Gillibrand releases plan to make child care affordable, accessible

According to a new report released by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the cost of child care in the Capital Region is increasing $770 per year. Now the average family spends approximately $9,796 per year for an infant, $8,918 for a toddler and $8,179 for a school-age child. In response to the growing costs, Senator Gillibrand recently proposed plan to make child care more affordable for working families.

"In this difficult economy, parents cannot afford the rising cost of child care. Families' incomes are just not keeping pace," Senator Gillibrand said. "I speak with parents all over New York State, who tell me that something must be done. In addition to making child care more affordable for parents who work and go to school, my plan will provide special assistance to businesses that help their employees with the tremendous costs."

Click here to read the Senator's plan.

Gillibrand Takes Action to Reauthorize Schenectady Renewal Community Program to Revitalize Economy, Create Jobs

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced legislation this week to save and create jobs in Schenectady. The Empowerment Zone and Renewal Community Enhancement Act of 2009 would continue efforts to promote revitalization and economic development through 2015.

"Creating good-paying jobs right here in New York is my top priority," Senator Gillibrand said. "The Renewal Community Program has been critical for the revitalization of Schenectady. During these tough economic times, we must provide the tools and resources our communities need to promote growth, create jobs, and attract businesses. This program is an essential part of our long term economic development efforts."

Click here for more information.

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Bombers provides major boost to the downtown

The recent opening of Bombers in downtown Schenectady has been a major economic development victory for Schenectady County. The Daily Gazette today quotes local business owners who praised the increase in downtown traffic brought in by the new restaurant. Even other restaurants are bringing in new customers thanks to the excitement of the new opening. To read the article, click here. The unified economic development plan put in place by County Democrats in 2004 continues to pay dividends.

Marcella's Ground Breaking represents the largest investment in Downtown Schenectady in 20 years

"This is the biggest retail development in 20 years in downtown Schenectady and the tide has really turned," said Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan E. Savage to Capital News 9 at the recent ground breaking ceremony for Marcella and Son's appliance retailer.

At this site nine million dollars in new investment has already been committed for 110,000 square feet of new and renovated business space adding to the nearly three million square feet of space that has been created or renovated since the new Democratic Majority came into office in 2004. The unified economic development plan put in place by Democrats continues to pay dividends despite the hard economic times caused by the Bush Recession.

Click here for more news coverage or watch the ground breaking below.

Major Office Building in Downtown Schenectady Fully Leased

Thanks to three new tenants, including the Social Security Administration, Send Word Now and GTECH Corporation, the 130,500 square foot Broadway Center Office Building, located directly behind Proctors, is now 100% leased.

"We are pleased that One Broadway Center is now fully leased. This is just another example of the continued revitalization of downtown Schenectady and the value the Metroplex Development Authority has brought," said Mark L. Aronowitz of Omni Development Company, Inc.

With $300 million in new investment and more than 3,000 jobs created, change for the better is continuing in Schenectady thanks to the unified economic development plan Schenectady County Democrats put in place in 2004.

For more information, click here.

More proof of the growth in downtown Schenectady

Metroplex has increased the number of paid monthly parking permits in the parking garage and eight surface lots it owns in downtown Schenectady by 476% since 2004.

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Democrats on the County Legislature announce $75,000 state grant

Schenectady County Legislature Chair Susan E. Savage recently announced that Schenectady County has received a $75,000 Recreation Trails Program state grant the Plotterkill Preserve by adding 20-acres and constructing additional trails.

"We appreciate the support from Governor Paterson and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation," said Chairwoman Savage. "This grant will increase access to our beautiful trail system for all County residents to enjoy. More importantly the new access point will improve the safety of this trail."

Chair Savage noted the new access point this grant will allow to be created will improve safety by shortening the response time needed for emergency service providers to reach a lost or injured hiker.

For more news coverage, click here.

For more information, click here.

Schenectady County continues its revitalization

The unified economic development team led by Ray Gillen and put in place by County Democrats continues its revitalization of Schenectady County. Metroplex will be providing matching grants to twelve local businesses to help them improve the facades of their businesses in these difficult economic times caused by the Bush Recession. This important facelife will help draw new customers to the revitalized areas and help bring in new potiential businesses.

Click here for more information.

Schenectady County residents save thanks to Democrat-sponsored County Prescription Drug Discount Card

Co-sponsored by Democratic Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan E. Savage and Legislators Dr. Brian Gordon and Martin Finn, the Schenectady County Prescription Drug Discount Card in just three months has saved Schenectady County residents $104,880.

“Schenectady County residents are receiving an average 35 percent discount on their prescriptions. Every little bit can help during these difficult economic times,” said Schenectady County Legislature Chair Susan E. Savage. “This program is a great success and I look forward to the drug discount card bringing additional savings to Schenectady County families.”

This program is provided at no cost to Schenectady County or county residents.

For more information on the program and how to get a card, click here.

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $7 Million in Recovery Act Funding For New York to Combat Violent Crimes Against Women

Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand recently announced $7,374,913 will be allocated to New York State under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program. The STOP Program supports communities' efforts to hire and retain criminal justice and victim services personnel that respond to violent crimes against women.

"There is nothing more important than protecting women from violent situations," Schumer said. "This funding will go a long way in ensuring that women, communities, and law enforcement have the necessary tools to protect themselves and their communities from needless violence, and that victims have the support they need to recover."

"As a lawmaker and a mother, I will not stand for any violence against women," Senator Gillibrand said. "This federal investment will put the resources we need on the ground to crack down on dangerous criminals hurting women and families. I will work with Senator Schumer and our Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government to keep our families safe."

For more information, click here.

Schenectady Democrats continue saving money with recycling

The Daily Gazette recently reported that the city of Schenectady has saved $40,000 this year due to increased recycling. A priority of both county and city Democratic officials has been to raise awareness of recycling programs and these efforts are clearly paying off by both protecting our environment and saving taxpayers money.

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Schenectady County receives stimulus money for infrastructure

Schenectady County will receive $1.9 million in federal stimulus money to repair 6.5 miles of County roads thanks to the continuing investment of the federal stimulus package. “I want to thank Governor Paterson for providing this important funding through the Federal stimulus plan,” said Susan E. Savage, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “The investment in these projects will put people to work in these tough economic times and provide safe roadways for our residents.”

The stimulus legislation was passed with the help of Congressman Paul Tonko, and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer and signed by President Barack Obama. New York has been one of the most successful states in the nation in getting the federal stimulus money out the door and into the economy.

For more information on this investment in Schenectady County, click here.

DEMOCRATS MEET ON SUNDAY JUNE 7th TO ENDORSE CANDIDATES

The Schenectady County Democratic Committee will meet on June 7th at the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Schenectady at 7:00 pm to endorse candidates for the 2009 elections.

"The town and city committees have put together exceptional slates across the board, said Brian Quail, Chair of the County Committee. "We will be endorsing an outstanding group of candidates dedicated to and capable of delivering the change we need to keep the local economy growing, deliver services cost effectively and meet the challenges of this difficult time."