Massena to be the location for Assemblywoman Addie Russell’s Education Reform Rally on Thursday

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) has announced that she is holding an education reform rally at the Massena High School Auditorium on Thursday January 9^th at 6:30pm. The rally, in conjunction with the Alliance for Quality Education, will address issues like the Common Core standards and the School Funding Equity Act, a bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell designed to bring more school aid to poorer rural school districts.  Parents, educators, and all those concerned with these issues are encouraged to attend to kick off this year’s advocacy efforts.

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Annual book drive nets over 5000 books

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D - Theresa) announced today that more than 5000 books were collected during the 5th Annual ABC Book Drive.  During the holiday season, books were donated at Kinney Drug stores across Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties.  The books were then brought to the Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County and the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program for distribution to needy families.

"Our goal was to break the 5000 book threshold and through the generosity of the North Country, we did it," said Assemblywoman Russell.  "I am so pleased that 5000 children received books this holiday season!"

Assemblywoman Russell also praised Kinney Drugs and in particular each store manager for their role in being collection points throughout the two counties. "Kinney Drugs has played an important role in this endeavor and the dedication of each store manager for setting up visible collection points is tremendous," she said.

Melinda Gault, Executive Director of the Community Action Planning Council said, "We are pleased to have participated with Assemblywoman Russell in the distribution of books in Jefferson County. I want to thank our community for its generosity.  We know how valuable these books will be to the children who receive them."

Norma Carey, Executive Director of the St. Lawrence Community Development Program said, "Sometimes little things like books are luxury items for some families. We are so pleased to distribute these books to those families and hopefully make thousands of children smile."

Addie's Books for Children has collected over 15,000 books in the last five years.

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Assemblywoman Addie Russell announces office relocation in Canton

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-Theresa) announced that she has relocated her Canton office to 3 Remington Ave, Suite 1, Canton.  Her Watertown office remains in the Dulles State Office Building.

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Assemblywoman Addie Russell Statement regarding the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center announcement by Governor Cuomo

“Today is a great day for the North Country as we learned that Governor Cuomo has decided to keep the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center open.  The hard work of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Task Force and of families and employees of the Center are to be commended for their tireless work in making a strong case to the administration that the Center should remain open to provide vital services to the North Country community.  In fact, the Governor has named it a new Regional Center of Excellence, which is indicative of its need for our area.  I want to thank the members of the Task Force, families, patients, employees, and my fellow colleagues in the Legislature for coming together in unison to help paint the picture of the Center's value and necessity.  I would also like to personally thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership and effort in keeping the Center open and designating it as a Regional Center of Excellence.”

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Assemblywoman Russell: North Country named Top Performer

Receives $81.3 million for economic development

“Today’s award of $81.3 million is a great step forward in our continuing effort to revitalize the North Country economy. As a member of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible effort put forth by the council to develop proposals that will create private sector jobs, train our workers in advanced manufacturing, promote the beautiful natural resources of the North Country and develop Clarkson University as an Innovation Hot Spot. I look forward to working with local leaders as we take the next steps in creating more jobs and attracting new businesses to the North Country.”

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