Come See This Exceptional Exibit!

The Jefferson County Historical Society

Has An Exibit You Just Can't Miss.

by Timothy W. Scee II
Special to Newzjunky.com
Published February 12, 2011

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — The Jefferson County Historical Society welcomed over 120 guests Friday to its “Save the Presidents” reception, held for the first time since the discovery of nearly 30 documents signed by U.S. Presidents in the organization’s attic.

“The minute we found out we had them we thought, ‘Oh my gosh, we’ve got to share this with the community.’” Roxanne M. Burns, president of the historical society said.

In July 2010, volunteers uncovered the Presidential documents while sifting through a pile of papers in the attic of the organization’s building, the Paddock Mansion, at 228 Washington St.

With each room filled with refreshments, documents and re-enactors from both the colonial and Civil War eras, guests were even able to mingle with those whose ancestors had connections to President Abraham Lincoln, including Honest Abe’s” character, Benjamin P. Coe of Black River.

“We have a lot of history with Lincoln because (Coe’s) great, great grandparents knew Lincoln and they all lived in Springfield,” Coe’s wife, Margaret B., said. ......

To see more on this and other Newzjunky.com stories click HERE

Owens Pushes Free Tax Help for Upstate New York

Website Offers Iinformation
for Fee Tax Filing Services

Congressman Bill Owens today announced a new section of his website dedicated to promoting free tax filing services for Upstate New Yorkers.

“Correctly filing one’s taxes can be a confusing and stressful process, and very few people know that there are free services available that can help them through these procedures,” said Owens. “During tough economic times, every penny counts and it is important that qualified tax specialists are available to the general public to help them receive the largest refund possible.”

Owens has added outreach to his Congressional website, located at HERE. New features of the website include information on how to file taxes both electronically and by mail.

AARP offers free services, run by certified tax preparers, for low-to-moderate income taxpayers of all ages every year. Upstate New Yorkers can find the nearest tax aide site by visiting Owens’ website or clicking here.

A number of organizations in New York also partner with the IRS to run a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). This free service, staffed by IRS certified tax preparers, is open to taxpayers making $50,000 or less. A full list of VITA sites in New York can be found here.

Tax preparation help from Owens’ website can be linked to directly HERE

ASSEMBLYWOMAN RUSSELL HOLDS FUNDING SESSIONS FOR FARMERS

At both Watertown and Canton meetings today area farmers were introduced to the possibility that they could apply for substantial funding from NYSERDA (The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.) However, one of the key messages was that farmers had better hurry because the funding won’t last and is running out rapidly.

The Assemblywoman and Cornell Cooperative Extention joined in presenting information from Richard LeClerc (Extention) and Mitchell Graves (NYSERDA) about the program that will potentially provide up to 75% funding for energy efficient upgrades on electrical and natural gas investments. The program includes a no-charge energy audit up to $1,500 in value and farmers need not have an energy efficiency project in mind to qualify. The types of agricultural enterprises that can qualify are not limited to dairy and beef operations but could also include maple and grain producers.

Assemblywoman Russell said, “The savings to our farm families in the North Country can be very significant. If more information is needed please call 800-732-1399 for a program representative.”

Brown to Retire As County Treasurer

Three-term elected official uses retirement

to draw attention to frustrations with County

Nancy D. Brown, Jefferson County Treasurer since 2000, announced her retirement today after 11 years in office, making an emphatic plea for reform—calling attention to the lack of internal controls within county administration and excessive time lost attempting to resolve weakness’s in our system.

“I feel compelled to act now to shake up the system, rather than retire peacefully,” said Brown. “I hope that this will shed some light on the need for reform in how the Legislature and administration handle the county’s fiscal matters. These are my concerns and have been shared by independent auditors.”

“I believe this mismanagement has wasted and risked taxpayer dollars. I’ve never been one to go public with my issues, choosing instead to work within the system in place. However, I’ve seen too little progress and with just a year before I planned to not seek re-election, I believe my only option is to retire now, forgo my final year, and get the public’s attention,” she continues.

“I know that my staff has been with me in this effort and the county is left in very capable hands. My staff has been a source of great friendships and support over the years, as has been the many constituents I’ve been honored to serve. I hope that this abrupt decision will get the attention of the Legislators and administration,” she said.

President Obamas address from Jan 22nd 2011

White House Press Briefings are conducted most weekdays from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the West Wing.

Statement by the President on the Passing of Sargent Shriver

I was deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Sargent Shriver, one of the brightest lights of the greatest generation.

Over the course of his long and distinguished career, Sarge came to embody the idea of public service. Of his many enduring contributions, he will perhaps best be remembered as the founding director of the Peace Corps, helping make it possible for generations of Americans to serve as ambassadors of goodwill abroad.

His loss will be felt in all of the communities around the world that have been touched by Peace Corps volunteers over the past half century and all of the lives that have been made better by his efforts to address inequality and injustice here at home. My thoughts and prayers are with Robert, Maria, Tim, Mark, and Anthony, and the entire Shriver family during this sad time.

Check out Senator Gillibrand on "The View"!

Owens Sworn into 112th Congress, Continues ‘War on Debt’

Congressman’s First Action is to Reintroduce
Legislation to Pay Down National Debt

Congressman Bill Owens (D-NY) today was sworn in for his first full term as a member of the 112th Congress. After taking the oath of office, Owens continued his work to restore fiscal responsibility to Washington by reintroducing his legislation, The War on Debt Act of 2011. Owens previously introduced the bill in April of last year.

“I consider it a great privilege to have the opportunity to serve New York’s 23rd Congressional District,” said Owens. There is still plenty of work to do to help create jobs and get the economy moving again. My ‘War on Debt’ lays out a specific blueprint for reining in debts owed to foreign nations and putting that money – which is exempt from taxes - back in the pockets of average Americans. This is not the only way to solve our debt crisis, but this legislation begins a serious conversation that will help Congress chart a path to fiscal responsibility.”

The “War on Debt Act” addresses the national debt on two fronts. First, it creates a type of savings bond whose revenue is dedicated exclusively to paying down the national debt, beginning with debt that is held by foreign entities. Second, it sets spending limits in place for the federal government – 3% of the GDP for the annual deficit and 10% of the nation’s three-year average GDP for the national debt – ensuring that Washington can never use the bonds as a means to support reckless spending. Americans could buy the bonds knowing they will be used to pay down the national debt, and get the benefit of a tax-free investment that will yield benefits for many years.

“Just as small businesses across the country have to balance their books and working families have live within their means, Congress must learn better stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” continued Owens. “With the debt now exceeding $14 trillion, it is well past time to put our fiscal house in order. As we reduce the trillions of dollars we owe to countries like China and Japan, we will increase our negotiating position in global markets.”

The bill specifically states that the revenue generated from purchase of these “War on Debt” bonds will be dedicated to repaying the national debt, taking interest payments on existing debt out of the hands of foreign countries and putting them into the wallets of the American people.

To see more on what Congressman Owens is doing for us click HERE

The North Country Congratulates Commissioner Aubertine

The North Country knows that no matter what title he holds or where he may travel Darrel Aubertine will always be "one of us!"

The North Country Democrat was able to catch up with former Senator and current Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets ,Darrel Aubertine, yesterday at Governor Cuomo's regional State of the State address in Watertown NY. Commissioner Aubertine spoke with us about what his direction will be with the agency. Here's what he had to say..



Congratulations Darrel Aubertine from Jim Cummings on Vimeo.

The one thing that was a constant during Commissioner Aubertine's time in politics was that he connected with people in a truly extraordinary way. His connections were never more evident than at yesterdays speech. The line that formed to congratulate Darrel was something to see. In classic Darrel form he took what ever time was needed to talk to each and every person that wanted to chat.

You could see a sense of relief on the faces of all assembled that although we may have come up short on this last Senate race, New York State came out way ahead with the pick of Darrel Aubertine as AG Commissioner.

Congressman Bill Owens and his wife Jane on the AZ Shooting

PLATTSBURGH, NY (WAMC) - The shooting in Tucson AZ is affecting more than the national discourse over security and the blame game rhetoric. It is affecting Congressional representatives at a personal level. North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley looks at the individual impact on two of the region's representatives.

Listen in to part one HERE on WAMC
Listen in to part two HERE on WAMC
Lisent in to part three HERE on WAMC

Attention Farmers!

ASSEMBLYWOMAN RUSSELL URGES
AREA FARMERS TO BE AWARE OF NEW GRANT FUNDING

Assemblywoman Addie Russell congratulated Governor Andrew Cuomo for making $3.2 million available in Agriculture Energy Efficiency program. These grants are designed to help farmers reduce energy usage. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is the administrating agency.

The Assemblywoman said, “Area farmers will potentially be able to save up 75% of the cost of electricity and gas efficiency investments. The cost of energy is an escalating operating cost on farms and saving money in this area goes right to their bottom line. Equipment such as hot water reclaimers, variable speed vacuum pumps as well as other equipment which will increase energy efficiency on the farm while decreasing energy cost may be funded with this grant opportunity. Energy audits will be performed to show farmers where their biggest savings can be attained.

The Assemblywoman is contacting NYSERDA to schedule an outreach seminar on this grant opportunity. Anyone interested in attending the event may call her office @ 786-0284 or 386-2037.

Governor Cuomo Takes His Message to Watertown

Today New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo traveled to Watertown to push his citizen army to take back Albany. The message was clear. Rain in spending, bring real ethics reform to our state capital and most of all turn this ship before it's too late.

The crowd at Jefferson Community College was something to see. People from all political divide came together to listen to Governor Cuomo's plan for this great state. Although there were some light moments, the speech was very specific on what will be done to take this state back from the special interests.

The North Country Democrat was taken back by the volunteers that made this day such a success. Many from the Jefferson County Democratic Committee were on hand to volunteer and WOW what a great job they did. Some of the people volunteering today were: Patti Shaughnessy, Michelle Coullier, Jonathan Cole, Mike Flynn, Erica Marks Leonard,Sandra and Ron Cole and Chairman Sean Hennessey.

With the vision, passion and plan presented today we can truly see this great state becoming the Empire state once again.

Below you'll find the release from today's event.

ALBANY, NY (01/14/2011)(readMedia)-- Declaring New York State at a crucial crossroads, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today traveled to Watertown to present the action plan outlined in his recent State of the State Address. Governor Cuomo wants to fundamentally transform New York State's government and economy by getting the state's fiscal house in order, radically redesigning our governmental structures and operations, and restoring integrity and performance to state government. Governor Cuomo noted that the decisions we make now will impact our state for decades to come.

"To fix Albany, it is essential that we work together and make sure that communities in the North Country, like Watertown, are part of the process," Governor Cuomo said. "The challenges that exist in Watertown ripple across the state and this is where we must start to identify solutions and put our state on the right track."

Governor Cuomo spoke to hundreds of New Yorkers at the Jefferson County Community College. The Governor said he would open up government to the public and work in partnership with all stakeholders to address the serious fiscal challenges facing New York State and its local governments.

In that spirit, the Governor unveiled a new Web site, www.NYcitizenscampaign.com, where the public is invited to communicate ideas, tips, and concerns directly with their government.

In light of the enormous fiscal challenges facing New York, Governor Cuomo's agenda relies on rethinking core government operations and economic development strategies to provide better results and to maximize resources.

Governor Cuomo outlined the following initiatives as part of his message:

• Emergency Fiscal Plan: Governor Cuomo outlined an Emergency Financial Plan that closes the $10 billion deficit in the 2011-12 budget without raising taxes or borrowing. The plan called for imposing a one-year salary freeze on the vast majority of public employees whose contracts are up for renegotiation as of April 1; holding the line on taxes; and imposing a state spending cap limiting spending growth to the rate of inflation.

• Rightsizing Government: Saying that redesigning New York State government is essential to rebuilding the state's economy, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order creating the Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission to make state government more accountable and efficient by reducing the number of agencies, authorities, and commissions by 20 percent. The SAGE Commission is directed to submit to the Governor a rightsizing plan to reduce the number of agencies by May 1st of this year. Under additional legislation proposed by the Governor, the Governor would then submit the rightsizing plan to the Legislature for action with the plan going in to effect, unless the Legislature acted within 30 days to reject it. Director of Agency Redesign and Efficiency Paul Francis will serve as Co-Chair with the Governor appointing one or more additional Co-Chairs.

• Redesigning the Medicaid program: Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order aimed at redesigning New York State's costly Medicaid program. The order calls for the creation of a new Medicaid Redesign Team to find ways to save money within the Medicaid program for the Governor's upcoming state budget proposal for the 2011-12 Fiscal Year. Based on the nationally recognized model used in Wisconsin that involved bringing stakeholders together to find efficiencies and cost savings within the Medicaid program, the team includes leaders from the healthcare industry, the Governor's office, the legislative bodies, and other business, labor, and consumer advocates. Jason Helgerson, whom the Governor appointed to serve as New York State Medicaid Director and created the Wisconsin model, will be the Team's Executive Director.

Under the Governor's order, the Team's work is underway and must submit its first report with findings and recommendations to the Governor by March 1 for consideration in the budget process.

• Providing Mandate Relief: Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order creating the "Mandate Relief Redesign Team" ("Team") to review unfunded and underfunded mandates imposed by the New York State government on school districts, local governments, and other local taxing districts. The Team, chaired by Senior Advisor to the Governor Larry Schwartz, includes representatives from private industry, education, labor, and government and look for ways to reduce the costs of mandated programs, identify mandates that are ineffective and outdated, and determine how school districts and local governments can have greater ability to control expenses. The Team's work is underway and it will submit a first set of recommendations to the Governor by March 1, 2011 for consideration in the Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget process. The Team will continue its review until the end of Fiscal Year 2011-12.

• Redesigning Local Governments: Governor Cuomo is creating a program to reward local governments that save money by rightsizing. The Citizen Re-Organization Empowerment Grants will provide up to $100,000 to cover all or part of the costs of merger and dissolutions studies.

• Redesigning Education: Noting that New York is first in spending but 34th in results, Governor Cuomo proposed restructuring a portion of our education aid to create incentives that reward school districts for improving student performance and implementing management efficiency policies.

• Transforming the ethical environment in Government: Governor Cuomo's "Clean Up Albany" agenda would institute campaign finance reforms including a system of public financing for elections, limits on contribution levels, creating an independent redistricting commission, creating independent monitoring and enforcement of ethics laws, and requiring full disclosure of outside income and clients. Governor Cuomo also proposed to outlaw "pay to play" to limit the impact of special interests, strip pensions for public officials convicted of a felony for abusing the public trust, and improve government performance and transparency through technology.

Transforming New York's Economy:

Governor Cuomo said, "Business built New York, and we are declaring that New York is once again open for business."

Governor Cuomo said that restoring the state's historically thriving private sector will require holding the line on taxes and working to lower taxes in the future. His economic development agenda seeks to help government to be a job facilitator through the following initiatives:

• Creating regional Economic Development Councils: Noting that those working at the local level know their area economies best, he will create regional economic development councils to work with state agencies to allocate resources. To ensure that state agencies and the councils are working to create jobs, Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy will lead these councils, whose members will be drawn from the private sector, local governments, state agencies, and academic institutions.

• Fixing the recently-enacted Excelsior Tax Credit Program: Governor Cuomo proposed to revise the recently enacted Excelsior Tax Credit Program to produce better results for New Yorkers. His proposals would restructure the value and length of the tax credit to provide greater incentives for job creation; restructure incentives for improving properties; pay credits as job-creation milestones are met rather than at the end of the proposal; expand research and development tax credits; and streamline the application and approval process.

• Create a permanent Power for Jobs Program: To help keep manufacturers in New York State, Governor Cuomo introduced a permanent Power for Jobs program to provide predictability and stability of supply with long-term contracts, and incorporate efficiency incentives to reward improvements.

• Enacting Property Tax Relief: Governor Cuomo's property tax cap will set the cap at the rate of inflation or two percent, whichever is less; prohibit any property tax levy above the cap unless endorsed by both by the local governing board and a 60 percent majority of the people during an election; and provide only limited exceptions such as extraordinary legal or capital expenditures.

Making New York the Progressive Capital of the Nation

Governor Cuomo seeks to reclaim New York's status as the progressive leader in the nation in the following ways:

• Better protecting consumers and investors: A newly-formed Department of Financial Regulation will merge the Insurance Department, Banking Department, and the Consumer Protection Board to better regulate modern financial services organizations. A primary mission will be to stand up for consumers, protect them from predatory lending and unlawful foreclosure practices, and provide access to good, honest, and capable financial services at competitive rates.

• A cleaner, greener environment: Governor Cuomo will create the "NY Cleaner, Greener Communities Program" to provide competitive grants that will encourage communities to develop regional sustainable growth strategies in housing, transportation, emissions control, and energy efficiency. The program will emphasize revitalizing urban areas through smart growth, creating green jobs, building green infrastructure including roof and rain gardens, and strengthening environmental justice and protection.

• Expanding Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) support: Of the 1.9 million business entities operating in New York State, more than 50 percent are owned by women or minorities. The vast majority of these companies are small businesses and a critical driver of the New York State economy. To ensure that MWBEs have the opportunity to earn their fair share of the state's business, Governor Cuomo directed state agencies to double the current MWBE participation goal from 10 to 20 percent, ease bonding restrictions that they will face, and expand the Owner-Controlled Insurance Program model to improve opportunities for small businesses.

• Juvenile Justice Reorganization: With a goal of reducing wasteful spending, Governor Cuomo will undertake an immediate reorganization of the state's youth detention facilities with the goal of consolidation, while providing current staff the priority for relocation to other facilities, retraining, and/or reemployment opportunities. To avoid keeping facilities open that have few or no children, he proposed a repeal of the requirement mandating a 12-month notice requirement to close facilities.

• Expanding fresh food into urban centers: To help revitalize urban areas and develop markets for New York farmers, Governor Cuomo will seek ways to expand the presence of locally-grown food markets in urban areas. This will include working to revitalize the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market in the Bronx, which supplies a large portion of the produce for New York City's and the region's food consumption, and creating a "Share NY Food" Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that develops partnerships with farmers and residents to expand access and resources and make fresh food available to consumers in urban areas.

• Providing for marriage equality for all New Yorkers: To end discrimination against same-sex couples who wish to get married, Governor Cuomo called for the passage of legislation legalizing marriage for same-sex couples, as has been done in many states and other countries.

• Protect Reproductive Rights: To protect a woman's right to choose options in the face of an unplanned or problematic pregnancy, Governor Cuomo will fight for passage of reproductive rights legislation to protect the fundamental right of reproductive freedom and a woman's right to make private health care decisions.

President Obama speaks at the memorial for the victims of the Arizona shooting

Live at 5 with Glenn Curry and Chairman Hennessey

There was a fair amount of cross over on the Live at 5 show yesterday. Chairman Hennessey was in the studio promoting his 4th Season of his radio show "Echoes of Ireland" (Every Sunday at 1pm on 1240 WATN) but with the good news about former Senator Darrel Aubertine it was hard to stay on track in relation to the upcoming season. You can listen into the show by clicking HERE

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES ADMINISTRATION NOMINATION

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today
announced the following nominations
to senior positions within
the state government

Mr. Aubertine recently served as State Senator of the 48th Senate District in Central and Northern New York, which is comprised of Oswego, Jefferson and part of St. Lawrence counties. He served as chair of both the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Rural Resources Commission, and as the ranking majority member and vice chair of the Energy & Telecommunications Committee. Before joining the Senate in 2008, Mr. Aubertine represented the 118th Assembly district in the New York State Assembly for five years, where he served as the chair of the Commission on State-Local Relations. From 1996-2001, he was a member of the Jefferson County Legislature and was elected to chair in 1998. Mr. Aubertine's career in government began in 1994, when he served as a member of the Cape Vincent Town Council.

Since 1971, Mr. Aubertine has owned and operated the sixth-generation heritage Triple-A Farm in Cape Vincent, for which he purchased a plot of land while still in high school. Mr. Aubertine has been a member of numerous cooperatives and organizations, including the Cape Vincent Milk Producers, Allied and Eastern, Agway, St. Lawrence County Farm Bureau, the New York State Farm Bureau, and the Dairy Herd Improvement Association.

"Darrel's experience and expertise in agriculture is unparalleled," Governor Cuomo said. "He fought for years on behalf of farmers in the state legislature and delivered real results. New York's agricultural community will thrive with Darrel at the helm of this critical department, and I thank him for his service."

Dean Norton, President of the New York Farm Bureau, said, "We are pleased that Governor Cuomo has selected an individual who has long-standing connections to agriculture and our farm families. Darrel Aubertine has strong roots in the agricultural community and has proven to be a staunch ally through the years. New York Farm Bureau's almost 30,000 members look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and Mr. Aubertine to serve and strengthen agriculture."

Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said, "The North Country has enjoyed Darrel Aubertine's leadership for years on agriculture issues, and now the entire state will benefit from his knowledge and vision. Not only is he an experienced farmer, but he has a very strong command of the issues confronting New York's producers and the opportunities for bolstering agriculture as a key part of a stronger state economy. On top of that, his years in local government and then the State Legislature will help him to effectively turn his knowledge and vision into effective new policies and initiatives. Governor Cuomo has made an excellent choice for agriculture and economic development across our state."

David J. Skorton, President of Cornell University, said, "We congratulate the governor and Mr. Aubertine on this nomination. As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, he has already demonstrated his commitment to the success of Upstate's largest industry. Under Darrel's leadership we look forward to continuing Cornell's partnership to support and enhance the food and agriculture industry in New York State."

Owens Urges Passage of Counternarcotics Strategy Bill

If you or someone you know is a member of the Armed Forces whose service was involuntarily extended because of a stop-loss order, I would like to make sure you read this article from the Watertown Daily Times, reporting that the deadline has once again been extended.

Friday, March 4th, is the final day for veterans who have experienced this stop-loss order to apply for their due pay. The program compensates eligible veterans with $500 for each month served under stop-loss orders. Veterans who qualify for this program can apply online at www.defense.gov/stoploss.

If you would like to receive regular updates from my office, please sign up for my e-newsletter.

As your representative in Washington, I believe it is critical to provide the opportunities and compensation promised to American soldiers and their families when they enlisted. Please help me deliver this reminder to as many eligible veterans as possible and forward this email to anyone you believe would be interested.

Again, if you would like to sign up for regular updates from my office, you can do so by clicking here.

Thank you for reading. If you have further concerns about this or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact me. My door is always open.

Sincerely,
Bill

This is a Great Day for the North Country

Senator Darrel Aubertine

Named

Commissioner of Agriculture

of New York State

“I’m certainly pleased to have this opportunity to continue serving and be a part of Governor Cuomo’s administration," said Darrel J. Aubertine. "I look forward to working with our new governor, continuing my relationships with members of the agricultural community and getting to work again on behalf of our state’s number one industry.”

Local Reaction to the Governor's Speech

This video is via Newjunky.com click HERE for more

Here's more on the (appropriately named) SOS

Good Morning North Country...Lets get to work!

Addie Delivers for the kids

A Great Day for Local Children!

Today, Sherri Wilcox of the Church & Community Organization in Canton accepted the delivery of about 500 childrens' books today.

Its all part of "Addie's Books for Christmas." Generous donors in St. Lawrence County contributed the books. Another 500 or so went to the Toys for Tots program in Ogdensburg.

The Watertown/Jefferson County pickup will be tomorrow with the kids books distributed by the Community Action Planning Council (CAPC). This is the second year of Addie's program with the goal of putting a book in every kids hand during the holidays. Kinney Drugs in Canton and the Salmon Run Mall in Watertown were the two collection points. So stop by and drop off a couple of nice books for those kids that are a little less fortunate this year!

In Support of the Tax Cut Compromise

Like many of my Democratic colleagues, I have long supported making the Bush-era tax cuts for the middle class permanent while letting the tax cuts for the ultra wealthy expire. But unlike many in Washington, I have urged leadership of both parties to compromise on this issue. Finally, after months of gridlock and finger-pointing from both parties, President Obama and Republicans in Congress have reached an agreement to do what is best for the American people – prevent a middle class tax increase on January 1 by agreeing to extend tax rates across all income levels for two years.

I support this compromise because job creation is my top priority. Although I do not believe that extending tax cuts for the ultra wealthy will create jobs, and I’m concerned that doing so will unnecessarily add to the debt, I believe a two-year extension is a fair compromise and that the overall agreement contains significant job creation measures. As we continue on the road to recovery, we will be able to revisit the tax rates for the wealthiest Americans when the economy is on stronger footing.

While many of my fellow Democrats believe that this compromise is a giveaway to the rich, nothing could be further from the truth. The bipartisan agreement forged by President Obama and Congressional Republicans delivers several key victories for American families and small businesses in addition to the extension of current tax rates:

• An Employee-Side Payroll Tax Cut: The compromise includes an employee-side payroll tax cut of 2 percent for over 155 million workers – providing additional middle class tax relief of about $112 billion next year.

• Extension of Unemployment Benefits: The compromise extends emergency unemployment benefits for 13 months, preventing an estimated 7 million Americans from losing their benefits over the next year as they continue to search for work.

• 100 Percent Expensing: The compromise includes a proposal, similar to legislation I introduced earlier this year, to allow businesses to expense 100 percent of their equipment investments in 2011, potentially generating more than $50 billion in additional investment, which will inject demand into the economy and fuel job creation.

• Estate Tax Relief: The compromise includes an increase in the estate tax exemption to $5 million per person and $10 million per couple, with a top tax rate of 35%. I have advocated for these levels since coming to Congress, because they will ensure that family farms and small businesses in our region are not subject to the tax. Recent figures show that only 1,379 people were subject to this tax in the entire State of New York when the exemption level was $2 million. I expect that by increasing the joint exemption to $10 million, a small fraction of filers will be affected in New York’s 23rd congressional district.

• Research & Development Tax Credit: The compromise includes a two-year extension of the R&D tax credit and other tax incentives to support business expansion.

Middle-class families and small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They have been hit hardest by the economic downturn, and provisions in this compromise may be the difference that allows them to make ends meet and ensures the economy continues to recover. That is why I’m urging my colleagues in Congress to not only pass this compromise, but to make it the first of many bipartisan agreements that move our country forward in the coming year.

A Must Watch Video

The last minute of this video is

something that every

American should watch.

God Bless this Program and these Children!

Filmed and produced by Newzjunky.com Click HERE for more from NJ

White House White Board: Tax Cuts, Unemployment Insurance & Jobs

Christmas in Clayon

Happy Holiday's from

Assemblywoman Russell

Last weekend was a busy one for Democrats across the North Country. From Bell ringing to Christmas parade's in Clayton Democrats were there!

Assemblywoman Addie Russell (118th) took time to stop by the Clayton Christmas Parade. The Assemblywoman has always been a big fan of the Clayton parade and brought her family along to share in the festivities. Below you'll find a few pictures of the event.

Assemblywoman Addie Russell and her son take a moment as the Clayton Parade gets underway.
















The crowd greets Addie as the Parade winds down main st. in Clayton. A great day for all!

Democrats Ring Bells and Raise Bucks (Updated)

UPDATED

Jefferson County Democratic Committee

Rings Bells for

needy across the North Country

UPDATE

We just heard from Sandra Cole and she was called by Capt. Hopping from the Salvation Army. The JCDC was successful in raising $555.85 last Saturday. That's incredibly impressive and a testiment to all that helped out. Thank you all so very much for helping and we look forward to our next big event!

Thank you!!Thank you!! Thank you!!!

Assemblywoman Addie Russell, Jefferson County Sheriff John Burns, County Chair Sean M Hennessey, County Secretary Sandra Cole and many others are ringing the Kettle bell at the WalMart in the Town of LeRay as part of their on going "Discover the Meaning" Program.

The County Committee is not only committed to making the North Country a more progressive and inclusive community were also all about giving back to a community that has given so much to us." said Sean M Hennessey, Democratic Chairman. The annual program named by Sandra Cole (pictured Above) is a way for people from across our community to come together, give back and also figure out why we align ourselves with the Democrat party.

There are so many across our County that are going to go without this holiday Season and what better way to show we care then to spend the day raising funds for such a great organization.

The Jefferson County Democratic Committee (JCDC) will be at the Wal-Mart all day today (Saturday December 4th) starting at 10 am and ending at 8pm. Please come by and thank those who have spent the day ringing the bell and drop what you can in the kettle. It's a great way to kick off the holiday season and a great way to help those who are much less fortunate then you and I.

We want to thank everyone who came out and supported this worthy cause today. Ringing today were: Sandra Cole, Sean Hennessey, Assemblywoman Addie Russell, Sheriff John Burns and his son, Susan Dandrow, Doris McLallen, Ezra "Ted" Ford, Michelle Appleby, Mike Flynn and Megan Hinman.

Below are some more pictures of today's volunteers

Pictured are:Sheriff John Burns, Johns son and Volunteer Lee Lafave

Lee was adamant that he wanted in on this opportunity to give back to our community. His energy and connections in the community was a real boost the days fundraising efforts.

Pictured is Mike Flynn and a generous young man who told Mike that he has seen hard times before and now that he's on his feet wanted to give back. A incredible moment for Mike and our committee.

Pictured is Michelle Appleby. Even with some physically disabilities Michelle felt strongly about coming out with her children and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. As Michelle said "It's important that I show my children that Christmas is not about getting but giving."

Anti-earmark Tea Party Caucus takes $1 billion in earmarks

Can This Be True?

Members of the Congressional Tea Party Caucus may tout their commitment to cutting government spending now, but they used the 111th Congress to request hundreds of earmarks that, taken cumulatively, added more than $1 billion to the federal budget.

According to a Hotline review of records compiled by Citizens Against Government Waste, the 52 members of the caucus, which pledges to cut spending and reduce the size of government, requested a total of 764 earmarks valued at $1,049,783,150 during Fiscal Year 2010, the last year for which records are available.

"It's disturbing to see the Tea Party Caucus requested that much in earmarks. This is their time to put up or shut up, to be blunt," said David Williams, vice president for policy at Citizens Against Government Waste. "There's going to be a huge backlash if they continue to request earmarks."

In founding the caucus in July, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) said she was giving voice to Americans who were sick of government overspending.

[How do deficit-cutters sell the U.S. on pain?]

"The American people are speaking out loud and clear. They have had enough of the spending, the bureaucracy, and the government-knows-best mentality running rampant today throughout the halls of Congress," Bachmann said in a July 15 statement. The group, she wrote in a letter to House Administration Committee chairman Bob Brady, "will serve as an informal group of Members dedicated to promote Americans' call for fiscal responsibility, adherence to the Constitution, and limited government."

Bachmann and 13 of her Tea Party Caucus colleagues did not request any earmarks in the last Fiscal Year, according to CAGW's annual Congressional Pig Book. But others have requested millions of dollars in special projects.

Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), for one, attached his name to 69 earmarks in the last fiscal year, for a total of $78,263,000. The 41 earmarks Rep. Rodney Alexander (R-La.) requested were worth $65,395,000. Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) wanted $63,400,000 for 39 special projects, and Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) wanted $93,980,000 set aside for 47 projects.
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Old Friends meet at the Cyrstal

Former Chair John Kiechle and Senator Chuck Shumer shake hands at the Chrystal Restaurant during the Senator's recent trip to Watertown. John is a big supporter of the Senator and has been a great friend to the progressive movement in the North Country.