Assemblywoman Jenne: Omnibus bill protects North Country interests

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne has announced the state Assembly passed legislation early Thursday morning that will make available up to $45 million for repairs caused by flood damage on the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

The bill also grants St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties the permission they needed from the state legislature to extend revenue enhancers.

"We had taken action on these items earlier this year, but we returned to Albany on Wednesday to pass a bill with language that would gain the necessary support of our partners in state government necessary for the legislation to be signed into law," Assemblywonan Jenne said.

"I look forward to the state Senate adopting this legislation so local governments have control over their revenue and money can be made available to those who have suffered flood damage in Western, Central and Northern New York," she stressed.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the legislation that passed the state Assembly covered a number of areas, and she said she was pleased it included language critical to the needs of the North Country.

"I came back to Albany this week to fight to make sure we reached an agreement so St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties would have the revenue extenders they need to support their budgets and so flood relief monies could start flowing to homeowners, businesses and municipalities on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River that have suffered damage as a result of the extraordinarily high water levels. Both those goals were met by this legislation," she said.

"The legislation includes a three-year extension on the revenue extenders for counties. That is clearly a step in the right direction. It was critical to get this settled before our county officials begin their budget talks for the coming year. Our failure to act could have led to unnecessary property tax increases to make up for the lost revenue," Assemblywoman Jenne noted.

"It was also important for us to guarantee relief is available flood victims. The funding in the legislation we approved Thursday represents a compromise with the executive from the funding level the assembly and state senate had previously agreed on, but it will still be beneficial for businesses, homeowners and seasonal property owners with incomes under $275,000," she stressed.

The amended Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway flood recovery and International Joint Commission Plan 2014 mitigation grant program allocates up to $15 million for repairs to businesses and not for profits suffering flood damage between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31, up to $15 million for property owners suffering flood damage to their properties and up to $15 million for infrastructure repairs for municipalities that suffered damages from the flooding on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River as well funding local government flood mitigation or flood control projects in the impacted area.

The $45 million package adopted by the state Assembly is in addition to the $22 million Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has previously allocated to the flood relief effort,

Assemblywoman Jenne’s bill to modify in-service death benefit for veteran correction officers heads to governor

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, announced that legislation she authored to ensure corrections officers and their families are given the pension benefits they have earned has passed the Assembly (A.5133).

“Correction officers put their lives on the line every day, ensuring the safety of inmates as well as their fellow officers,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.

“It’s an extremely difficult and dangerous job. Correction officers give so much to help keep our communities safe, and we must make sure they receive the death benefit protections they deserve and have earned for their invaluable service,” she said.

The bill would ensure that the families of correction officers can collect the full pension amount upon their passing.

Current law penalizes the families of correction officers working past their initial potential retirement date at the time of their death, according to Assemblywoman Jenne.

This measure remedies this discrepancy so that correction officers are considered retired when they pass away on the job.

Assemblywoman Jenne has been a strong advocate for the profession and has helped increase protections for North Country correction workers.

The North Country hosts state correctional facilities in Watertown, Cape Vincent, Gouverneur and two in Ogdensburg.

The bill has the support of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), with whom she met with to discuss the measure and other issues. The measure will impact approximately 3,200 employees of the Department of Corrections and Community Services.

“Losing a loved one is already extremely difficult. This legislation was simply the right thing to do. It made absolutely no sense to penalize the families of veteran correctional officers willing to continue working past their potential retirement dates. Our prisons benefit from having that experience inside the walls," according to the assemblywoman.

“Penalizing brokenhearted families in their time of loss is unconscionable. These men and women worked hard for their benefits, and their families shouldn’t be shortchanged,” Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.

Assemblywoman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay), who worked for the Department of Corrections and Community Services before being elected to the state Assembly in November, praised Assemblywoman Jenne for leading the effort to protect veteran correction officers.

“As a former correction officer, I’ve seen firsthand just how difficult the duties of this job are. Every day, correction officers risk their lives to protect our communities. Their families deserve to be protected too if their loved one dies while still on the job. I commend Assemblywoman Jenne and our colleagues in the state Senate for their work on this legislation,” he said.

The legislation has also passed the state Senate and now heads to the governor's desk for his approval.

NYSCOPBA President Michael B. Powers said the legislation was important for the state's correction officers and sergeants.

"On behalf of the members of NYSCOPBA, I would like to thank Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblywoman Addie Jenne for recognizing the need for this critical legislation," he said.

"Working without adequate death benefit protections for their loved ones places an even greater stress upon the men and women of NYSCOPBA working in our state’s prisons. With this legislation, retirement eligible, correctional officers and sergeants are now one step closer to knowing that their hard earned and well-deserved pensions will remain with their beneficiaries in the event of an untimely death," he added.

"NYSCOPBA applauds the efforts of the Assembly, specifically Assemblywoman Jenne and her staff, and we now call upon Governor Cuomo to sign this important piece of legislation into law," Mr. Powers said.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Legislation investing in America’s manufacturing industry passes state Assembly

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, says legislation she supported to strengthen both the state and national iron and steel manufacturing industries (A.8427-A) passed the state Assembly in a Wednesday vote.

She said the the New York State Buy American Act takes into account trade the trade relationships with Canada to help ensure the North Country economy is protected.

“The United States and our North Country economies were built on manufacturing, and while times have changed the need for these industries has not. We must ensure that American manufacturers – especially in New York – can continue to thrive and create good-paying jobs,” she said.

The bill requires that certain state agency contracts use American-made iron and steel on road surface and bridge works when the project exceeds $1 million. The bill ensures tha taxpayers money is reinvested here at home.

The bill is cognizant of valuable trade ties with Canada, a large and beneficial factor in the North Country economy, Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.

Changes to the original bill were made, including establishing a workgroup with members appointed by the governor, Senate and Assembly to analyze and determine the impact the act will have on reciprocal international trade agreements.

“While reinforcing American industries is a great step toward a prosperous future, remembering the mutually beneficial ties we have across the border is just as important. This measure boosts manufacturing here while protecting our important trade relationships with our friends and neighbors to the north.”

The North Country has seen the loss of several hundred manufacturing jobs over the past few decades, and American manufacturing jobs have declined by 5 million since the year 2000.

The New York Buy American Act requires that contracts over $1 million awarded by the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Office of General Services (OGS), the Dormitory Authority (DASNY), the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the Bridge Authority, the Thruway Authority and the State University of New York (SUNY) Construction Fund, for the construction or reconstruction of surface roads and bridges, utilize American steel and iron unless certain conditions justify an exemption.

By supporting state and national manufacturers, the bill ensures that taxpayer-funded projects reinvest in our economy to create more decent- paying jobs.

The workgroup will also study the possible expansion of the act to include other American-made products such as cement, concrete and aluminum, as well as report on the act’s impact on the capital plans of the DOT, MTA and Thruway Authority.

'This legislation is a good step in offering protections to manufacturers in this country so our state dollars are supporting manufacturing jobs here in the North Country, New York State and around the United States," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"It is clearly critical for the health of our economy and our national security to ensure we continue to have these important manufacturing jobs in New York State while taking into account the unique relationships and partnerships we have with Canadian businesses and manufacturers," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Ronald P. McDougall, president of the Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence Counties Central Trades and Labor Council, AFL-CIO, praised the state Assembly for passing the legislation.

"It is certainly a start that is very important to our economy. We have a major union employer in the community where I serve as mayor, and this could be a real good thing for Cives Steel, a major employer in Gouverneur. It also offers an opportunity for other positive ramifications," Mr. McDougall said.

Assemblywoman Jenne supports legislation offering more protection for volunteer firefighters

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, helped pass legislation (A.711-B) Tuesday that would provide volunteer firefighters who develop certain forms of cancer with enhanced disability benefits.

"This legislation is long overdue. We know our volunteer firefighters are being exposed to more and more chemicals when they enter burning buildings due to changes in building materials and furniture. We have a moral obligation to offer protections to the brave men and women who risk their lives to answer the fire calls, as well to ensure their families are protected when they respond to a fire scene," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"The vast majority of our communities in the North Country simply don’t have the financial resources necessary to respond to emergencies without the selfless service of our volunteers. This legislation is another no-brainer, offering increased protections to our volunteers, and I'm proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it," she added.

A series of studies conducted over the last several years found that firefighters have an increased rate of cancer. When a firefighter responds to an interior fire, there are often carcinogens
burning in that fire. These carcinogens come from the burning of everyday products.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the legislation was necessary because there are currently no adequate protections to compensate volunteer firefighters for a risk that studies have shown exist solely because of their willingness to volunteer as interior firefighters in an effort to save lives and property in their communities.

The gap coverage disability benefit will help volunteer firefighters offset some of the expenses that are linked to battling serious forms of cancer, she noted.

'We have to do better for our volunteer firefighters. We can not and should not force our volunteers to incur large out-of-pocket expenses when they are being treated for cancers that can be tied to their service," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The benefit is limited to volunteers who have served for at least five years as an interior fire-fighter and have been diagnosed with an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in any part of the body or a malignant growth or tumor affecting the lymphatic or hematological, digestive, urinary, prostate, neurological, breast or reproductive systems or melanoma.

The volunteer would be eligible for a lump sum payment between $6,250 and $25,000, depending on severity. This amount may be drawn from a pool of $50,000, which is available if there is more than one cancer diagnosis over the volunteer firefighters' lifetime.

The bill would also provide a volunteer firefighter that is totally disabled a monthly benefit of
$1,500 payable for up to 36 consecutive months. A volunteer firefighter's family would be eligible for an accidental death benefit in the amount of $50,000.

The legislation also passed the state Senate this week and now moves to the governor's desk for his approval.

"I see and hear about the great work our volunteer firefighters do on a regular basis, and I have been pleased to be able to support several pieces of legislation over the past few years that offer necessary protections to these brave men and women," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Legislation to assist flood victims passes assembly; measure also approved by senate

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, announced  legislation (A.8013-A) she co-sponsored to establish a flood recovery and mitigation grant program to help those recovering from the recent flooding along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway passed the Assembly Monday.
 
“We have seen the damage flood waters have had inflicted on homes, businesses and municipal facilities on the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River this spring," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"I have seen first hand some of that damage in the River District and spent time working with volunteers and National Guard members  to fill sandbags in Chaumont. This legislation is absolutely vital to combat rising water levels and the damages they can cause to surrounding communities. I will continue advocating for more proactive legislation that helps curb the impact of flooding in the North Country,” she added.

The legislation would establish a $90 million flood recovery grant program to help communities rebuild after flooding. The program allocates up to $15 million for homeowners, $25 million for businesses, farms and nonprofits and $25 million for local municipalities. 

The legislation also allocates $15 million for flood mitigation activities to help prevent future flooding and $10 million in disaster relief for municipalities still recovering from the impact of a previous natural disaster. Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties are both eligible to receive funding.

"This year's flooding has demonstrated the need to allocate more funding for shoreline stabilization efforts on the shores of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.  The legislation I cosponsored program that I cosponsored would assist communities to do just that," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The bill would also establish an interagency response to assist in the allocation and distribution of state and federal resources and develop a comprehensive multi-agency flood response plan to respond to future water level increases that may occur.

To support homeowners who face costly and substantial repairs to their properties after flooding, the bill authorizes a reduced property tax assessment as well as a state deduction in income tax for those who use a distribution from an eligible retirement plan to aid in restoration efforts.

The measure also passed the state Senate on Monday and now will be sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo.          
 

Assemblywoman Jenne honors Potsdam baseball team for state playoff success

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne honored members of the Potsdam Senior High School varsity baseball team with certificates of merit for a season that ended with a trip to the New York State Class C championship game in Binghamton. Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne was in Albany on Monday. A member of her staff, Ryne R. Martin, handed out the certificates of merit to team members and their coaches at Monday night's baseball banquet at the Potsdam Elks BPOE 2074. The team was congratulated for advancing to their first appearance in a state baseball championship game in school history. The Sandstoners were recognized for winning the Section 10 Class C title with wins over St. Lawrence Central and Norwood-Norfolk and advancing to the state championship game with wins over Ticonderoga and Cooperstown in the state playoffs. Potsdam downed Cooperstown 6-2 in the state semis before surrendering five runs in the first inning in a 7-3 loss to North Salem in the state title game. The Sandstoners had two just two seniors, Mr. Keleher and Mr. Besaw, on their roster this season. Pictured are, front row (l-r): Mike Bunstone, Liam Hourihan, Andrew Vallance and Sylvain Foisy. Second row: David Lucht, Aaron Besaw Jr. getting his certificate from Mr. Martin, Keller McGowan and Teddy Rice. Third row: Coach Chris Donah, Zach Woods, Gage Yette, Donald Johnson, James Robinson, Assistant Coach Tony Woods and Assistant Coach Blake Sharlow. Missing from photo: Jacob Keleher and Jacob Pittman.

Assemblywoman Jenne says time is right to make common sense changes to benefit responsible UTV and ATV riders

I continue to work to move common sense legislation through the state Assembly aimed at improving access for recreation for UTV and ATV users. Here is an update on my work this year:

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Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, has worked for years with a broad coalition of stakeholders from across New York State, representing diverse views, in an effort to address requests to legalize side-by-sides, provide additional tools for law enforcement efforts, address public and private property damage by all-terrain vehicles, and address environmental concerns and trail development. 

Currently, state residents are not able to register Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs), commonly known as side-by-sides, weighing over 1,000 pounds, which are often easier for families, people with disabilities and more mature all terrain vehicle users. They are also widely used for agricultural activities. 

Assemblywoman Jenne has made amendments to the most recent draft of her legislation, with the aim of making progress on areas of agreement and avoiding getting bogged down in policy areas where there is not widespread agreement. The assemblywoman hopes to see more stakeholders will accept her invitation to engage in the future on this issue. 

Along with providing the ability to register and legally use ATVs and UT’s weighing up to 1,500 pounds, Assemblywoman Jenne’s legislation addresses many longstanding concerns of stakeholders. 

The legislation provides for the impounding of ATVs and UTVs by law enforcement when justified, revenue for law enforcement agencies to help with enforcement efforts, restoration funds to address damage to private lands and directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to adopt strict air emissions standards for ATVs and UTVs. 

The legislation also increases registration fees and establishes private landowner tax credits to support trail development and maintenance to minimize the need for on road use. Assemblywoman Jenne has ensured prohibitions against drunk or impaired ATV use is explicitly included in the legislation. While the legislation continues to be revised and improved, the protection of state lands is of critical concern to the assemblywoman, and she continues to seek the input of organizations and individuals working to secure that goal. 

The evolution of the assemblywoman’s legislation over the past several years clearly reflects her willingness to address concerns and reflect the views of all sides of this policy area. New Yorkers have waited long enough for the implementation of these basic provisions that are necessary for responsible riding, law enforcement efforts and the protection of our environment and rights of private property owners. We need to adopt these common sense provisions and not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. 

Assemblywoman Jenne works to help local small business

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne says a bill she sponsored to grant a Watertown restauranteur an exemption to continue to operate with a liquor license even though they are within 200 feet of a church.

New York State's Alcoholic Beverage Control Law dictates no retail license for on-premises consumption will be granted to any premises within 200 feet of a building occupied exclusively as a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship.

Assemblywoman Jenne said Cavallario's Cucina had moved the main entrance from the front to the side of its 133 North Massey Street location to accommodate a handicap entrance when it renovated an 1800's circa home into the restaurant in the late 1990s.

She said the side entrance is just 185 feet from the Grace Wesleyan Church, and the state Liquor Authority had informed the restaurant's owners earlier this year they would be revoking their liquor license reportedly receiving a complaint Cavallario's Cucina was in violation of the 200-foot rule.

"Mr. Cavallario reached out to our office to ask for assistance and it became clear after looking into the issue that the restaurant and the church were good neighbors, and Cavallario's Cucina was deserving of an exemption," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"I understand the logic of the law. Bars and churches typically aren't ideal neighbors. But businesses like Cavallario's are in the food business, not the bar business, and the restaurant and church have been good neighbors for two decades. I am pleased to be able to assist a local small business work its way through a sometimes complex regulatory environment," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

She noted the church had also provided a letter noting they had not filed the complaint against the restaurant.

"Grace Wesleyan has not filed the complaint and has not raised any complaints against Cavallario's Cucina restaurant. Since their establishment, Cavallario's Cucina (have) been excellent neighbors to us," Pastor Ben Mackey wrote.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the extension legislation that passed the state Assembly Tuesday was a common sense solution to resolving a technicality that had the potential to seriously impact a local business.

"Locally owned restaurants are important businesses in our communities, and they create jobs. It's not an easy business, and I was pleased to be able to work with the restaurant's owners to overcome a potential impediment to their success in Watertown," she noted.

The measure is carried in the state Senate by Senator Patty Ritchie.

Peter Cavallario, who operates the family-owned restaurant with his wife, Brenda, said he was deeply appreciative of the support he had received from his state representatives.

"This could have been a big blow to our business if we had lost our liquor license. To have Addie and Patty both going to bat for local people was amazing. Both of them have big hearts for the North Country and local independent operators. Addie Jenne and Patty Ritchie do a fabulous job for the North Country," he said.

Assemblywoman Jenne fights to protect women's reproductive health decision making options

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, announced she helped pass legislation that would bar employers from discriminating against an employee on the basis of the individual's or their dependent's reproductive health decision making (A.566-A).

Known as the "Boss Bill," this measure would prohibit employers from accessing an employee's personal information regarding reproductive health or imposing any requirements that would obstruct an employee's ability to exercise their right to make these decisions and access related medical services.

This legislation has been passed by the state Assembly in recent years, but efforts to gain the support of the state Senate have not yet been successful, Assemblywoman Jenne noted.

"This bill takes on even more importance this year as changes at the federal level, including the possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act, threaten the positive strides that have been made to give women the right to make their own health care decisions and reproductive care choices," she said.

"This legislation is aimed at making sure women in New York State have control over their own bodies and health care decisions without government or their employer attacking their constitutional rights," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"Unfortunately, actions being taken in other states show that it’s necessary to stand up and take steps to ensure women in New York State remain in control of their reproductive choices. I will continue to fight to make sure women in the North Country and around the state maintain their constitutional rights to privacy and freedom over their reproductive health choices," she said.

The bill would also take steps to ensure that employees are notified of their right to freely exercise their reproductive health choices and provides for remedies and penalties for employers who violate these rights.

"Women in New York State need to know that there are laws in place to guarantee that an employer cannot retaliate against them because they or their dependent accessed care related to pregnancy, family planning or any reproductive health service," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Despite the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, women face numerous challenges in exercising their constitutionally protected right to make reproductive health decisions over their own bodies.

The most recent efforts to block this cornerstone of women's equality have sought to limit access to the health services and contraceptive devices that women and families have come to rely on for family planning needs. By prohibiting workplace discrimination and outlawing retaliation against employees, this legislation would continue New York's commitment to defending reproductive choice.

Assembly supports Assemblywoman Jenne's bill to extend three-rod fishing regulation

The New York State Assembly recently passed legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne that allows anglers to have three lines in the water when they are fishing in freshwater rivers, lakes, streams and ponds.

The bill will extend for another two years the legislation that allows the three-rod rule.

Assemblywoman Jenne noted her district stretches from Henderson Harbor on Lake Ontario to Massena on the St. Lawrence River and includes a number of tributaries that flow into those major waterways.

She pointed out fishing is an important recreational activity on those waterways and also is an important tool that attracts tourists from around the United States and Canada as well as from around the world.

"The three-rod rule is an effort to favorably impact the fishing experience. We all know catching a fish enhances angler satisfaction more than any other factor and is critical in making sure return visits are made to New York fisheries," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"Those return visits to the fishery are a boon to local economies, resulting in more money spent locally for fuel, food, lodging and excursions. A nice catch after spending hours on the water or battling mosquitoes and black flies on shore also makes the experience a lot more fun," she noted.

"This three-rod rule is designed to favorably impact the fishing experience by increasing the probability of catching a fish. Obviously, the three-rod rule will not guarantee that people catch more fish, but it will increase the odds," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

She noted the three-rod rule benefits everyone from weekend warriors and fishing charters in the North Country to vacationers and retirees who just enjoy spending time with a fishing rod in the water.

Assemblywoman Jenne said it is critical to note the three-rod rule will not exploit the fishery since catch limits would remain in effect. She said three-rod rule is already law in Michigan and New Jersey, and both states have seen a favorable impact on recreational fishing in their states.

The assemblywoman initially led the effort to change legislation to three poles in the assembly in 2011 and has led the effort for the two-year extenders in the state Assembly in 2013, 2015 and again this year.

Assemblywoman Jenne cosponsors campaign finance reform bill that passes state Assembly

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne has cosponsored legislation (A1926) that would bring more transparency to the political campaign contributions in the state.

The legislation would make Limited Liability Companies subject to the existing contribution limits for corporations. This bill would also increase transparency by requiring disclosure of the identity of individuals with membership interests in LLCs.

“This legislation is designed to make political campaigns more transparent," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"We have passed this legislation in the past, and I would urge our colleagues in the senate to join us in passing this common sense campaign finance reform measure," she added.

"We have all seen the role big money and special interests have played in buying access and influence. It is simply unacceptable. North Country residents - and residents around the state - need campaign contributions to be open and transparent so they fully understand the players in the electoral process," according to Assemblywoman Jenne.

"By closing this loophole, we will be able to limit big spenders who try to circumvent campaign finance laws, take big money out of politics and ensure everyone plays by the same rules,” Assemblywoman Jenne noted.

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

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

Assemblywoman Jenne said the Federal Election Commission treats LLCs as corporations or partnerships rather than individuals for campaign finance purposes. She noted provisions included in the legislation she cosponsored that passed in the state Assembly Monday would require LLCs to follow the same regulations that already apply to corporations under New York law.

She reiterated the legislation would increase transparency by requiring disclosure of the identity of individuals with membership interests in LLC and would ensure the loophole is fully closed by attributing LLC contributions to each LLC member in a manner similar to that provided for under current law for partnerships.

"This is simply an effort to clarify election law and close an egregious loophole that has allowed certain individuals to have far greater power in the electoral process than the average New Yorker. This legislation is aimed at leveling the playing field," Assemblywoman Jenne stressed.

Assemblywoman Jenne cosponsors Child Marriage Law that passed assembly

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne announced that legislation she cosponsored to outlaw child marriages in New York State by raising the minimum age for marriage to 18 – or 17 with judicial consent (A.5524-B) - passed the state Assembly on Thursday.

"This is simple common sense. If a teenager isn’t old enough to have a credit card, sign a lease for housing or hire an attorney, it makes no sense for that same teen to be permitted to enter a marriage contract," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"The time has come to make our marriage law consistent with criminal law and contract law," she stressed.

The Assembly’s legislation takes critical steps by abolishing any possibility of marriage for 14-, 15- and 16-year-olds. It would require court approval, pursuant to specified guidelines, under which a judge must consider specific factors, such as the existence of any undue power imbalance and the existence of domestic violence, prior to permitting a 17-year-old to marry.

Shockingly, child marriage is not an uncommon occurrence, according to Assemblywoman Jenne. Between 2000 and 2010, nearly 3,900 child marriages took place in New York and, of those, 40 involved 14- and 15-year-olds.

Nearly 85 percent of those marriages involved minor females marrying adult males.

The Health Department indicated between 2010 and 2014 there were 25 marriages in Jefferson County and 10 marriages in St. Lawrence County with a spouse under 18 years of age.

Assemblywoman Jenne said the legislation she cosponsored also addresses concerns about forced marriages of young teens.

Coercion, bullying, ostracism and beatings have sometimes been used to force children to marry against their will.

These types of marriages come with a host of known issues and can have a lifetime of consequences. Females who marry as children may have fewer opportunities to pursue an education.

In addition, young women who are married before 18 are three times more likely to be beaten by their spouse than women who marry at 21 or older. Most domestic violence shelters cannot accept unaccompanied minors under the age of 18, potentially trapping children in violent situations, Assemblywoman Jenne said.

A survey by the Tahirih Justice Center identified 3,000 known or suspected cases of forced marriage in the United States between 2009 to 2011, many of which involved girls under age 18.

Child advocates say in those cases parents often force their children into marriages, citing reasons such as protecting "family honor," controlling the child's behavior and/or sexuality, and enhancing the family's status.

"This is a human rights issue. We know that marriage by a person under the age of 18 undermines health, education and economic opportunities and increases their likelihood of experiencing violence. The state should not be sanctioning a practice that we know makes it less likely a student will complete their schooling and more likely they will live in poverty," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"The statistics show us many of these marriages are between young females and much older men. There's a balance of power issue since the young teenager is unable to legally sign a contract with an attorney even though judicial intervention is necessary to end a marriage. We also know these balance of power issues can contribute to domestic violence issues as well," according to the assemblywoman.

Assemblywoman Jenne said it is well past time to change the archaic law that currently remains on the books in New York State.

The mother of two children said parents should do everything they can to protect their children and give them the best life possible.

She said a major focus of her work in Albany is fighting to ensure children in the North Country and around the state get a get a good education, have a safe place to live and never go hungry.

"The legislation we passed in the Assembly today is part of that same fight. Child marriage is wrong and goes against everything we do to give children an opportunity for a bright future. It has to end now," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Assembly passes Child Sex Act legislation

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne announced that the Assembly passed legislation Wednesday to ensure victims of childhood sexual abuse have the opportunity to bring charges against their abusers in a court of law (A.5885-A).

The Child Victims Act extends the civil and the criminal statute of limitations and also creates a one-year “window” in which past victims will be able to seek justice in court.

"I know victims of childhood sexual abuse carry the trauma and pain with them for the rest of their lives. That’s why we must do all we can to empower victims, allow them more time to seek justice and help them move on with their lives. The time for talk is over. Failure to pass this law is inexcusable,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.

With over 63,000 children sexually abused each year– and that’s just the number of cases that are actually reported – it’s imperative that victims have the support they need to recover and hold perpetrators accountable, according to Assemblywoman Jenne.

Childhood sexual abuse can leave lifelong scars. Victims are more likely to struggle with drug abuse, experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suffer with severe depression.

The Assembly bill would amend the criminal procedure law by adding five additional years for criminal charges to be brought – starting the clock at age 23, rather than at age 18 – as well as pushing back the statute of limitations to permit civil actions to be brought up until the victim’s 50th birthday.

The measure also creates a one-year window for past sexual abuse victims to commence a civil action. Most importantly, this one-year window would permit courts to consider claims by victims which were previously dismissed or were not brought at all due to the limitations previously contained in the law.

In addition, the Child Victims Act would treat public and private entities equally by removing the current notice of claim requirement for public entities. Under current law, an individual who plans to sue a public entity must notify the entity of the intent to do so within 90 days.

The legislation would also:

· require judges to undergo additional training for cases involving the sexual abuse of minors; and

· give these revived civil cases a trial preference so they are more rapidly moved forward in court. This recognizes that in many instances, these victims have already had to wait for years to be able to seek justice.

“It is time to change our laws to reflect the fact that victims often take years to come to terms with what happened to them and disclose their past abuse. We need to give child sex abuse victims the time they need before they are ready to hold their abusers accountable. It's important to their healing process, but it can't happen until they are ready. It’s now time for the Senate to help ensure justice is always served and join us in passing this crucial legislation,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Bill boosting benefits for volunteer firefighters, rescue squad crews passes Assembly

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne says the state Assembly has passed legislation (A6367 ) she cosponsored that would increase disability payments for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers injured in the line of duty.

"I've spent a lot of time in volunteer fire halls and interact with volunteer firefighters and those staffing our local rescue squads. I have heard first hand the time and effort they dedicate to safe practices," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"But despite years of experience and improvements in technology, the work they do is still dangerous and injuries do occur. Sometimes, unfortunately, those injuries are severe and cause temporary or total permanent disabilities," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"It is important that we support our volunteers and have their backs when they leave the safety of their homes to assist their neighbors in a time of crisis. The benefits haven't been updated in a decade, and this legislation is necessary so our volunteers aren't financially disadvantaged because they can't work due to injuries they suffered while providing a vital community service," she added.

This legislation updates and modernizes certain provisions of law relating to emergency service workers and is is aimed at more accurately reflecting current emergency response practices and updating the law for volunteers into greater parity with other segments of the response community.

The bill would amend the volunteer firefighters' and volunteer ambulance workers' benefit laws to provide a weekly benefit of $650 for volunteers that sustain total permanent disability or partial permanent disability while in the line of duty.

The measure passed the state Assembly by a 109-0 margin and is awaiting action (S3904) in the state Senate.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

A photo from the Massena Volunteer Fire Department's Facebook page.

BOTTOM PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne chats with Massena Volunteer Fire Department volunteer Patrick O'Brien during an open house at the Boys and Girls Club of Massena. The fire department had its ladder truck at the event and was offering demonstrations of their equipment.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Rides-hailing law will make North Country roads safer

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne said a bill she cosponsored that would allow ride-hailing to start 10 days earlier than originally included in the 2017-18 budget has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

"The language included in the state budget made ride-hailing services legal upstate in mid-July. It’s simply common sense to move the start date up so people can use this service over the Fourth of July holiday," she said.

"We know July 4th is all too often marred by alcohol-related accidents. It is my hope that people will use ride-hailing services to get home safely from their celebrations, instead of getting behind the wheel themselves after they’ve been drinking. Moving the start date up by just over a week, to June 29, will make our North Country roadways safer and has the potential to save lives," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft offer a convenient, predictable transportation option. They allow customers to know the price beforehand and pay digitally so they never have to worry about having enough cash on hand.

Moreover, ride-hailing apps can provide vital peace of mind – residents and visitors alike can enjoy a night out and be assured that they can get home safely and avoid drunk driving. By having the driver’s information, as well as that of the car and license plate, customers know who they’re expecting to pick them up.

The apps also allow users to track their route via GPS so they know they’re getting home without costly or worrisome detours. For many,  it’s one less headache when planning to go out, Assemblywoman Jenne said.

She acknowledged she is uncertain about the impact ride-hailing services will have in the North Country.

"I suspect ride-hailing will be popular in college towns, the Thousand Islands area during the tourist season and in the Watertown-Fort Drum area. It may also set the stage for new transportation options becoming available in other portions of St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

The law requires that ride-hailing companies:

· obtain a license to operate from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after providing proof of insurance;

· conduct a criminal background check on all potential drivers, including a review of the NYS Sex Offender Registry and the U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website;

· provide digital networks that display a picture of the driver and the make, model, color and license plate number of the vehicle before the passenger enters it;

· do not accept cash payment or solicit or accept street hails;

· implement a “zero-tolerance policy” regarding drug and alcohol use;

· adopt a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of destination, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age and sexual orientation; and

· implement and maintain a policy of providing accessibility to passengers with a disability and the accommodation of service animals.

The law also gives the state Division of Human Rights enforcement authority over complaints of discrimination, as well as requires the DMV to develop regulations to ensure ride-hailing vehicles are easily identifiable.

Further, insurance companies would be prohibited from canceling policies solely because the policyholder became a driver for a ride-hailing company. A ride-hailing insurance policy would also be required to provide no-fault benefits when there is a dispute as to whether a driver was acting as a ride-hailing driver at the time of an accident.

A task force will be established to analyze and advise on how to maximize effective and integrated transportation services for persons with disabilities in the ride-hailing company market.

Additionally, a state board will review issues related to the general operation of ride-hailing companies within the state, such as anti-discrimination, economic impact, driver permitting, local government impact and workers’ compensation.

"The ride-hailing plan makes sure that passengers will be protected, drivers will be held to strict, safe standards and New Yorkers with disabilities will be treated equally and fairly,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.

Assemblywoman Jenne: Capital funding monies critical for future of North Country libraries

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, has announced approximately $350,000 in public library construction funds has been awarded to libraries in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties.

The funds will enable local libraries to build new space, make necessary building improvements, convert space to meet current needs and perform exterior renovations.

"I have often said our libraries and schools are the hearts and souls of our communities. Just like I fight for equitable funding for our schools, I think it is equally important to provide the funding to support the libraries in our small towns, villages and cities," Assemblywoman Jenne said.

"It is amazing to walk into North Country libraries and see the steps they are taking to better address the needs of their patrons. They are far more than shelves filled with books, magazines and newspapers. Their computers provide access to library users that might not have that access at their homes and their cultural offerings bring fresh life and differing perspectives to their community. Our libraries are as important today - even though their mission has changed - as when they were first built decades ago," she noted.

The Morristown Public Library is using its nearly $67,000 award for the second phase of a three-phase project that will nearly double the size of the facility.

"We are very excited. We are doing a 995 square foot addition, and we are expecting construction will start within the next few days," Morristown Public Library Director Bridget Whalen-Nevin said.

"There are going to be more racks for books, and we are creating an area for people to sit and work on their own devices. We have a lot of people come in with their laptops and cell phones, and they need a space to power up," she noted.

Ms. Whalen-Nevin said Assemblywoman Jenne has long been a champion fighting for funding for local libraries.

"I'd like to thank Addie for her continuous support," she said.

The Morristown library director said the funding from the state was critical to meeting the community's need.

"We hold our Plein Air art festival each year as a fundraiser, but there is no way we could raise the funds on our own we need to do this addition," Ms. Whalen-Nevin noted.

The funds are from $19 million in capital funds for public library construction that were provided in the 2016 state budget.

Local libraries receiving funding include:

• Crosby Public Library, Antwerp: $166,939 for completing the addition's interior and making renovations to the existing library.
• Roswell P. Flower Library, Watertown: $8,258 for replacing exterior doors.
Theresa Free Library: $23,724 to repoint or restore exterior brickwork and replace windows and door frames.
• Massena Public Library: $11,326 to construct a technology education center, career exploration lab and a job seekers resource center.
• Morristown Public Library: $67,787 to expand the library's current building.
• Norwood Public Library: $3,874 to convert a work space into a circulation desk and work area.
• Ogdensburg Public Library: $23,087 to create energy efficient space for historical preservation and storage of materials.
• Potsdam Public Library: $15,441 to construct a canopy roof over an existing entrance.
• Hepburn Library of Waddington: $28,650 to replace a handicap lift and renovate basement flooring.

Assemblywoman Jenne, a long-time supporter of public libraries in the region, had announced last fall she had secured $125,000 in funding to help connect libraries in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties to high speed internet.

The funding secured by Assemblywoman Jenne played a significant role in helping fill the remaining $206,000 cost the North Country Library System had committed to fund to move the project forward.

The member libraries, ranging from Massena to East Hounsfield, are being provided with internet access through a shared connection at the North Country Library Service headquarters capable of speeds up to 1 Gigabits per second.

Assemblywoman Jenne said New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading. She said several libraries have stood in North Country communities for nearly a century.

A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $2.2 billion.

More than 50 percent of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old.

Another 33 percent are more than three decades old.

IN THE PHOTO:

The Hepburn Library of Waddington has received over $28,000 to replace a handicap lift and renovate basement flooring. The library in Waddington dates back to 1919.