North Country Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is calling on the state legislature to allocate $2.4 billion for education in the 2016-17 budget.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo had proposed raising school aid by only $2.1 billion over the next two school years.

Russell, who made her comments at an event Wednesday in Albany sponsored by the Alliance for Quality Education, said the funding included in the governor’s budget proposal doesn’t meet the needs of North Country school districts.

Russell represents the 116th Assembly District. It includes all St. Lawrence County communities along the St. Lawrence River.

“It’s time to fully fund our schools and do right by our children to ensure each and every one of them has an opportunity to succeed. Wealthy districts are able to spend significantly more per student, and it is a disservice to our children if the state does not help close the gap for school districts that need it the most,” Russell said.

“That’s why I’m calling for a $2.4 billion increase in school aid which I, along with education advocates and teachers, believe is necessary to provide a quality education for all students. This funding will address inequality in our education system, especially for high-needs districts in the North Country, and help our schools remain competitive so children across the state can have a brighter future,” she said.

Russell has said the executive budget proposal for education aid, a $2.1 increase split over two years, fails to adequately fund the state’s Foundation Aid formula or close the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) for average needs districts.