Assemblywoman Jenne: Federal subsidies essential to local airport operations

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne has sent a letter to the region's federal representatives expressing her concern with a budget proposal unveiled by the Trump Administration calling for the elimination of subsidies that have been critical in bringing passenger air service to the region.

Assemblywoman Jenne noted elimination of those funds would likely dramatically impact passenger air service options in the North Country. President Trump's budget blueprint calls for eliminating $175 million in federal funds provided to rural communities in under served areas.

"I am concerned about the future of North Country airports, including the Watertown, Ogdensburg and Massena international airports, which are supported by the federal Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service (EAS) program," she wrote in a letter sent to Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

"The budget blueprint eliminates funding or the EAS program, which would likely result in a reduction or termination of air service to these rural communities and in largely unaffordable rates for the flights that remain. I urge you to oppose the inclusion of this cut in future budget negotiations in Washington. Our communities cannot afford to lose this critical service," Assemblywoman Jenne added in her letter to the federal representatives.

"The communities served by the airports threatened by the elimination of the EAS program rely on affordable air travel to connect with essential services, including medical procedures and economic opportunities in other parts of New York State and the country," Assemblywoman Jenne added.

The Watertown airport offers twice-daily flights to Philadelphia. Airport officials reported 17,855 boarded the planes in Watertown in 2016.

The Massena airport had 5,323 passenger boardings in 2016, and Ogdensburg had 10,305 passengers get on planes last year.

Local airports have seen reductions in their EAS subsidies in recent years. The Watertown airport's subsidy has dropped from $3.3 million to $1.9 million in recent years and the Massena airport's latest annual subsidy is $2.87 million for a two-year contract running from April 2017 to March 2019. Boutique Air will connect Massena with airports in Albany and Baltimore under the terms of the new package.

The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority is receiving over $10 million in Essential Air Service subsidies under the terms of a four-year contract that expires March 30, 2019.

Cape Air's annual subsidy rates were $2,419,820 for the first year, $2,516,612 for the second year, $2,617,277 for this year, and $2,721,968 for the next year. Cape Air connects Ogdensburg to airports in Albany and Boston. Allegiant Air offers non-subsidized flights from the Ogdensburg airport.

She said the EAS funding has provided local airports with a foundation that has allowed them to grow and better serve their communities.

The Ogdensburg airport finished a runway expansion project last year and is now offering flights to Florida, and the Watertown International Airport opened its Business Center in 2015.

Assemblywoman Jenne pointed out air passenger seeking a flight into or out of he North Country would need to drive nearly three hours to Burlington, Vt., or Syracuse if passenger service was no longer available in Massena.

"We continue to work hard to bring new employment into the area, and we know transportation issues are one of our challenges in the North Country. The loss of passenger air service at our areas would harm our economic development efforts, hurt our efforts to grow tourism in the region and damage our ability to recruit professionals to live and work in the North Country," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"Local residents would also be impacted if these subsidies were eliminated, a move that would likely end daily air service to most of the North Country. These three airports provide access to larger hubs and allow people to more easily travel to and from the North County," she added.

Assemblywoman Jenne said fight for more funding for ag industry continues

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne says the agriculture industry needs to be an important part of the discussion as Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the two houses of the state legislature work to hammer out a budget agreement over the next several days.

"There will be considerable discussion over the next couple of weeks about our state's economic developments efforts, and those discussions will have real-life impacts on areas of the state like the North Country, where our unemployment rates continue to be among the highest in the state," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"The latest unemployment numbers showed unemployment rates for January of 7.7 percent for Jefferson County and 7.8 percent for St. Lawrence County. Those rates are unacceptable. A proper investment in ag funding can drive economic activity and lead to growing jobs in rural areas like the North Country," according to the assemblywoman.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she is convinced major changes are necessary to the regional economic development council process that has governed the state's economic development effort in recent years.

"The regional council has clearly had its successes. We have benefitted from the councils bringing together players from different parts of regions like the North Country, broken down some of the parochialism that has harmed economic development efforts in the past and given our leaders an opportunity to focus on the assets and liabilities of the various regions of the state," she noted.

"Unemployment rates hovering around the 8 percent mark in the North Country - nearly double the national unemployment of 4.7 percent in February - show we have to make changes," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"The agriculture industry has been an important part of the economy in Northern New York and other rural areas of the state since the 19th Century, but it doesn't get the attention it deserves in our economic development endeavors," she pointed out.

Assemblywoman Jenne said changes in climate are leading to monumental changes in agriculture in the United States, and she said the state needs to take proactive steps to grow agriculture-related jobs in the North Country and around the state.

"There have been changes and improvements made to the economic development effort in recent years, but the agriculture industry - our farmers in particular - have been frozen out of that process," she said.

"That needs to end now. We need to invest in agriculture so we can attract value-added ag processors to the state and region. That will bring badly needed jobs to areas of the state like the North Country," Assemblywoman Jenne predicted.

She said she will continue to advocate for additional agriculture funding in the final state budget.

The assemblywoman said funding is needed in a number of areas at a time when low milk prices are making dairy farming a struggle.

She reiterated her call for the state to provide dairy farmers a quality premium payment linked to meeting reductions over a three-year period in somatic cell count in fluid milk from the federally mandated 750,000/ml to 400,000/ml - the same level used in the European Union and the highest global standard," according to the assemblywoman.

She said high somatic cell counts are associated with bacterial infections in cows that result in lower yields and low quality milk. This program would operate over three years and give farmers a competitive leg up on the global dairy industry.

Assemblywoman Jenne has called on the state Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop premium payments at a cost of between $50 and $100 million for farmers who reach annual targets toward the goal of reducing the statewide somatic cell count.

Her proposal calls for premium payments to go up to $3 per-hundredweight, triggered if the price per-hundredweight of milk falls more than 9 percent below the monthly milk cost-of-production (COP) calculation from the federal Department of Agriculture. Her plan calls for those payments to be phased out as the price of milk closes in on the cost of production.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the premium payment would signal to the agriculture sector that New York supports and embraces the industry, values quality and understands the role of farmers in our small communities and the global food supply chain.

Providing support and stability will help bring further investment to rural New York, stabilize farm businesses and help facilitate the transition of farms to the next generation by providing farmers the ability to address financial barriers and by demonstrating. Those investments will also demonstrate New York wants agriculture to be a central part of our economy and way of rural life for years to come.

She noted she will also continue to advocate for increased funding as a result of the successes she has seen in the first year of a farm-to-school pilot program that was launched in the North Country for the current school year.

The Farm-to-School program helps farmers sell to nearby customers, expanding sales by providing locally grown food to North Country schools. Students also benefit by having access to fresh, nutritious locally-sourced food.

The Assembly budget restores $300,000 for the Adirondack North Country Association Farm-to-School program, which is administering the pilot program this school year.

“It has often been too burdensome for schools to purchase from New York State farmers,” Assemblywoman Jenne said. “My program helps support local farmers while getting healthy food into the mouths of our kids. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

She said she is hopeful additional funding will be provided to the farm-to-school pilot program during budget negotiations so it can be expanded to other areas of the North Country.

"Eight of the 10 regional councils in the state are upstate, and most - if not all - of those councils have some focus on growing jobs in the agriculture sector in their economic development plans. Agriculture has taken a back seat for too long in our state's economic development policies," according to Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"We have added millions to the executive budget's proposal for spending in agriculture, and it still doesn't go far enough. A state policy that only focuses on tax credits for farmers that are currently struggling due to low milk prices isn't the answer. We need to make less restrictive funding available to our farmers and producers so they can make investments that will allow them to make decisions the best allow them to be efficient, environmental stewards and serve as the engine for rural job creation opportunities," she stressed.

Assemblywoman Jenne also said funding for agriculture included in the Assembly's one-house budget will benefit the state and create or maintain employment in the short term and long-term.

• Education:

The Assembly’s plan provides a total of $26.3 billion in education funding. That’s an increase of $1.8 billion – or 7.4 percent – over last year, and $887 million more than the executive’s proposal.

It also rejects the executive proposal’s repeal of the Foundation Aid formula. The Assembly Majority believes the formula is too important in ensuring that resources are directed in the most fair and equitable manner.

However, important updates were made to make sure the formula still accurately reflects the cost of educating a child in New York, as well as the number of children living in poverty. The Assembly’s proposal makes a commitment to phase in the remaining Foundation Aid over the course of four years, while adjusting and updating the formula to ensure fairness.

Foundation Aid would be increased by $1.4 billion for the 2017-18 school year for a total of $17.8 billion, which is $1 billion more than the executive plan. The Assembly plan also distinguishes Community Schools Aid as an independent category to ensure Foundation Aid and Community Schools each receive adequate funding, respectively.

"We lost hundreds and hundreds of jobs at our local schools over the past decade. We have made positive steps in the past couple of budgets that allowed schools to add staff back. That's important because those educators allow our schools to provide programs our students need to be competitive in college and in the work world," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

• Infrastructure:

The state Assembly's one-house budget calls for investing millions and millions of dollars into the infrastructure to repair roads and bridges and make improvements to water and waste water systems.

"Those infrastructure improvements are critical to our ongoing economic development efforts and will provide employment opportunities for thousands and thousands of New Yorkers as that work is being completed," said Assemblywoman Jenne.

The Assembly’s budget proposal includes $715 million in Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) – $50 million more than the executive’s proposal. AIM funding provides direct state aid to local governments.

Assemblywoman Jenne noted most of the roads and bridges throughout the state are maintained by dedicated local highway departments. Despite their best efforts, many still need important repairs because the funding hasn’t kept pace.

The Assembly is committed to helping the North Country repair roads and bridges to keep our communities safe, allowing our residents to get to work and four businesses to flourish. The Assembly’s budget proposal increases funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) to $488 million, a $50 million increase from the proposed executive budget.

• Water Safety:

The Assembly proposal strengthens the executive’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017.

The Assembly wants to build upon the program in order to assist municipalities by providing grants to improve water quality, which include:

· $1.1 billion for the 2015 Water Infrastructure Improvement Act;

· $138 million for the replacement of lead drinking water service lines;

· $110 million for an inter-municipal regional water infrastructure grant program;

· $70 million for water quality improvement; and

· $80 million for green infrastructure.

"We know these investments in our water and waste water are necessary for the health and safety of our residents and also will provide the infrastructure that businesses and industries consider when they are siting new locations," according to Assemblywoman Jenne.

"We have seen the challenges North Country communities are facing, and this funding can assist our cities, towns and villages meet those needs," she added.

Assemblywoman Jenne enjoys Maple Weekend festivities in Watertown

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne took was on hand for a tree tapping ceremony Saturday morning hosted by the Lewis County Maple Producers Association at Massey Ranch in the town of Brownville.

The Lewis County Maple Producers Association includes members from Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego and Oneida counties.

Massey Ranch is one of a number of maple producers taking part in Maple Weekend festivities this weekend in the North Country.

Many New York State maple producers are celebrating Maple Weekend this weekend and next weekend by opening their sugar houses to visitors to promote and educate visitors about their industry.

Massey Ranch is owned and operated by Shawn Massey and his family. They have demonstrations to show the public step by step how maple syrup is moves from sap in the tree to your  table.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne smiles as she taps a maple tree on the Massey Ranch in the town of Brownsville. Shawn Massey, foreground, of Massey Ranch provided the assemblywoman with the tools she needed to complete the task.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne pounds in a tap on a maple tree at Massey Ranch in the town of Brownsville during a ceremonial tree tapping event hosted by the Lewis County Maple Producers Association.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and her children, Aaron and Cora, pose for a photo with maple producer Shawn Massey of Massey Ranch and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County Executive Director Kevin Jordan and CCE of Jefferson County local food specialist David Puccia during a ceremonial tree tapping Saturday morning as part of Maple Weekend activities in New York State. Pictured to the left of the tree with Assemblywoman Jenne are Mr. Jordan, Mr. Puccia and Aaron. Cora is joined by Mr. Massey on the right side of the tree.

Assemblywoman Jenne helps pass ‘sunshine’ legislation to increase transparency and accountability

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, helped pass a series of bills this week aimed at making state government more transparent and accountable to the people.

The passage of this legislative package coincides with “Sunshine Week” (March 12-18), a nationwide initiative highlighting the importance of open government.

“New Yorkers deserve to know exactly what public officials are doing on their behalf and how they’re spending taxpayer money,” Assemblywoman Jenne said. “I strongly support this legislation because, ultimately, open government is good government.”

The Assembly measures would:

• Require all political communications to disclose the identity of the committee or group that financed them (A.2158-A);

• Clarify that the name of a retiree, but not a beneficiary, in the public employees’ retirement system is subject to disclosure by Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request (A.3306);

·• Prohibit state agencies from inappropriately using copyright claims to block access to a public record (A.2401);

• Require that records in a judicial proceeding be available to the public if the presiding judge determines there is no risk that disclosure would disrupt the proceedings (A.3463);

• Require every state agency with a website to ensure its website allows for online submission of FOIL requests (A.2131); and

• Require the disclosure of the names and addresses of members, managers or authorized persons of a limited liability company (LLC) that enters into a lease agreement with government entities (A.3242).

Assemblywoman Jenne said the pressing need for more transparency in state government came to the forefront as recently as last week with news that a state comptroller audit of the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs was hindered by center officials.

As a result of that lack of transparency, the comptroller’s office wasn’t able to access over 70 percent of incidents in the Vulnerable Persons Central Registry (VPCR), a database of abuse allegations. That meant the auditors were unable to determine if incidents had been handled effectively.

“At a time when the need for greater government transparency is so urgent, the findings of the comptroller’s audit raise serious concerns,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.

She said transparency is also aided by a balance of power between the executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she is concerned a proposal in the executive's budget that would create a chef procurement officer and expand the inspector general's role, both positions appointed by the governor, in the wake of alleged financial abuses by individuals involved in the state's economic development initiatives.

"I was pleased to see the governor taking steps aimed at preventing further abuses of the contracting process in the state, but a plan that would centralize all power on the second floor of the state capitol would likely not aid in efforts to increase transparency in state government operations," she noted.

The governor's proposal calls for his appointee, the state Inspector General, to have his jurisdiction increase so he oversees alleged abuses of not-for-profits that are working in concert with SUNY and CUNY.

The Inspector General, according to the executive budget plan, would be authorized to investigate complaints of corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest, or abuse within each university and its affiliates, and to refer potential criminal findings within these entities for prosecution.

The executive budget also calls for broadening the Inspector General’s authority to include all state-related procurement and the implementation and enforcement of financial control policies at SUNY and CUNY.

This would allow the Inspector General to oversee the policies of any affiliated nonprofit organization and foundation of each respective university.

"It seems clear, based in some part on the events of the past several months, that it is in the public's best interest and in the interest of providing the transparency necessary so we can effectively gauge the success or failure of state programs that oversight should be performed by the Comptroller's Office, the state agency best suited to handle this task. It also takes away the perception that there could be a potential conflict of interest if those oversight functions are centralized by the governor's team," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Assembly Releases $153.8 Billion Spending Plan That Invests in New York Families

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Herman D. Farrell, Jr. today announced the Assembly's 2017-18 Families First budget proposal of $153.8 billion.

The proposal would restore fairness to our tax structure, ensure that juveniles accused of a crime are adjudicated in family court, take critical steps towards college affordability, and make significant investments in education, particularly for our neediest schools.

The Assembly proposes General Fund spending of $73.6 billion in SFY 2017-18. This is an increase of $3.9 billion or 5.6 percent over SFY 2016-17. The proposed spending is $1.2 billion higher than the Executive Budget proposal.

"The Assembly's budget is an investment in creating opportunities for all New Yorkers. Our proposal will raise the age of criminal responsibility - removing children from adult prisons and giving them the opportunity to thrive and make meaningful contributions to our state. We are investing in public and higher education, health care, housing, transportation, and creating opportunities for working families. We will do so by asking everyone to pay their fair share through a more progressive tax structure. As we move forward with budget negotiations, these priorities will be unwavering," said Heastie.

"This is a progressive spending plan that delivers critical revenue to support changes to our criminal justice system, funding for our neediest students, assistance for families facing homelessness and resources for our seniors," said Farrell. "I want to thank my colleagues in the Assembly Majority for their help in crafting a balanced, fiscally responsible budget that meets the needs of all New Yorkers."

The full Summary of the Assembly Recommended Changes to the Executive Budget is available online.

Progressive Tax Structure

The Assembly's spending plan includes a progressive tax proposal that includes new tax brackets for New York's highest earners to address income inequality and ensure funding for critical services.

When the current rates on high income earners expire after 2017, taxpayers earning over $300,000 would return to a tax rate of 6.85 percent. The Assembly proposal maintains the current rate structure for those earning below $1 million, and reestablishes higher surcharges on millionaires and multi-millionaires.

This proposal fiscally compliments New York's SFY16-17 budget which included a gradual reduction in personal income taxes for middle class earners. When fully phased in, the tax cuts will benefit an estimated six million New Yorkers.

Under the new tax structure, the state would generate $5.6 billion in additional revenue and would affect an estimated 66,134 taxpayers. The new rates would take effect in 2018.

The plan also increases the Earned Income Tax Credit from 30 percent of the federal credit to 35 percent of the federal credit over two years to give low-income families a helping hand.

Education

The spending plan allocates $26.5 billion in school aid, which is an increase of $1.8 billion or 7.4 percent over the 2016-17 School Year (SY).

The Assembly rejects the Executive's repeal of the Foundation Aid formula. The budget provides initial funding for a four-year phase in of the State's obligation for our neediest schools pursuant to the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, bringing all school districts to at least 50 percent of their total Foundation Aid.

The budget also makes critical investments in community schools, which offer a holistic approach to educating students by acting as community hubs and offering wraparound services. The plan also includes funding for prekindergarten and My Brother's Keeper, a program initiated last year to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color.

Higher Education

The Assembly proposal promotes college affordability by increasing funding for opportunity programs, expanding the Tuition Assistance Program and providing for the enactment of the DREAM Act. The proposal also earmarks more than $1.4 billion for capital investments at public colleges and universities and includes a new refundable credit for interest on student loans and a directive to explore options for refinancing student loan debt for New York residents.

In keeping with its promise to build and maintain access to higher education for middle and low-income families, the Assembly budget provides $48 million to restore and increase opportunity programs over SFY 2016-17 funding levels.

The Assembly proposal also includes modifications to create more flexibility to the Executive proposal for free tuition at SUNY and CUNY schools. The plan would adjust credit requirements, create accommodations for special needs students, adjust the program's tuition reimbursement rate to keep up with tuition increases, and increase income eligibility.

Raise the Age

For years, the Assembly Majority has recognized that treating children like adults in our criminal justice system is ineffective and often results in lifelong negative implications. New York is one of only two states (New York and North Carolina) to mandate that all youth ages 16 and 17, charged with any offense, be prosecuted and sentenced in adult criminal court. The Assembly proposal includes a plan to raise the age of adult criminal responsibility for most offenses from 16 to 18 and prohibit the placement of anyone under the age of 18 in an adult jail or prison.

The Assembly proposal supports this measure by allocating funds for probation aid and capital improvements to local detention facilities. The plan also provides 100 percent state reimbursement to counties for any unfunded costs generated for county services, probation or voluntary programs.

Direct Care Workers

The Assembly proposal also includes an initial $45 million toward a six-year plan to create a living wage for direct care workers. These professionals care for the state's most vulnerable populations, yet recent increases in minimum wage and an overall improving economy have made service providers unable to compete with other private sector jobs. As a result, service providers have experienced extreme difficulty recruiting and retaining quality direct support professional staff. This critical support will enable these providers to offer compensation that is above minimum wage to ensure that facilities are adequately and safely staffed and can continue to deliver these essential services.

Health

The Assembly proposal invests more than $79 billion in the state's public health systems and provides a new $70 million to combat heroin and opioid addiction. The plan also includes numerous funding restorations to promote the accessibility and affordability of care across the state.

The spending plan would earmark $700 million in capital funding for the state's health care providers and community based providers. The Assembly also provides a contingency appropriation of $20 million to support family planning services and Planned Parenthood affiliates in the event of federal funding cuts.

Human Services

The Assembly proposal includes funding for essential services for children and families, heroin addiction treatment and prevention, and veterans services.

The budget also includes a new five-year plan to better address the homeless crisis in New York State by helping to keep vulnerable New Yorkers in their homes. Under the Home Stability Support Program, public assistance recipients would receive a rental supplement to be paid on top of the current shelter allowance to bring the combined assistance closer to the actual rent cost and, in turn, prevent evictions and homelessness.

The budget also provides funding for vital social services programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the restoration of Federal Title XX funds that counties use for a variety of human services programs, like senior centers.

Housing

The Assembly proposal provides a plan for the investment of $2.5 billion in funding that was dedicated for supportive and affordable housing development in last year's enacted budget including, but not limited to:
$1 billion for supportive housing;
$125 million for senior housing;
$125 million for public housing authorities outside New York City; and
$50 million in capital for housing developmentally disabled.

Local Governments

The Assembly proposal provides funding support to programs that benefit local governments, including a $50 million increase above the Executive's proposal for a total of $765 million for the Aid and Incentive to Municipalities Program (AIM).

Transportation

The Assembly provides funding for several key transportations programs, including an additional $50 million in funding for Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) to help localities keep their roads and bridges in good repair. This funding is in addition to allocations for Pave NY, which assists municipalities with the rehabilitation and reconstruction of local highways and roads.

The proposal includes $508 million in operating aid for upstate and non MTA transit systems and $114.5 million for the Department of Transportation's Capital Plan for non-MTA downstate and upstate capital transit projects, an increase of $3 million above the Executive proposal.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne: New York must adopt New York Health Act

It's more important than ever as Congress works to replace the Affordable Care Act

Photo from Wikipedia

Ensuring that we have access to good, affordable healthcare is a shared concern. In the North Country it can be challenging just getting to the doctor’s office since it might take hours to drive there from home. And if the weather is bad you likely have to reschedule. Once you receive care, the worry is about how you’ll pay for the services. If you’re covered by a good insurance plan you might not have to worry, but  you could be looking at paying thousands of dollars out of pocket, even with insurance.  This situation could be made worse if Congress is successful in repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, a move that could eliminate health coverage for roughly more than two million New Yorkers, most of them low income. When it’s fully phased in, the repeal could also subtract an estimated $3.7 billion from the state’s health budget and pull $600 million in federal funding from our counties. We can’t afford that - so we must do something about it.

In 2015 and 2016, with my support, the State Assembly passed legislation known as the New York Health Act which would provide access to basic, quality medical service, with the goal of reducing costs for providing healthcare and saving money for consumers. The legislation (A4738 - Richard N. Gottfried) is likely to pass again and I urge my colleagues in the State Senate to support the bill. According to a study from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, New York could save an estimated $45 billion by implementing the legislation to create a comprehensive, universal, single-payer healthcare program. The savings would come from cutting administrative overhead; so instead of spending time and money on the administrative costs of various insurance companies, we would be working to improve the kind of healthcare New Yorkers receive. New Yorkers making less than $400,000 a year would see a reduction in their annual health insurance costs. The program wouldn’t impact people on employer insurance plans - it just gives an alternative to people who can’t access those plans, or to small business that can’t afford to give their employees health insurance.

I believe it is crucial that New York does whatever it can to lower the price of admission for basic healthcare. If the New York Health Act was signed into law there would be no deductibles, no co-pays, and it would promote increased access to medical providers. The benefits would include comprehensive outpatient and inpatient medical care, primary and preventive care, prescription drugs, laboratory tests, rehabilitative services, dental, vision, hearing, and other necessary medical services. By joining millions of New Yorkers on one plan we will have more leverage to negotiate lower prices with drug companies and service providers. It’s well known that big companies have lower healthcare costs than small, local businesses. If we make this plan a reality the entire state of New York will be the biggest company with the lowest healthcare costs.

The action against the Affordable Care Act in Congress could cost the state billions, but if we adopt the New York Health Act into law we could save even more than we would lose.

Assembly Budget Proposal to Include Tax Cuts for Small Businesses and Greater Incentives for Excelsior Jobs Program

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymembers Herman Farrell Jr., Fred W. Thiele, Jr. and Robin Schimminger today announced the Assembly's 2017-18 SFY Budget, which will be announced next week, would provide meaningful tax incentives for small businesses as well as businesses that conduct research and development in New York State. The proposal also focuses on enhancing the currently underutilized Excelsior Jobs Program by expanding program eligibility.

"Small businesses make up 97 percent of all businesses in New York State and employ more than a third of the private sector workforce," said Speaker Heastie. "By supporting New York's small businesses and those that are dedicated to growth in our state, we are investing in employment opportunities that are fundamental to the success and livelihood of New York's families. We are putting families first."

"The Assembly Majority's budget proposal would offer quick and certain relief to New York businesses and in turn, bring more employment opportunities to New Yorkers," said Assemblymember Farrell, chair of the Committee on Ways and Means. "With so much still up in the air in Washington, the Assembly must lead the charge to create the solutions New York needs now."

Tax Cuts for Small Businesses

Under the Assembly spending plan, the income tax rate for small businesses with an income of $290,000 or less would be reduced to 4 percent from 6.5 percent for corporate tax filers. Personal income tax filers, such as sole proprietors, farmers, partnerships etc. would have the option to deduct 15 percent of their income from their adjusted gross income (AGI) before the personal income tax rate is applied. This deduction is an increase from the currently allowed 5 percent deduction.

A small business is defined as one that employs fewer than 100 individuals. An estimated 1.1 million sole proprietors, farmers and small businesses would benefit from the Assembly proposal.

Double Research and Development Tax Credit

Currently, businesses that are personal income tax filers are allowed a research and development tax credit of 7 percent of qualifying research and development property. Corporate tax filers are allowed a credit of 5 percent for the first $350 million of the investment base, and a 4 percent rate for anything above $350 million. The Assembly's budget proposal would double all the current research and development tax credit percentages.

Double the Cap of Excelsior Research and Development Tax Credit

Under current law, participants in the Excelsior Jobs Program are eligible for a research and development credit. However, the credit is capped at 3 percent of eligible research and development expenditures. The Assembly's proposal would double the cap to 6 percent of research and development expenditure, therefore, allowing businesses to further expand their ability to grow and create jobs.

Increase Participation in Excelsior Jobs Program

The Excelsior Jobs Program offers incentives for businesses to expand in and relocate to New York State by providing tax credits to firms making a substantial commitment to growth through either increased employment or through the investment of capital in a New York facility. In order to receive the tax credits, firms must meet required thresholds for job creation and capital investment. The Assembly's budget proposal would offer greater incentives for relocation and investment in New York by reducing these thresholds for key industries by 50 percent.

"New York State has a wealth of unique resources and a talented pool of individuals eager to contribute to our state's economy," said Assemblymember Schimminger, chair of the Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry. "The Assembly Majority's budget would help businesses more effectively utilize our state's resources to ensure a healthy economy and a strong workforce."

"This spending plan helps lift a burden off of small business owners and will reinforce to entrepreneurs that New York is a great place to launch their business endeavor," said Assemblymember Thiele, chair of the Committee on Small Businesses. "A small business-friendly tax code would encourage the hard work and ingenuity of entrepreneurs that create countless employment opportunities for New Yorkers."

Assemblywoman Jenne impressed with work underway at Boys and Girls Club of Massena clubhouse

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne said she was very impressed when she stopped this week in Massena to take a look at the renovations at the soon to be home of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena.

The former St. Joseph's Catholic School and Social Hall now has new flooring, LED lights, new doors and painting is underway as a crew from Lavigne's Construction and volunteers continue work on the project.

Assemblywoman Jenne secured $250,000 in grant funding from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York through the community Capital Assistance program for the project.

"It has been an absolute joy working with the community that has come together to create this wonderful program and new facility to serve our children. It became clear to me very early in the planning process that the level of commitment and competence involved in this effort would ensure its complete success. My tour the other day was proof of what I knew would be the case," she said.

She said she still vividly recalls sitting at Ken MacDonnell's kitchen table with Mayor Timmy J. Currier discussing the impact a Boys and Girls Club could have on the future of Massena.

"Ken had toiled for weeks, probably months, on a 'just the basics' renovation plan. And while I felt bad when I told him that I’d rather not fund that plan, I knew he would be up to the challenge of designing a larger-scale project so the club could make as dramatic an impact as possible. They certainly met that challenge," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"Mr. MacDonnell, Mayor Currier and everyone involved in the project have given generously of their time, leveraged donations and managed the renovation with precision and perfection. I wish there was a place like this in every community, and I know the kids are going to love it," she added.

The concept of a Boys and Girls Club in Massena originated from the community's Neighborhood Watch program and dates back to 2012.

The Boys and Girls Club of Massena board closed on the purchase on Bayley Road property in January 2017.

Construction and renovation work, including a full asbestos abatement has been underway at the property since that time.

Boys and Girls Club of Massena leaders anticipate the building will be ready for use by late this spring or early this summer. The club's programs, currently being held at Jefferson Elementary School, will then be moved to the clubhouse.

Mayor Currier, who also serves as the president of the Boys and Girls Club board, said the impact this club will have on Massena and the surrounding communities is significant.

"Massena continues to be a great place to live, but in recent years we have faced some challenges in terms of the illegal drug problem that has driven the increased crime in our neighborhoods and the economic issues we face," he said.

"We believe that investing in our kids, with the proven programming that a Boys and Girls Club provides will have a positive impact on the future of Massena," according to Mayor Currier.

"As we have worked on this project, we have been blessed with broad support from citizens, businesses and various leaders," he noted.

Mayor Currier said Assemblywoman Jenne has been a strong supporter of the effort to open a Boys and Girls Club in Massena.

“Assemblywomen Jenne has been an important supporter. She recognized this community needed support to make this project happen and she stepped up in a big way to help us secure funding to purchase and renovate this building,” Mayor Currier said.

“Assemblywomen Jenne recognizes that a key part of turning Massena around is investing in our future and in our kids. Her support on this project allowed us to purchase and renovate the clubhouse,” he pointed out.

The mayor said he was very thankful for Assemblywomen Jenne’s support for the project.

"Her passion for helping kids and her strong commitment to this community is very clear. She has a long record of believing in and supporting Massena,” Mayor Currier said.

“Not only does Addie know we can turn this community around, she is here working with us and finding ways to support the programs we are implementing to move this community forward,” he added.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne discusses the renovation work currently underway at the Boys and Girls Club of Massena with Debra Ann Donatto, the Massena club's chief professional officer. Massena Mayor Timmy J. Currier, president of the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, and board Second Vice President Tim Lashomb were also part of the conversation. Greg Rycroft, a Lavigne's Construction employee, is working in the background.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Ken MacDonnell, treasurer of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena, talks to Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (center) about the decision to replace lights at the future home of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena. Mr. MacDonnell told Assemblywoman Jenne the new LED lights will translate into energy cost savings. Debra Ann Donatto, chief professional officer at the Boys and Girls of Massena, and staff member Melody Pike are shown in the background.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (l) talks with Debra Ann Donatto, chief professional officer at the Boys and Girls Club of Massena. Club Board of Directors Board of Directors officers Ken MacDonnell, treasurer, and Timmy J. Currier, president, were also part of the discussion.

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne and Massena Mayor Timmy J. Currier discuss programming plans for the soon to open Boys and Girls Club of Massena clubhouse.

Assemblywoman Jenne calls for state to make funding agriculture industry a priority

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne is calling on state officials to make funding for the agriculture industry an economic development priority in the 2017-18 budget.

"The state's agriculture industry has been a critical component of our state's economy for generations, and focused investment in our producers and our value added agribusiness has the potential to grow the economy in struggling rural areas of the state and create new jobs," she said.

Assemblywoman Jenne suggested the state - utilizing its economic development program - should make funding the agriculture industry a priority.

"We have seen the positive results that investments in the ag sector can have in the North Country in the past year with our farm-to-school pilot program. A $300,000 pilot program has been good for our producers and brought fresh, nutritious locally grown food to our school cafeterias," she noted.

The Drive to 25 Pilot Program in the 116th Assembly District increased per-meal reimbursements for schools that purchased New York farm products. The pilot program allowed schools to receive an additional 6 to 25 cents per meal to invest in locally sourced products

The program was administered by the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) and connected 16 school districts with 15 local food producers and provided fresh food to more than 21,000 students.

'This program has the potential to be a driver of the agriculture economy in the state and also serves as an educational benefit by bringing students into closer contact with the agriculture industry. It is serving as a learning opportunity that could drive future growth. It is critical we continue the cutting-edge work that has been started this year," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The assemblywoman, chair of the state Assembly's Task Force on Food, Farm & Nutrition Policy and a member of the state Assembly's Agriculture Committee, said the program could grow if the state increases its school lunch reimbursement rate from the 6 cents it has been at for the past 40 years to 25 years.

She has proposed a two-year investment of $15 million in the Assembly’s 2017-2018 budget to expand the pilot program to a large region in Northern New York and the Adirondacks.

Assemblywoman Jenne said funding is needed in a number of areas at a time when low milk prices are making dairy farming a struggle for farmers large and small. St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties are among the leading five counties in dairy production in New York State.

"We know in the North Country the important role dairy farming has played in our region since its earliest days and while the number of farms has declined - even as the size of our farms continues to grow - we know that most of our families are only a generation or two away from the farm. It is important - in an era when the source of our food has become more important - that we provide our ag industry with tools they need to continue to be successful," she added.

"I believe the state should provide dairy farmers a quality premium payment linked to meeting reductions over a three-year period in somatic cell count in fluid milk from the federally mandated 750,000/ml to 400,000/ml - the same level used in the European Union and the highest global standard," according to the assemblywoman.

She said high somatic cell counts are associated with bacterial infections in cows that result in lower yields and low quality milk. This program would operate over three years and give farmers a competitive leg up on the global dairy industry.

Assemblywoman Jenne called on the state Department of Agriculture and Markets to develop premium payments at a cost of between $50 and $100 million for farmers who reach annual targets toward the goal of reducing the statewide somatic cell count.

Her proposal calls for premium payments to go up to $3 per-hundredweight, triggered if the price per-hundredweight of milk falls more than 9 percent below the monthly milk cost-of-production (COP) calculation from the federal Department of Agriculture. Her plan calls for those payments to be phased out as the price of milk closes in on the cost of production.

Assemblywoman Jenne also noted she strongly supported several other funding initiatives that have come out of the state Assembly's Agriculture Committee. They include:

• The state should make the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) refundable in order to incentivize farm investment to meet the needs of global competition in a period of very low commodity prices and weather-related crop losses. Many farmers do not have taxable income to offset in bad years, she said.

• New York should double the agricultural minimum wage tax credit that was put into law last year in order to help offset increased labor costs on farms and allow New York farmers to better compete with farms in neighboring states.

• The budget should include a tax credit for farmers who donate to food banks - it was passed unanimously by the Assembly (A10584) in 2016 and later vetoed by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

• The state should adopt the budget funding recommendations of the Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Assemblyman William Magee for restorations for Farm Viability, Cornell programs and other local initiatives that have been significantly reduced or eliminated in the proposed 2017-18 executive budget.

• The Assembly should continue its support for the NY Farm Viability Institute, which has supported 222 completed projects over the last 12 years with an economic impact of nearly $109 million. The current budget invested $1.9 million in the program, and Assemblywoman Jenne said she believes the state should increase their funding to $2.4 million in the 2017-18 budget to ensure this program continues to support our agricultural communities.

• The Assembly should also fully fund the dairy profit team at $220,000 and support the governor’s proposal to reappropriate the remainder of last year’s funding.

• Legislation (A4772) introduced by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner that would allow insurance corporations to receive a tax credit for investing in rural business growth funds and establishing a fund dedicated to the well-being of New York Agriculture and Rural Jobs should become law.

The agricultural lands of New York's have been identified as a critical component of the state's efforts to conserve open space, protecting agricultural production, scenic areas, and vital wildlife habitats. This bill establishes a fund to help promote and sustain the economies of New York's rural communities and protect the jobs of hardworking individuals in these areas.

This bill provides an incentive for taxpayers to invest in the established fund, supporting the economic development of New York's rural lands and the state as a whole.

Assemblywoman Jenne noted a recent multi-million economic development study in St. Lawrence County demonstrated the potential for farming and agribusinesses to play a vital role in reversing the economic decline that has left many rural areas of the state struggling.

"That study, which was focused on St. Lawrence County but is a blueprint for other regions of the state, shows the potential to create jobs by diversifying the ag industry and working to increase production. We are starting to see that potential in a greenhouse operation in Jefferson County and a soybean processor working to locate a facility in St. Lawrence County. The state needs to make an investment in continuing those efforts and growing badly needed jobs in rural New York," Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.

Assembly Jenne returns to SUNY Potsdam to discuss effort to recruit more teacher education candidates

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne returned to the SUNY Potsdam campus on Thursday to continue a discussion about growing the number of students in the college's teacher education program as schools in the region, state and nation face a looming teacher shortage.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne talks with Alan Hersker, interim assistant provost and director of General Education, about steps that can be taken to strengthen the pipeline of students entering the teacher education program at SUNY Potsdam. Pictured clockwise (l-r) are Assemblywoman Jenne; Peter Brouwer, professor and chair of the Secondary Education Department; Amy Guiney, director of the Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification; Robyn Hosley, interim dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies; Nicole Conant, assistant director of the Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification; and Dr. Hersker. Missing from photo: Sabel Bong, director of the Equal Opportunity Program, and John Wicke, director of Strategic Alliances.

BOTTOM PHOTO:

SUNY Potsdam School of Education and Professional Studies presented Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne with a photograph taken during a meeting to discuss education issues with SUNY Potsdam staff and employees. Front row: Robyn Hosley, interim dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies, presents Assemblywoman Jenne with the photo. Back row (l-r):
Robyn Hosley, interim dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies; Alan Hersker, interim assistant provost and director of General Education; Nicole Conant, assistant director of the Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification; Peter Brouwer, professor and chair of the Secondary Education Department; and Amy Guiney, director of the Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Program overseeing protection of people with special needs must be more transparent center

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne says she is troubled by Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs officials hampering a state Comptroller's Office investigation into the effectiveness of a program designed to protect some of the state's most vulnerable people from mistreatment.

She said the Justice Center's refusal to turn over the necessary information for a complete audit raises even more questions about the effectiveness of the protections that are in place, both from the perspective of people with special needs and their care providers.

"It is clear transparency is missing from the process making it impossible to determine if this program is working. I share Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's concern that we need a complete audit so we know if the program is working effectively or if changes need to be made," she said.

The Justice Center's charge is to protect people with special needs from abuse, neglect and mistreatment by assuring that the state maintains the nation’s highest standards of health, safety and dignity.

A report issued by the Comptroller's Office this week said the Justice Center limited auditors' access to records and only permitted review of closed cases for abuse and neglect allegations in which charges had been substantiated.

The Comptroller's Office said the records they were allowed to review encompassed less than 8 percent of unique reported incidents between July 1, 2013 and Sept. 2, 2015.

The comptroller said auditors were unable to reach a conclusion about whether allegations of abuse and neglect against vulnerable individuals were investigated and referred to external law enforcement when appropriate.

The limited testing auditors did complete raised serious questions about whether safeguards are working to track individuals accused of and found guilty of abuse and neglect, according to the audit.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she would support Comptroller DiNapoli's request for the state legislature to amend the law and give his office explicit authority to give his office full access to review the Justice Center's records.

"It is clear the centralized approach taken by the Justice Center has had negative implications, and further, it appears a substantial number of cases may be unsubstantiated and that the system may be being abused by a small number of patients driving a high number of cases," she said.

"We clearly need a system to protect people with special needs from abuse, but we also need to be able to protect care givers from unfair allegations that have no basis in fact," according to the assemblywoman.

Local providers said they have many concerns with the current system and supported Assemblywoman Jenne's call for a full review of the Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs' operation.

"The old system worked very well and was run by professionals who met time frames, respected people and understood the context of such allegations. We have cases that have been open for years," United Helpers Chief Executive Officer Stephen E. Knight said.

It was a sentiment shared by Howard W. Ganter, executive director of the Jefferson Rehabilitation Center.

"The Justice Center was formed to provide protections and safeguards for special populations served in New York State, but I believe most providers report, safeguard, investigate and react accordingly," Mr. Ganter said.

"The process costs organizations tremendous human resources to investigate and provide reports that meet the requirements of the Justice Center," he added.

"I support all records being accessible to clearly demonstrate that the majority of investigations are unsubstantiated and changes are indicated to the system to allow resources to be put back where they belong and that is ensuring providing quality programs and services to the people we support as well as prove that agencies do their due diligence in providing the necessary protections. Having an outside organization audit their processes is necessary to accomplish this," Mr. Ganter stressed.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Nuclear power integral part of meeting state's clean energy standards goal

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne maintains a call for a moratorium on a zero-emissions credit (ZEC) program that is aimed at keeping nuclear facilities in the state operating for the next decade could be detrimental to the economy of Central and Northern New York and cause a spike in energy costs for ratepayers.

She says doing away with the zero-emissions credit could lead to the loss of 3,350 megawatts of energy generated at nuclear facilities in Oswego and Wayne counties as well as the loss of hundreds and hundreds of high-paying jobs that fuel the region's economy.

Assemblywoman Jenne said clean energy sources simply are not available to make up for that loss of energy in the short term.

She said it was unfortunate the state's Public Service Commission did not send representatives to the hearing Monday to provide members of the Assembly with the rationale that led to the establishment of the zero-emissions credit program.

"I am alarmed by the projected amount of the ZECs and think we could make strategic investments that could reduce the costs in the out years and position Central and Northern New York better to generate and sell energy, including renewables, produced in the North Country to the rest of the state," Assemblywoman Jenne noted.

The New York State Public Service Commission in August approved the Clean Energy Standard (CES), which established the goal of obtaining 50 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

A component of the CES is the 12-year zero-emissions credit program. As a result of such program, in the first two years, 2017- 2019, all New York energy consumers will pay a rate increase of $965 million to subsidize four upstate nuclear power generating units owned by the Exelon Corporation (Fitzpatrick, Ginna, and Nine Mile units 1 and 2), with rates increasing as high as 10 percent for each two-year interval through the end of program.

The hearing held on Monday was aimed at providing an opportunity for the Assembly Committees on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions; Consumer Affairs and Protection; Energy; and Environmental Conservation to explore how the commission arrived at its decision.

Committee officials said the hearing's goal was to examine alternatives to the ZEC program, such as investing in renewable energy sources and conservation, to listen to concerns from affected industries and advocates and to discuss ways for the commission to provide for more transparency and public involvement in a decision-making process that led to the subsidies for the owner of the nuclear facilities in Central New York.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she shared her colleagues' concern about the process, but she said she was equally concerned with the impact of steps the Legislature could take that could lead to the closure of the upstate nuclear plants, even though they are permitted to generate power for more than a decade.

The ZEC subsidy is expected to cost the average residential customer in New York just under $2 on their monthly energy bills. Assemblywoman Jenne said the cost of disruptions to the energy market created by the loss of the 31 percent of the energy in the state currently generated by the nuke plants would likely have a far worse impact on ratepayers.

She suggested the conversations at the committee hearing reminded her of the debate about the repeal of the Affordable Care Act currently underway in Washington, D.C.

The Assemblywoman suggested it simply didn't make sense to make a dramatic change in the state's energy policies without having the resources in place – both in production and transmission – to make up for the 24/7 power being generated at the nuclear plants.

"Do you pause or repeal without a replacement?" she asked.

She said the bridge provided by the nuclear facilities could provide the time to bring additional renewable energy producers on line and to make necessary improvements to the state's transmission and storage capabilities. She noted congestion currently limits the ability to move power generated upstate to downstate customers.

Assemblywoman Jenne also noted the elimination of the FitzPatrick plant alone would mean the loss of 600 jobs in Oswego and a major hit on local governments and schools.

She suggested instead it seemed likely the state would be looking to energy producers from out of state and Canada to provide power, and the Assemblywoman suggested much of the energy generated in state to fill the gap would likely come from natural gas or other fossil fuel facilities. The rise of hydrofracking has flooded the market with cheap fuel, which is undermining other types of energy production.

"I think we have to take a more practical approach. We are talking about a substantial amount of power. There will be an impact on energy prices and the burden on ratepayers will still be there but it will be shifted to benefit jobs in New Jersey and Canada. There will be a lot of environmental downsides as well if we don't have nuclear power," she suggested.

She indicated continued demand for hydrofracked energy and the transportation of other fossil fuels through ecologically fragile locations, including the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, could result if the nuclear facilities are closed.

When her colleagues at the committee hearing suggested downstate ratepayers were being asked to pay for power that only serves customers in upstate New York, Assemblywoman Jenne reminded her colleagues from downstate that there was a reason the plants were located in Central New York.

"The fact is they were sited there because we are rural. People didn't want them in more populated areas. They put them in places that were desperate for good-paying jobs," she said, noting the nuclear power plants were built and initially owned by New York State.

Testimony at the hearing was provided by advocates for environmental groups; local government and school district officials from Oswego and Wayne counties, the town of Scriba and the city of Oswego; a former 14-term state assembly member from downstate opposed to the tax credits; labor leaders and the director of the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG).

IN THE PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne questions Blair Horner, executtive director for NYPIRG, during an Assembly hearing on the zero-emissions credit program.

Assemblywoman Jenne joins fellow lawmakers in opposing repeal of Foundation Aid formula

Assemblywoman Addie A. E. Jenne, D-Theresa,  joined a number of other state lawmakers Thursday outside the Senate lobby to demand the state fully fund the $4.3 billion it owes the poorest school districts in the state, including many in the North Country.

The assemblywoman was one of 92 state legislators signing a letter opposing a proposal in the executive budget that calls for the repeal of the Foundation Aid formula.

"While the executive budget has taken a critical step forward by calling for the elimination of the harmful and arbitrary floor in the Income Wealth Index, the spending plan takes several steps backwards by including a provision to stall Foundation Aid increases at 2017-2018 levels," she said.

"While I will be the first to agree that the Foundation Aid formula could be altered to be more equitable and drive more money to North Country schools, the executive's budget proposal is devastating for our schools," Assemblywoman Jenne charged.

"Scrapping the Foundation Aid formula altogether for what amounts to a cost of living adjustment does nothing to repay our schools for all the lost resources from chronic underfunding and the Gap Elimination Adjustment," she argued.

Assemblywoman Jenne said Foundation Aid is a critical resource for most of the schools in the 116th Assembly District and the rest of the North Country.

"Taking a look at the schools located within my district, which includes a high percentage of high-needs school districts, the governor has proposed a Foundation Aid funding increase that is nearly $4.5 million less than last year’s," she said.

"In many cases high-needs districts like those in the North Country are struggling to provide a basic education, and they cannot afford a drop in state support," according to Assemblywoman Jenne.

"In an era when the gap in per-pupil spending between rich and poor students has risen to $10,000, this reduction in state funding is a slap in the face to the students, parents, teachers and communities who can afford it least," she added.

The Foundation Aid formula was enacted in response to the 2006 Campaign for Fiscal Equity Court of Appeals decision, which found that the state was violating students’ constitutional right to a 'sound basic education,'" according to a release from the Alliance for Quality Education.

However, in the decade since the CFE lawsuit, the Foundation Aid formula has been perpetually underfunded by New York State, and Governor Cuomo’s 2017 executive budget proposal repeals the Foundation Aid formula completely. The New York State Board of Regents says New York State public schools are owed $4.3 billion in Foundation Aid, according to the AQE release.

"New York State has a proud tradition of educational excellence that is under threat at a time when we can least afford to let our students down. During this period of radical economic transition that has seen manufacturing jobs replaced by service sector and information technology jobs, it is imperative for us to ensure New York’s children are given a competitive edge that starts on their first day of school," Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.

The lawmakers were joined at Thursday's event by representatives from the Alliance for Quality Education, Citizen Action of New York and the League of Women Voters of New York State.

IN THE PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (front row, far left) takes part in an event Thursday morning at the state capitol calling for the state to fully fund the state's poorest school districts.

Assemblywoman Jenne chats with Claxton-Hepburn officials in Albany

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne hosted Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center officials in Albany this week to discuss health care issues in the state. Pictured clockwise from top are Assemblywoman Jenne, Claxton-Hepburn board members Russell Strait and Maureen Missert, Claxton-Hepburn Chief Executive Officer Nate Howell and Claxton-Hepburn Community Relations and Planning Executive Director Laura Shea.

Assemblywoman Jenne talks food pantry issues with Food Bank reps

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne Addie met with Food Bank of Central New York representatives Becky Lare and Liz Campbell Wednesday in Albany to discuss their legislative priorities. Assemblywoman Jenne has secured funding for the Food Bank in each of the past several years. The Food Bank supplies food pantries throughout the North Country.

Property tax relief bill co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Jenne passes state Assembly

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne announced legislation (A.5969) she co-sponsored to return the administration of the state’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program passed the state Assembly Wednesday afternoon by a unanimous 124-0 vote.

The legislation would reverse the changes made last year when the administration of the program was turned over to the state's Department of Taxation and Finance.

Before last year, all eligible homeowners saw an annual 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.

Homeowners with existing STAR exemptions are continuing to receive the exemption and for the Enhanced STAR exemption when eligible. But new applicants - those who purchased their homes after Aug. 1, 2015 - are now required to seek a credit issued in the form of a check.

Last year's state budget resulted in the changes in the administration of the STAR system that saw new property owners getting checks in the mail rather than simply having the amount covered by their exemption removed from their school tax bill.

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.

"When we made the change, we were assured the shift would make the program more efficient and effective and provide mandate relief. It is clear that did not happen. The change took a program that was easing the burden on property owners in the state and turned it into a nightmare," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"Proposals to add the administration of the Enhanced STAR program to the state's Department of Taxation and Finance in the coming year would only add to the challenges we have seen in the past year and would place an undue and unnecessary burden of our state's senior members," she added.

"Our seniors in many, many cases rely on the assistance of the local assessor in registering and recertifying to earn the benefits of the Enhanced STAR program they are eligible to receive. Many would struggle to get or maintain the benefits they have earned if administration of the program is moved to the state," Assemblywoman Jenne.

The assemblywoman, who has been voicing her concerns about the STAR program since the beginning of session, said her vote to sunset the STAR credit program and reopen the STAR Exemption program to new applicants came following concerns she has heard from constituents and local assessors over the past several months.

The STAR Exemption program, which provides an immediate reduction in property owners' tax liability, is the most convenient form of real property tax relief in that it provides the relief upfront.

"I know property owners in the North Country that were impacted by the change to the STAR credit program in year one didn't receive their tax rebate checks until weeks and weeks and in most cases months after their school tax bills were due. The Department of Taxation and Finance has been unable to provide any assurances that will change down the road," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"This puts the heaviest burden on our young families, elderly and low-income home owners who already face economic challenges in the North Country and are among those hit hardest when they have to pay their tax bills out of pocket before receiving their rebate checks," she said.

Michael Ward, assessor for the towns of Massena, Norfolk and Clifton in St. Lawrence County, praised the assembly bill calling for the STAR program to be returned to the administrative structure that had been followed since it was initiated in 1998 until last year.

"The process used last year was horrible. The taxpayers were angry, and the assessors were constantly under fire from people looking for checks. It was a complete mess," he said.

"Everything worked well in the past. The assessors communicate with each other and find duplicates, if they exist. If there is an error, it is easily corrected and the homeowner receives a corrected bill quickly," Mr. Ward added.

He said he had seen first hand the challenges the new system placed on property owners in the communities he serves.

"My worst experience was an 85-year-old woman whose Enhanced STAR had been removed in error by the previous assessor. Normally I would have been able to correct this and get her a new bill with her STAR savings within a week," according to Mr. Ward.

He said Department of Taxation and Finance was unable to make the immediate correction and indicated they considered her a new STAR recipient meaning she was not be eligible for the STAR exemption on her school tax bill and was placed in the new program requiring her to wait months for a rebate check.

"This long-time property owner, through no fault of her own, was forced to borrow money from her daughter to pay her school tax bill this year. Her check didn't come until December and that was after phone calls were made to Tax and Finance from my office, staff at our county's Real Property Tax Office and even the director of that office," Mr. Ward said.

Assemblywoman Jenne listens to concerns from North Country Library Systems during Albany session

North Country Library System representatives shared their legislative priorities during a meeting with Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne on Wednesday in Albany.

Assemblywoman Jenne meets in Albany with Samaritan Medical Center reps

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne met with representatives of the Samaritan Medical Center, including President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Carman, Wednesday morning in Albany to discuss health care issues in the North Country.