Assemblywoman Addie Russell says the state needs to establish an equitable spending formula for low-income school districts and should use a portion of its $5 billion windfall on funding on public schools.

“Today I joined advocates across the state calling for fair funding of our education system,” Assemblywoman Addie Russell (D-Theresa) said. “Schools in the North Country are in crisis and I will continue to make sure education funding is a priority during the upcoming budget talks. I also expect this to be one of the areas we discuss in my newly formed education policy advisory group which will be meeting soon.”

Russell also said a portion of the $5 billion state surplus should be used to help schools ravaged by cuts during the recession.

“By utilizing a fraction of the state’s one-time windfall surplus, we could provide some relief that is long overdue to our schools in the North Country – it’s the right thing to do,” Russell said.

North Country schools have seen a loss in education funding due to the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), effecting schools in both Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. Last year alone, our schools lost over $1.3 million due to the GEA, which Assemblywoman Russell fought to restore. Russell was able to help restore almost $1 million of funding.

“We need real solutions for the short-term and long-term to ensure high-quality education is available for all of our students here, and by working with our schools and community members, I’m hopeful for a positive outcome,” Russell concluded.