Wednesday, March 24, 2010

A Statement from Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell:

Assembly’s Budget Proposal Includes
Big Victories for the North Country
“The Assembly’s budget proposal includes great news for the North Country. Our advocacy for the issues that matter most to our region has not fallen on deaf ears in Albany. We were successful in our efforts to keep the Ogdensburg Correctional Facility open, as well as the state parks and historic sites throughout the Thousand Islands Region.

“In addition, the Assembly’s resolution modifies the proposal to create a small business revolving loan fund from money swept from NYPA. Our resolution will dedicate $1.5 million of the loan fund specifically for St. Lawrence County. This is the access to capital that our small businesses need to make it through this recession. Other victories for the North Country include restorations to agricultural, school and higher education programs, as well as softened cuts to the healthcare sector and a rejection of the proposal to steal money from the snowmobile fund.

“This is a great step forward, but we have not crossed the finish line yet. I will continue fighting until the last drop of ink is dry on a final budget that does not disproportionately hurt the North Country.”

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