New Yorkers for Independent Action (NYIA) has launched a big money campaign to buy the North Country Assembly District from its residents and secure tax credits of as much as a million dollars each or millionaires and billionaires, diverting the money from public school aid to wealthy private-school donors.
The super PAC is pushing for a controversial Education Tax Credit, which would provide generous tax breaks to people who donate large sums of to private schools.
Assemblywoman Russell has been a vocal opponent of the credit, noting that it would take money away from public schools to reward the ultra-rich.
“The millionaires and billionaires trying to buy our election are in it for themselves. These hedge fund billionaires from Connecticut, New Jersey and Arkansas don’t care about our kids’ education. They are simply looking for bigger tax breaks for themselves,” she said.
“These very wealthy out of state interests have decided to try and buy the River District,” according to Assemblywoman Russell.
“This is a fight about whether there’s more money for North Country schools or million dollar tax breaks for the very wealthiest. I always have and always will stand up and fight for fair *funding for North Country schools," she said.
"Bring this fight on. They think we are not smart enough to see what they are really after. But they’ve got it all wrong. We’re not for sale.” Assemblywoman Russell stressed.
“If they wanted to make a difference here, they’d invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in our residents and businesses, creating jobs rather than an onslaught of dark, ugly television ads and campaign mail. I think we are all tired of those constant and misleading attacks,” Assemblywoman Russell said.
She pointed out the ads are not even accurate. “The television ad implies that I support a 47 percent salary increase,” she noted. “That’s a lie. I’m opposed to a legislative pay raise. Always have been.”
Assemblywoman Russell called on her opponent in the race for the 116th Assembly seat, John Byrne, to join her in denouncing the super PACs misleading ads and work with her to get the PAC to pull their negative ad campaign in the North Country.
“I’m calling on John Byrne to take a stand against the NYIA agenda that harms hard-working North Country families. But I suppose if John Byrne is embracing their agenda he will say nothing or try to deflect the attention elsewhere,” Assemblywoman Russell said.
“The River District deserves an assembly member who puts the North Country first. I always have and always will,” Assemblywoman Russell said.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell is surrounded by supporters as she discusses ads attacking her record being paid for by a super PAC.
BOTTOM PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell thanks supporters for attending her press conference Monday in Watertown.
