state-owned property.

She said additional forest rangers are needed as the state seeks to grow tourism in areas like the Adirondacks, St. Lawrence Valley and Thousand Islands.

"Requiring the addition of one new ranger per 30,000 acres of additional land that comes under the jurisdiction of the department would allow these lands to be protected and preserved in a manner that is consistent with DEC and public expectations," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"It is the purpose of this act to ensure that the forest rangers are granted the appropriate resources necessary to meet their expanded responsibilitiesand protect environmentally preserved land within the state's jurisdiction," she added.

Assemblywoman Jenne is sponsoring Safe Staffing for Environmental Police legislation (A-1459) that would require the state DEC to add one new full time equivalent forest ranger position for every 30,000 acres of land that is acquired by the state and placed under the jurisdiction of the department.

She suggested the legislation would ensure forest rangers are capable of fulfilling the responsibilities required by their position, which were expanded in 2006 when their status changed to police officer.

The assemblywoman said it is critical to have a mandate so the number of forest rangers in the state is based on the number of acres within the jurisdiction of the state's DEC.

She pointed out that the DEC has acquired approximately 1.5 million additional acres of land over the past 45 years. The state now owns 4.87 million acres. Assemblywoman Jenne said the state simultaneously decreased the number of forest rangers employed to protect these lands during that time period.

Assemblywoman Jenne also took time at the hearing to praise the DEC and other state officials for their support of Plan 2014 to control water flows on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

That plan, approved by the International Joint Commission, has drawn fire from state lawmakers representing the Rochester area, but Assemblywoman Jenne said the new flow levels are better for the environment and will assist tourism efforts along the shores of the lake and river.

"My region has suffered a tremendous amount of environmental damage as a result of the previous flow levels. We are hoping to see the restoration of our watershed with the new flow levels and that better flow should improve our fisheries," Assemblywoman Jenne pointed out.

She also told Commissioner Seggos that state funding for salt storage facilities and advanced residential septic treatment systems could be extremely beneficial for the North Country. She also called for continued work to control invasi

ves on the state's waterway, including blue-green algae blooms now seen in the Indian River Lake system.

Assemblywoman Jenne opened her remarks by referencing the earlier discussion at the committee meeting about problems associated with the growth of the deer and turkey populations on Staten island. The state DEC is currently working on a deer sterilization effort on Staten Island.

"We have many more successful tools for controlling the deer and turkey populations in the North Country," she quipped.

IN THE PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (first row, far right) questions New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos during a recent joint legislative budget hearing in Albany.

Assemblywoman Jenne calls for trails on shores of St. Lawrence River to be added to Empire State Trail network

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (D-Theresa) says a proposal to expand the state's trail system has merit, but she is calling for it to be expanded to include trail work in the Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence Valley region.

"The Empire State Trail System completely leaves out the St. Lawrence Valley and the Thousand Islands," Assemblywoman Jenne noted during a joint budget hearing earlier this week on environmental conservation issues.

She pointed out her colleagues from Long Island had expressed similar concerns about the trail system plans included in the executive budget.

The proposal calls for completing the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Erie Canalway trails by 2020 to create the Empire State Trail.

The plan, according to a release from the governor's office, calls for the state to develop 350 miles of new trail in three phases to create a 750-mile pathway for hiking and biking.

The Erie Canalway, which would connect a trail system from Albany to Buffalo, is reportedly already 80 percent complete.

The Hudson River Valley Greenway is approximately 50 percent complete and already runs over 260 miles between the Manhattan Battery and Lake George.

The trail runs along the state Bike Route 9, which extends the Greenway an additional 130 miles along Lake Champlain to the Canadian border.

Assemblywoman Jenne said any funding for a state trail network should not exclude the region that runs along the Canadian border along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

"I find the current plan extremely unfair. We should be funding trail work in the North Country. The Seaway Trail has been struggling for many years and could use investment. There are other efforts to create trails on the shores of the St. Lawrence River that could benefit greatly from state funding," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"At a time when we are using $90 million from NYPA's proceeds, including revenue from power generated at the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project in Massena, to cover the costs of the Canal Corporation, we should be investing in trails in communities that have been most impacted by that project," she stressed.

Assemblywoman Jenne pointed out she has attended tourism conferences in recent months involving participants from Canada and the United States and talked to tourism officials from both sides of the border. The need for a trail system that would connect the two countries along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River is a frequent topic of discussion.

"Investing in hiking and biking trails would help grow tourism in the Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence Valley and would provide recreation options and public health benefits for North Country residents," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

She made her comments to New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey during a joint budget hearing earlier this week in Albany.

ICYMI: Assemblywoman Jenne appears on latest edition of North Country Matters

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne discusses the start of the legislative session and what she thinks will take priority as the legislators come to grips with the budget, education fundingand other issues of interest to her constituents in the North Country on the latest issue of North Country Matters.

The show is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlnI9OkhIA8



North Country Matters is a local public affairs video magazine now in its 13th year. The NCM civic partners working to educate North Country residents about critical public policy issues facing our region include AAUW-St. Lawrence County, the League of Women Voters of St. Lawrence County, and the Potsdam Public Library. The shows are filmed in the Fred W. Cleveland Computer Center at the Potsdam Library.

Be sure to checkout the NCM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NorthCountryMatters/ for additional information about the show.

The shows are always available on YouTube. Check the websites for AAUW-St. Lawrence County (http://stlawrence.aauw-nys.org/) and the League of Women Voters of St. Lawrence County (http://slc-leaguewv.org/) for specific program links as they become available. And be sure to “like” the NCM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NorthCountryMatters/ for up-to-date news on new shows.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (r) responds to a question from host Donna Seymour during the latest episode of North Country Matters. North Country Matters (NCM) is a local public affairs video magazine. The NCM civic partners working to educate North Country residents about critical public policy issues facing our region include AAUW-St. Lawrence County, the League of Women Voters of St. Lawrence County, and the Potsdam Public Library. The shows are filmed at the Potsdam Public Library’s Fred W. Cleveland Computer Center and are available on YouTube.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Videographer Dan Dullea films the latest episode of North Country Matters as host Donna Seymour (center) interviews Assemblywoman A.E. Jenne.

Dan Dullea jokes with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (right) following a recent taping of North Country Matters. North Country Matters host Donna Seymour was also part of the conversation.

Assemblywoman Jenne calls for ag industry to be given higher priority in state's economic development efforts

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (D-Theresa) suggested the state's agriculture industry should be given a higher priority in the state's economic development initiatives.

She said agriculture has not been a focus during the regional economic development program process.

"Looking at the economic development programs less than stellar record upstate, I'd like to see dairy farmers win the competition and get $100 million of support," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"My biggest concern is the price of milk is so low right now they can't even hire the minimum wage employees if they need. They are currently not getting paid what it costs them to produce their milk," she pointed out.

"That can't be sustainable, we must do something to stabilize our farmers' bottom lines. We are at a crisis point. When our farms are doing well in the North Country, our communities are doing well," Assemblywoman Jenne added, suggesting a state funded premium for quality might be a necessity for the dairy industry in the state.

She made her comments during New York State Agriculture and Market Commissioner Robert A. Ball's appearance before the joint budget hearing committee Monday in Albany.

Commissioner Ball said the challenges facing the dairy issue are not limited to the state.

"It's not just a New York State issue or a Northeast issue. It's a global issue," he testified.

The ag and markets commissioner said current milk prices are a reflection of less milk being purchased from the United States by China and growing dairy production in New Zealand and the European Union.

"Suddenly we had an oversupply of milk," Commissioner Ball said, pointing out market forecasts call for a slight increase in milk prices in the coming year to a level that will be slightly higher than the cost of production.

He said national and international polices continue to create challenging scenarios for the dairy industry. The ag and markets commissioner pointed out 25 percent of the dairy products produced in the United States are exported to Mexico. He also noted new Canadian regulations that would exclude some dairy products produced in New York being shipped into Canton will also have an impact.

"In the long term, I think we will be okay. We're still in the right place in New York State. We have good dairy farmers, good land and good access to water," Commissioner Ball said.

The assemblywoman suggested that high quality standards are one way to position New York for additional processing investments and stronger exports.

Assemblywoman Jenne, sharing concerns that were also raised by State Senator Patty Ritchie, also voiced concerns the executive budget either removes all funding or calls for significant cuts to a number of local assistance programs that are critically important to the agriculture industry.

The executive budget, for example, chops funding for the North Country Farm to School program, $200,000 from the North Country Agriculture Studies Academy offered through St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, $25,000 from the North Country Low Cost Rabies Vaccine Program and $600,000 for NNY Ag Development.

The executive budget also calls for cutting funding for the NY Farm Viability Institute from $1.9M to $400K and the Maple Producers Association from $215,000 to $0.

Commissioner Ball acknowledged many of those programs had also been cut in the 2016-17 budget process, but funding levels had been restored during the budget negotiations with the state Senate and state Assembly. He said he looked forward with working through the budget process again this year with the state legislators.

He also acknowledged the state's agriculture industry could be impacted in the coming year by any changes in federal immigration policy. He said there are estimates that approximately 50 percent of the farm workers in the state are undocumented immigrants.

Assemblywoman Jenne pledges to continue to fight for equitable funding for North Country school districts

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne assured school superintendents and school board members she will continue her nearly decade-long fight for rural schools during this year's annual budget battle over school aid funding.

Assemblywoman Jenne made her pledge at the annual legislative priorities meeting hosted by St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES. She was joined at the session by State Senator Joseph Griifo, Assemblyman Marc Butler and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush.

"The governor's proposed school aid for this year is devastating for most North Country school districts. Last year's funding got our school districts back to the stabilization point, but we still have not fully recovered from the hits our school districts took during the recession," she said.

"I will continue to advocate that the poorest districts in the state continue to receive additional funding so they can meet the needs of their students. We know our school districts are still not receiving the aid they are due - the state still owes over $4 billion in foundation aid to its poorest districts, but the governor's budget proposal goes in the opposite direction," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The school aid numbers included in the executive budget have raised concerns for several superintendents in the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES component districts. Two superintendents told the lawmakers their districts were still underfunded by more than $2 million under the governor's state aid proposals.

St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Superintendent Thomas Burns said North Country school officials need a fairer, more equitable aid formula and adequate funding for high-needs, low-wealth students.

BOCES officials charged the poverty measures currently used in the state aid formula are inherently flawed and called on state lawmakers to alter sharing ratios to create greater equity among the districts.

They also expressed serious reservations over a proposal in the executive budget that would cap foundation aid at its current level. North Country school districts have benefited from foundation aid, the result of a court decision a decade ago that ruled the state was underfunding its poorest school districts.

Foundation aid has included poverty rates and other factors into the state aid formula in an effort to ensure low-wealth school districts are provided with the funding necessary to provide students with a sound basic education. The Alliance for Quality Education has charged there is a $10,000 per pupil funding gap - second highest in the nation - between the state's richest and poorest school districts.

' ... we need the legislature to set aside the governor's language, which would effectively end foundation aid, "Mr. Burns told the state lawmakers. "Although foundation aid has not been fully funded since 2008-09, it is a policy worth protecting and has benefitted poorer rural districts in the North Country since its inception."

Assemblywoman Jenne assured school leaders they had an ally in that fight.

"Education is one of the biggest issues I have fought for since first elected to the state Assembly. We deserve the same amount of funding per student as is provided for students in wealth downstate districts," she said.

"The governor likes to create these scenarios for education funding in his executive budget and then the state legislature has to buy back programs we support during the budget negotiations," Assemblywoman Jenne noted.

Among the items on the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES priority list for 2017:

• Use an income wealth index, rather than combined wealth index. Enhance the weight of free and reduced lunch to the aid formula and re-set the income wealth index floor to 0 from its current level of 0.65 in the current budget. Several North Country school districts have numbers well below that arbitrary floor. Many North Country school districts, including those with large amounts of waterfront property, are land rich and income poor.

• Make simple, common sense reforms to the tax cap. The current 2 percent tax cap is misleading as the consumer price index will be less than 2 percent again, resulting in a project 0.1 percent allowable tax levy growth factor.

School superintendents said the tax cap has created a disadvantage for the state's poorest districts, forcing them to rely on state aid to fill funding gaps. They are calling on the state to grant an option to districts to increase their tax levy by the 2 percent cap or the current consumer price index, whichever is higher. They are also calling for the state to include properties covered by payments in lieu of taxes agreements to be included in the formula's tax base growth factor.

Other priorities include exempting BOCES capital projects from the tax cap, increasing aidable salary for career and technical education teachers from an aid formula dated back to 1990 and protecting the save harmless clause in state aid until a more permanent solution can be found.

Assemblywoman Jenne, sharing a view voiced by her fellow lawmakers at the session, acknowledged it will likely be a contentious budget season in Albany this year.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne visits with Madrid-Waddington School Superintendent Eric Burke (left) and Edwards-Knox School Superintendent Ronald Burke following a session that gave school officials from around St. Lawrence County an opportunity to share their concerns about the 2017-18 state budget with state lawmakers.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne makes a point during a recent legislative priorities information session at the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES facility in Canton. Pictured are (l-r): St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES District Superintendent Thomas R. Burns, State Senator Joseph Griffo, Assemblyman Marc Butler, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush and Assemblywoman Jenne.

Matthew O'Bryan, president of the Madrid-Waddington Central School Board of Education, shares a concern with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne following a recent meeting in Canton that provided state lawmakers and school leaders from around St. Lawrence County an opportunity to discuss the 2017-18 state budget.

Canton, Potsdam high school students share experiences from March on Washington with Assemblywoman Jenne

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne recently had an opportunity to listen to the experiences of a group of high school students from Potsdam and Canton high schools that travelled to Washington, D.C., for the women's march last month.

The assemblywoman, who had given the opening address at a sister rally in Watertown that same day, said she wanted to hear about the experience from the young women who made the journey as well as to thank them for getting involved in public policy discussions.

"I wanted to show my support for the young women willing to get involved in the public dialogue. It was very impressive talking to these young women showing maturity beyond their years and seeing how passionate they are about being involved and standing up for what they believe," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"It's great they feel a sense of responsibility for their community and their country. One positive that is coming out of the current divisive political climate in our country is young people are feeling the need to get involved," she said.

The trip was organized by Potsdam High School senior Jillian Todd as part of her Capstone Project. The students and three chaperones made the trek to Washington, D.C., for the rally held on the day after President Donald Trump was inaugurated as the country's 45th president.

"I planned this trip because my own moral compass did not allow me to sit silently after hearing the rhetoric used in this past election season. I knew there were countless other high school girls who felt the same way, so I wanted to give a few of them an opportunity to be part of the action. I feel that civic engagement in students is incredibly important as our futures will be affected by what happens right now," Ms. Todd said.

A fundraising campaign raised enough money to pay the cost of the trip for all of the student participants. A Go Fund Me page, for example, surpassed its goal of $2,025. A volleyball tournament was also held as a fundraiser for the event.

The students joined two busloads of adults from St. Lawrence County that travelled to the nation's capital for the event. Ms. Todd collaborated with members of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Canton to arrange transportation for her group.

Tammara Madeja, one of the chaperones on the trip, said the young women inspired other members of the St. Lawrence County group that travelled to Washington, D.C., and received strong support from a number of people who were unable to trip, including her own mother.

She noted her mother, an octogenarian, was devastated when Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 presidential election.

"She was thrilled to have been alive for the election of our country's first African-American president and thought she was going to get to see our country's first female president. She was devastated when that didn't happen. She lives on a tight fixed income, but she made a donation to the girls," Ms. Madeja noted.

One of the students said a family friend had stopped by her house with a $50 donation and thanked her for marching for her daughter.

Students said they have received mixed reactions from their classmates about taking part in the march.

"There were so many different ways people viewed it. Some people were really excited they were there, but there were also some people who were disappointed we went," Canton High School student Grace Bessette said.

Fellow Canton High School student Mary Chisholm said some people viewed the event as being an anti-Trump rally, but she said that was not the case. "It was pro-women, not anti-Trump," she stressed.

"It was just for basic rights," Ms. Bessette added.

Ms. Chisholm said she was also impressed by the number of men that joined the march. "It was nice to see. It was everything from high school boys to older men," she pointed out.

The students said they still are flooded with memories from the day of the rally - the sea of people; the signs; the speakers; the unity of people from different regions of the country, different faiths and different ethnic backgrounds.

The young women from Canton and Potsdam arrived at the National Mall early so they were able to stand near the stage and heard the speeches and followed the event on the Jumbotrons. They were on their feet for eight hours, but they said the group from the UU church arrived just an hour later and the crowd had already grown so large by that time they were unable to hear the speeches.

They said they had an opportunity to listen to the stories of other people who had travelled to Washington for the event and were moved when the crowd sang "This Land is Your Land," with the chorus of voices so loud and coming from the mall as well as well as from behind other buildings in the area.

"It is still so amazing to just have been there," Ms Bessette said.

Assemblywoman Jenne praised the young women for their community involvement and pointed out improvements in basic human rights in this country and around the world haven't come without a fight.

"There have been so many people fighting this fight for decades, and they are getting tired. Their fight was not for them. It was for future generations, for you. They've made strides, but it's time for reinforcements," she suggested.

She said the next generation now needs to step forward and have their voices heard.

"Keep doing what you just did. Get involved. Do something when you get in college. It sends an important message to those in power," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The assemblywoman said she grew up hearing about victories for womens rights including the ruling from the early 1970's that prohibits gender discrimination at schools. It led to the rise of women's sports at the high school and college level.

"My mom, when she was a senior, they finally got uniforms, got to take a bus to games instead of piling in the back of their gym teacher's station wagon. Things started to change," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The former high school three-sport athlete said lessons learned on the field, in the gym and on the ice are important lessons in life.

"We're tough, physically active, engaging in a team concept, reaching high accomplishments as a team. We've socialized ourselves to want to win," she added.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she feels Title IX was one of the major accomplishments of the 20th Century for women in the United States.

"We are able to organizes ourselves as women on a team, create bonds and friendships with other women working as a team. We have to draw on each other. You have learned how to do that in sports. We can't afford to be divided and conquered. We have to stay strong and be there for each other," she noted.

Ms. Todd said she felt Assemblywoman Jenne's visit was a valuable opportunity for the students who took part in the march on Washington to interact with an elected official serving in the state legislature.

"I am so glad we had the opportunity to connect with Assemblywoman Jenne. The other students and I are thankful for her eager attitude and words of wisdom. It was nice to get a little insight about what we can do to make a difference in the future," according to the Potsdam High School senior.

"The march sparked something in all of us, and I believe connecting with individuals in government office is one of many great ways to keep that flame burning," Ms. Todd said.
Assemblywoman Jenne said she also benefited from having an opportunity to listen to the passion shared by the young women from Potsdam and Canton high schools.

"I'm so proud of you ladies. You are kicking off one of the most important parts of your lives.
You can hold your heads high. You guys are going to rock and roll and change the world. You have to be engaged and involved, even if you don't get into politics. You have to show that we have to care about other people," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne recently stopped at Potsdam High School to listen to the experiences of young women from Potsdam and Canton that recently travelled to Washington, D.C., for the women's march. Pictured clockwise from the top right are Jillian Todd, Assemblywoman Jenne, Emma Kroll, Madison Gray, Emma Bentley-Hicks, Mary Chisholm and Grace Bessette.

BOTTOM RIGHT:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne shared information about upcoming legislation that will be voted on in the New York State Assembly dealing with issues that were one of the major areas of concern that led to the women's march in late January in Washington, D.C. Pictured are (l-r): Jillian Todd, Assemblywoman Jenne, Valerie Chiarenzelli and Tammara Madeja. Ms. Chiarenzelli, Ms. Madeja and April Barnes were the school chaperones for the trip.

Several students from Canton and Potsdam high schools and the trip's chaperones posed for a photograph with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne after sharing their experiences from their recent  trip to Washington, D.C., for the women's march. Pictured are (l-r): Tammara Madeja, Emma Bentley-Hicks, Grace Bessette, Mary Chisolm, Jillian Todd, Madison Gray, Emma Kroll and Valerie Chiarenzelli. Missing from photo: chaperone April Barnes and students Lauryn Knowlden, Lindsey Knowlden, Ellie Schonberg and Lauren Lucht.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne talks about the importance of Title IX in providing young women an opportunity to play high school sports during a recent visit with students from Potsdam and Canton that too part in the recent women's march on Washington, D.C. Pictured clockwise (l-r) are student trip organizer Jillian Todd, Assemblywoman Jenne, chaperones Tammara Madeja and Valerie Chiarenzelli and students Emma Kroll and Madison Gray.

Students from Potsdam and Canton high schools were joined by women from around the country when they stopped to take a photo next to a statue of Abraham Lincoln in front of the Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Immigration legislation protects our principles without harming our security

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne has submitted a letter to the editors of local newspapers on immigration legislation passed Monday by the New York State Assembly.

To The Editor:

Two weeks ago our immigration system was thrown into chaos by an executive order that was poorly written, unreviewed by people with relevant policy experience, and potentially damaging to our nation - including to our own neck of the woods here in the North Country. 

I represent communities from Watertown to Massena that are home to top-notch colleges and universities, hospitals, manufacturing hubs, and to thousands of men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. The North Country is also known worldwide for its tourism attractions and we can hear languages from every corner of the Earth spoken in our restaurants, on our river cruise ships, in our museums, and in our parks. 

Living on the international border with Canada means we know better than most that border security must be a priority. But a poorly written and executed executive order threatens to sacrifice our core, American values in the name of a false sense of security.

This country has been made stronger by immigrants and by refugees looking for a place to call home - like my own ancestors who fled religious persecution in Europe on the Mayflower. 

There are 320 students from the seven countries listed in the ban currently studying at SUNY schools here in New York. At least 30 students impacted by the ban are studying at Clarkson. Nearly 8,000 doctors who were born in Iran or Syria practice medicine in America.

In fact, I am concerned that the immigration ban signed two weeks ago casts a must larger net than even intended by hinting that immigrants generally are not welcome in America. I have already heard concerns from foreign-born residents right here in the North Country who are worried about international travel in the wake of this executive order. Besides being a breach of the American ideals that have made us an example of human rights internationally, the immigration ban damages us economically and intellectually.

As the editors of the Watertown Daily Times said, it is up to each of us to ensure the executive branch does not overstep its constitutional authority. 

When Afghans and Iraqis who put their lives on the line for our troops serving overseas by acting as battlefield translators are turned away at our borders, despite veterans advocating on their behalf, the executive is overstepping. 

When academics and entrepreneurs are afraid of traveling, despite posing no risk to American lives, the executive is overstepping. And when refugees who have already gone through 18 months of close vetting are sent back to dangerous situations, the executive is overstepping. 

This week I supported legislation in the state Assembly that will ensure our national character is protected - at least in New York - without sacrificing our national defense. I will continue to work with my colleagues at the local, state, and national level to ensure our border security is strong, but that our founding principles are not eroded.

Addie A.E. Jenne
116th Assembly District
New York State Assembly

Assemblywoman Jenne: We don’t need to sacrifice our principles to protect our security

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, supported two measures (A.3049-B, A.4884) to strengthen protections for immigrants living in the North Country.

"North Country residents believe our civil liberties matter. We’ve seen and understand changes that have been made in enforcement at and near our border crossings in recent years," she said.

"We all understand the importance of security in today's world, but we’ve never lost sight of the principles spelled out on the Statue of Liberty. My vote today wasn't just to protect immigrants. It was to protect everyone living in this country, regardless of background or belief.”

The first measure prevents state or local agencies from assisting in the creation of any registry based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity or national origin (A.4884).

"We want all New Yorkers to be able to report crimes to law enforcement, not to have victims silenced by concerns about the impact reaching out to law enforcement will have on their employment, their families and their ability to remain in this country. This legislation will provide that security to some of our most vulnerable citizens," she said.

“It's not uncommon for people here in the North Country to travel back and forth across the border. Any measures that target people for who they are don’t make us safer. Instead, they simply make us more fearful," according to Assemblywoman Jenne.

She pointed to the valuable role immigrants played in digging out the power canal and growing the Alcoa plant in Massena that has served as an economic engine in the North Country for over a generation.

"Today, immigrants are playing important roles in providing quality health care in our communities, performing important research at our colleges and universities, helping to maintain our role as one of the leading agricultural counties in the state and working in our tourism industry in the North Country. We want immigrants to enroll at our colleges, become part of the medical staffs at our hospitals and visit our tourist destinations. Immigrants have been and continue to be entrepreneurs creating jobs in the North Country. They are a vital part of our communities and our economy,” she said.

Another bill prohibits state and local agencies from inquiring about the immigration status of a person seeking assistance, benefits or services if that information is not relevant (A.3049-B).

It also enacts protections for individuals from being detained or arrested solely on the basis of perceived immigrant status and establishes the right to counsel in immigration proceedings.

“Our country and community have grown and prospered because we are a land of immigrants who value freedom and equality above all. We need to remain vigilant, but we can't lose sight of the basic principles that have been around since the founding of our country," Assemblywoman Jenne said.