Monday, August 13, 2018

Assemblywoman Jenne explains absence from Fort Drum bill signing ceremony

Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, chair of the New York State Assembly's Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy, was in Albany today attending a summit called by Agri-Mark to discuss the crisis facing dairy farmers in and around the state of New York.

Her policy work in this area has led to the creation of a local, and now a state-wide farm-to -school program, which will put $10 million dollars back into the rural upstate economy.

She has also been sounding the alarm and proposing solutions to address the low milk prices being paid to farmers.

Her calls for bold action have gone unanswered. She was told by officials from the executive branch there must not be a problem because farmers weren't in Albany during budget negotiations or at the end of session.

"They were there today and by the hundreds. Most of the farmers were from New York and Vermont, but the extent of this crisis brought farmers and dairy experts from all over the country," she said.

She said as a state legislator spearheading the effort to drive additional funding to the dairy industry she felt it was imperative she attend the summit to share her proposal. listen to the farmers' concerns and hear other proposals being floated to address the dairy crisis.

Assemblywoman Jenne said she had already committed to attend the dairy summit before receiving an invitation to attend Monday's bill signing ceremony at Fort Drum.

"I am a dedicated supporter of Fort Drum and have led the fight to protect its training capabilities, something that is well know on the installation and inside the beltway," she said.

"Today is a day to recognize the sacrifices of our soldiers and ensure that our government is taking care of them and their families. It is a day to be proud that Congress has passed an important bill to support their sacrifices. Those that helped pass the legislation are those that should receive the political spotlight today, and having the bill signed at Fort Drum brings well deserved recognition to the division and supporting units stationed at Fort Drum," she said.

"It would have been nice to catch up with Commanding General Walt Piatt, just home from a deployment to Iraq, and other officials that have been part of the 10th Mountain Division that were in attendance and to see the pride in our soldiers' eyes when the President signed the legislation in support of them," Assemblywoman Jenne noted.

"However, it's also vitally important that I fight for the survival of our rural economy, our food supply system and the leading role agriculture plays in the global economy," she added.

"I attend events at Fort Drum regularly. There was one more chair for someone less familiar than me with the installation to see first hand how impressive it and our soldiers are," she said.