North Country Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says high levels of poverty, particularly in single parent and elderly households, remain a major concern in her district.

The state Assembly passed a resolution this week proclaiming January as National Poverty Awareness Month. Russell said it is imperative for there to be greater public awareness of the impact of poverty, and she said officials at the national, state, and local level must continue to work to provide improved economic opportunities for those facing the greatest struggles.

Her 116th Assembly District includes all St. Lawrence County communities along the St. Lawrence River, plus Canton and Potsdam.

“While progress combating poverty has been made, we have seen the poverty gap continue to widen, particularly in rural areas. In the Assembly district I represent, more than 20,000 residents live in poverty. The Assembly’s National Poverty Awareness Month resolution reaffirms our commitment to ending poverty, protecting our most vulnerable residents and giving families in New York a better chance to get ahead,” she said.

Russell represents portions of St. Lawrence County, which is traditionally among the top five counties in the state with the highest levels of poverty, and Jefferson County in the New York State Assembly.

The latest report on poverty from the New York State Community Action Association said 20.3 percent of the individuals in St. Lawrence County and 16.3 percent of the residents in Jefferson County live in poverty.

Those poverty rates climb to 24.3 percent in Jefferson County and 30.3 percent in St. Lawrence County for children under the age of 18. Russell said the challenge of poverty is greatest for female heads of households with children present, where the rates of poverty are 44 percent in St. Lawrence County and 47.5 percent in Jefferson County.

“Those numbers are simply not acceptable and I will continue to work to help lift those families out of poverty,” Russell said.

“It is why I support an increase in the minimum wage and increased support for food pantries and the farm to school nutrition initiative. It also highlights the need to invest in schools. Education can be an equalizer when young adults enter the workforce, and we need to make sure North Country schools have the resources to provide their students with a high quality education. I also continue to urge economic investments targeted to providing stability in child care, housing, and employment.”