State Assemblywoman Addie Russell says the Assembly has approved legislation extending several education programs facing disruption due to the expiration of current law.

The measure continues the state’s No Child Left Behind compliance provisions, so that schools don’t lose federal funding, Russell said.

It also allows for the payment of aid to public, school and research library systems.

And it extends the authority of the Commission of Education to grant waivers to public library systems and central libraries that cannot maintain local funding due to financial hardship.

These provisions have traditionally been included in the state budget, Russell said. According to the assemblywoman, the vote seeks to counteract the negative impact caused by last year’s veto of the Education, Labor and Family Assistance Article VII bill.

“That veto was unfortunate, coming at a time when northern New York libraries and education programs desperately need funding to stay afloat,” Russell said. “The legislation passed by the Assembly continues our longstanding commitment to protecting education and ensuring our children are prepared when they enter the workforce.”

“Even in the face of an economic downturn, we need to protect our most vulnerable citizens – our children,” said Russell, who represents the 118th Assembly District, including all of the townships in St. Lawrence County along the St. Lawrence River, and the City of Ogdensburg and the towns of Macomb, Canton and Potsdam.

“This legislation is a victory for students, parents, and educators alike, because educating our kids must be priority number one.”