Fundraiser to Elect Carl Erikson for Schenectady City Council

Fundraiser To Elect

Carl Erikson

for Schenectady City Council

Tuesday, June 29th from 5:30-7:30 pm

Petta’s Restaurant, 134 Duane Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12307

Campaign Buffet—Beer, Wine & Soda Included!

Susan Savage for State Senate

Please join us for an event to support

Susan Savage for State Senate

June 22, 2010 from 6:00-8:00pm

At the Stockade Inn, Schenectady, NY

Sign up now through our secure online contribution center.

Susan Savage changed Schenectady County as Chair of the County Legislature. Now, Susan will change the State of New York as your State Senator!

When Susan Savage became Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature on January 1, 2004, she brought Schenectady County a period of unprecedented growth and renewal with over $400 million in new investment and the creation of 3,500 new jobs.

Now Susan will bring this same dedication and commitment to change to the State Senate!

Visit Susan's website

Calendar

JUNE 12 SAT
BREAKFAST WITH CHRISTINE CLARK FOR FAMILY COURT 9-11:0 0 am Stockade Inn 1 N Church Street $35 person; $25 committee people or seniors; $50 couple; $5 children ages 6-12; free children 5 and under; questions or RSVP to 487-1515 or PO Box 1783 Schenectady 12301 or judgeclark2010@gmail.com

JUNE 16 WED NISKAYUNA DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE ELECTION KICK-OFF CELEBRATION 3300 Rosendale Rd (look for the For Sale sign) hosted by Dr and Mrs. Demostene Romanucci 5:30-7:30 pm donation $40 com member; $50 basic; $100 friend and up checks payable to Niskayuna Democratic Committee 831 Maxwell Rd 12309 reply by June 11 questions 852-5282 fmalkis@nycap.rr.com

JUNE 20 SUN FATHER’S DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Duanesburg Volunteer Ambulance Core 130 Cole Rd Delanson.NY 12053 (off Rt. 7) sponsored by the Duanesburg Democratic Committee Breakfast served 8:00-11 am adults $8 children $5 Pancakes, sausage,bacon,eggs,coffee, and juices

JUNE 21 MON DINOSAUR BARBEQUE BIRTHDAY BASH FOR PAUL TONKO Central Park Pavilion 5-8 pm suggested contribution levels: $61 (Politico-Saurus); $125 (Stegosaurus); $250 (T-Rex); $500 (Tonko-Saurus) kids eat free; Paul Tonko for Congress, 911 Central Av #221, Albany ,NY 12206 www.paultonko.com

JUNE 22 TUE SUSAN SAVAGE FOR STATE SENATOR reception honoring Susan Savage Stockade Inn 1 N Church St 6-8 pm donation $500, $250,$125 tickets payable to Susan Savage for Senate PO Box 9401 Niskayuna NY 12309
http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/24800

JUNE 29 CARL ERIKSON FUND RAISER Pettas more info later SEPT 22 WED MAYOR BRIAN STRATTON’S 7TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Details later

Help launch BK Keramati's campaign for NY State Assembly

Help launch BK Keramati's campaign for NY State Assembly, District 110.

Congress Park, Saratoga Springs

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

5:30 pm

Bring family and friends. Show your support!

An Important Announcement from Susan E. Savage

*TODAY* Please join

SUSAN E. SAVAGE

Chairwoman, Schenectady County Legislature

and her friends, family, and other supporters

for an important announcement.

WHEN: *TODAY* Sunday, May 23 at 1pm

WHERE: In front of Proctors Theater

432 State Street, Schenectady, NY

Congratulations to the Honorable Vincent W. Versaci

Congratulations to the Honorable Vincent W. Versaci, newly confirmed and sworn-in Schenectady County Surrogate Court Judge!

"I am ready for the unique challenge of presiding over the Schenectady County Surrogate Court," said Judge Versaci. "I look forward to serving the people who will come before me and getting out to meet the voters before the special election in November."

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events


May 3, 2010 at 7pm
Scotia-Glenville Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting
Peckham's, Scotia, NY, Scotia
Contact: Brian Quail

May 4, 2010 at 5:30 am
SCDC Cinco de Mayo Eve Celebration
Bomber's Burrito Bar, Schenectady, NY
Contact: Brian Quail
Pay online at our secure online contribution center.

May 6, 2010 at 5:30pm
Wayne Calder for Rotterdam Town Board Fundraiser
Dunzy's Place, 2612 Guilderland Avenue, Rotterdam, NY
Contact: Brian Quail

May 8, 2010 at 7:30 am
SCDC Annual Mets Bus Trip to Citifield
Leave from Crosstown Plaza Parking Lot on Watt St. and Rt 7
Contact: Brian Quail
Pay online at our secure online contribution center.

May 9, 2010
County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara's Mother's Day Brunch
Sons of Italy, 2984 Hamburg Street, Rotterdam, NY‎
For tickets, please contact Jennifer 518-355-1022

May 12, 2010 at 6pm
Victory Celebration in honor of Schenectady County Sheriff Dominick Dagostino
Sons of Italy, 2984 Hamburg Street, Rotterdam, NY‎
Contact: Brian Quail

May 13, 2010 at 6pm
35th Anniversary Schenectady City Democratic Dinner
Hibernations, 1748 State St, Schenectady
Contact: Brian Quail or Chuck Thorne at 393-0110

June 12, 2010 at 9am
Breakfast with Christine Clark for Family Court
Stockade Inn, 1 North Church Street Schenectady, NY
Contact: Brian Quail

October 21, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Annual SCDC John F. Kennedy Awards Dinner
Glen Sanders, 1 Glen Avenue, Scotia, NY
Contact: Brian Quail

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address: Giving Government Back to the American People

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address: Good News from the Auto Industry

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address: Holding Wall Street Accountable

Judge Vince Versaci for Schenectady County Surrogate Campaign Kickoff

SAVE THE DATE! Please join us for a cocktail party to kick off the campaign of Judge Vince Versaci for Schenectady County Surrogate, Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Malozzi’s from 5:30 to 7:30 pm! Print evite below or email your intentions to versaci2010@aol.com and a reservation will be held at the door. Formal invitations will follow, but reply by either evite or reply card is welcome.

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address: Relief for the Middle Class at Tax Time

NATIONAL GRID AWARDS NEARLY $1 MILLION IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS TO SCHENECTADY PROJECTS

National Grid has awarded nearly $1 million to further develop and enhance two major economic development projects in Schenectady County.

“Schenectady County’s economic development team works closely every day with National Grid to bring new jobs and new investment to our community. We appreciate National Grid’s commitment to rebuilding our economy. These two grants helped our economic development team secure almost $70 million in new investments in our County,” said Vincent DiCerbo, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development and Planning.

Congressman Paul Tonko said, “Investments in our cities are investments that pay off for the entire region in terms of economic development, jobs and recreation. I want to thank National Grid for working in partnership with government and other local businesses to improve and strengthen the downtown Schenectady area and contribute to its vibrant rebirth.”

Metroplex has received a $763,000 grant to benefit a project that will link State Street and the Proctors block redevelopment area in downtown Schenectady to Union College and Union Graduate College. The project includes the rehabilitation and expansion of Center City, a $30 million mixed use commercial, retail, and tech complex that also features a new YMCA branch. A new five-story addition to Center City is currently under construction. The new pedestrian walkway that will link Center City to the two colleges will include energy efficient LED lighting and will serve as a connector between the two colleges and the growing downtown.

In addition, National Grid provided a $200,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Assistance grant for the cleanup of the ten-acre former “Big N” site. As a result of this rehabilitation project, the site was chosen as the home of the new, LEED certified Golub Headquarters, a $30 million project that is nearing completion just a few blocks from the new Center City complex. The new Golub Headquarters will bring 850 jobs to downtown Schenectady and represents a $37 million investment.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events


April 14, 2010 at 7pm
Niskayuna Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting
Niskayuna Town Hall, NY
Contact: Brian Quail

April 23, 2010 at 7pm
County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara's Wine & Cheese Reception
Sons of Italy, 2984 Hamburg Street, Rotterdam, NY‎
For tickets, please contact Jennifer 518-355-1022

April 27, 2010 at 6pm
County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara's Jewelery Extravaganza
25% of all sales to benefit Friends of Angelo Santabarbara
Regency Jewelers, 1540 Altamont Ave, Rotterdam
For tickets, please contact Jennifer 518-355-1022

April 29, 2010 at 5:30
Vince Versaci for Schenectady County Surrogate
Mallozzi's Restaurant, Rotterdam, NY
Contact: Brian Quail

May 3, 2010 at 7pm
Scotia-Glenville Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting
Peckham's, Scotia, NY, Scotia
Contact: Brian Quail

May 4, 2010 at 5:30 am
SCDC Cinco de Mayo Eve Celebration
Bomber's Burrito Bar, Schenectady, NY
Contact: Brian Quail
Pay online at our secure online contribution center.

May 8, 2010 at 7:30 am
SCDC Annual Mets Bus Trip to Citifield

Leave from Crosstown Plaza Parking Lot on Watt St. and Rt 7
Contact: Brian Quail
Pay online at our secure online contribution center.

May 9, 2010
County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara's Mother's Day Brunch
Sons of Italy, 2984 Hamburg Street, Rotterdam, NY‎
For tickets, please contact Jennifer 518-355-1022

May 12, 2010 at 6pm
Victory Celebration in honor of Schenectady County Sheriff Dominick Dagostino
Sons of Italy, 2984 Hamburg Street, Rotterdam, NY‎
Contact: Brian Quail

May 13, 2010 at 6pm
35th Anniversary Schenectady City Democratic Dinner
Hibernations, 1748 State St, Schenectady
Contact: Brian Quail or Chuck Thorne at 393-0110

October 21, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Annual SCDC John F. Kennedy Awards Dinner
Glen Sanders, 1 Glen Avenue, Scotia, NY
Contact: Brian Quail

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Watch President Barack Obama's Weekly Address: Holiday Greetings

Schenectady County welcomes new Schenectady YMCA Branch

Through hard work and vision, decay and stagnation have given way to growth and renewal. Recently, Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, was joined by Legislators Gary Hughes, Karen Johnson, and Angelo Santabarbara, Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton, City Councilmembers Peggy King and Denise Brucker, representatives from Congressman Paul Tonko's office and other local officials in welcoming the new YMCA Schenectady Branch to the revitalized downtown Schenectady. This project is part of a $30 million investment to replace the old Center City with a new mixed use facility which will be another draw to downtown. Click here to watch video from the event.

Schenectady County Announces Four More Façade Projects

The unified economic development team put in place by the new Democratic Majority on the county Legislature in 2004 continues to produce results. Schenectady County’s Metroplex Development Authority recently announced plans to move forward with four façade improvement projects this year. The four projects all involve major upgrades to key storefronts on Upper Union Street.

“Redevelopment continues to take place throughout Schenectady County. These four façade projects, coupled with last year’s major streetscape improvements, show how small business and the County’s economic development team are working together.” said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the county Legislature.

"The unique partnership with Schenectady County Metroplex and the property owners in the Upper Union Street BID makes it possible for business owners to enhance their façades through this successful matching funds program,” said Guy Sementilli, BID Chair and himself a previous Façade Improvement Grant recipient at Scotti’s Restaurant, 1730 Union St. “The BID appreciates all Metroplex has done during the past three rounds of façade funding and we are looking forward to the improvements to come from round four. The continued improvements will make Upper Union Street a more attractive destination for years to come."

Metroplex will invest $122,000 in grant funding for these four projects that will be matched on at least a one to one basis by business and property owners. For this round of funding, Metroplex expects matching commitments of more than $500,000.

For more information, please click here.

SCHENECTADY COUNTY PROJECTS ADDITIONAL $4.2 MILLION IN SAVINGS IN 2010

In 2004, when the new Democratic majority took leadership of the county Legislature, they set out to implement new and progressive cost-saving reforms in healthcare. These reforms have succeeded beyond all expectations. Schenectady County was the first municipality in the State to enact a Canadian drug program that is now one of the most successful in the nation.

Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, recently announced $4.2 million in projected savings in 2010 from a major expansion of Schenectady County’s innovative Canadian program. This will bring the County’s total savings to over $13.7 million for six years.

“Our Canadian drug program has been a huge success,” said Chair Savage. “Schenectady County’s savings in prescription drug costs have exceeded $9.4 million in our first five years utilizing the Canadian drug program. Expanding this highly successful program means that both taxpayers and employees will enjoy even bigger savings than in past years.”

County prescription drug costs have increased less than 8.9% over the past five years since the County began utilizing the Canadian drug program while the national average prescription drug program has seen prices escalate by more 76.2% over five years.

Savings have been achieved by increasing mail order of both Canadian and U.S. prescription drugs from less than 1% to nearly 60% of scripts. This huge increase allows the County to purchase brand-name medications at big discounts. With the new agreements approved earlier this year, Schenectady County will expand the program’s reach from 60% of employees to over 90% of employees.

Keep SCDC's Internet Outreach Going

Over the next month, we will have to decide the future of our internet and social media efforts. This important outreach will cost $600 for the next year, and it’s only through your support that we can continue. Your contribution of $25 can help us reach this important goal!

Over the course of the last year, we have taken our internet outreach efforts to a new level. We have created a dynamic website that has been visited over 6,000 times, a Facebook fan page, a Twitter page, a news blog, and we have developed an email list of over 320 supporters who now receive updates on our record of results. If you like the new content and believe in the idea of using the internet to reach new voters and help get people involved, then please contribute $25 to this effort today!

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Watch President Barack Obama's Weekly Address: Two Major Reforms on Health Care & Higher Ed

What Health Reform Does This Year: In 3 Minutes

"What Health Reform Does This Year: In 3 Minutes"

While it will take about 4 years for health reform to be fully implemented, there are several benefits you can expect to see this year. Learn about them in just 3 minutes.

Nine More Buildings To Receive Façade Improvements

The unified economic development team put in place by the new Democratic Majority on the county Legislature in 2004 continues to produce results. The Metroplex Development Authority recently announced that nine more buildings in downtown Schenectady will undertake façade improvement projects, bringing the total number of building owners that have used the downtown façade program to 101.

“The County is proud of our efforts to redevelop downtown Schenectady,” said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “These nine projects are key to continuing the momentum that is transforming the appearance of downtown Schenectady and the entire County.”

The nine projects represent a $230,000 investment from Metroplex which will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by property owners. Since the program started, the private sector match has exceeded Metroplex’s contribution by a 2 to 1 margin.

For more information, please click here.

Schenectady County Residents Save Over $500,000 on Prescription Drugs

In just the first year, Schenectady County residents have saved more than $541,000 using the sponsored Schenectady County Prescription Drug Discount Card. In total, more than 27,800 claims have been filed.

“This program has been more successful than I could have imagined when we introduced the discount card to Schenectady County residents last year,” said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the county Legislature. “Our residents have saved more than $500,000 on their prescriptions in just the first year of the program. Every little bit can help during these difficult economic times and I look forward to the drug discount card bringing additional savings to Schenectady County families.”

Co-Sponsored by Chairwoman Savage and Legislators Martin Finn and Dr. Brian Gordon, the Schenectady County Prescription Drug Discount Card initiative is a partnership with ProAct Inc, at no cost to Schenectady County or county residents. The cards provide users with savings between 10 to 50 percent, depending on the medication and the brand. While the program is of most benefit to residents lacking prescription drug insurance and seniors paying out-of-pocket expenses for the Medicare Part D coverage gap, all county residents are eligible to participate. There are no enrollment forms to fill out, no membership fees, and no income requirements. The card can also be used for discounts on medication for pets.

SENATOR SCHUMER PUSHES YOUTH SUMMER JOBS BILL

Senator Charles E. Schumer recently announced that he is working in support of The Youth Jobs Act of 2010, sponsored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). The current youth unemployment rate of 21.5% is a threat to our nation’s broader economic recovery as an entire generation of young women and men see their talents wasted. This bill would bring the Capital Region $3,637,585.00 for youth employment and job training and build on the successful stimulus program from last year. A recent study by Northwestern University has shown that a dollar earned by a young adult translates into three dollars in economic activity. Overall, this bill translates into a $225,000,000 boost for New York’s economy from this bill.

“More than any time in recent memory, summer jobs for teenagers and young adults are going to be tough to come by this summer,” said Schumer. “That’s why we need to start taking critical steps to immediately address the problem - investing in summer jobs programs will not only ensure that kids and young adults have the proper training to join the work force, but will relieve stress on middle class families and is a proven way to jumpstart a local economy.”

“Putting young people back to work is a proven way to help the economy, and is a goal we should be aggressively pursuing,” Schumer added. A similar program included in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act used $1.2B in recovery act funding to create 300,000 jobs for unemployed youth. Here in Schenectady County, $392,457 was used under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to enroll an additional 230 at-risk youth in the 2009 Schenectady County Summer Youth Employment Program and expand the program to more than 520 participants, each receiving critcal workforce training and life skills including resume writing, banking and budgeting, financing, and college exploration.

Click here for more information.

Estimates on how the health care reform legislation will impact the 21st Congressional District

Editor's Note: I normally try to keep these posts short so they are quick updates. Considering the importance of today's planned health care votes, I thought it critical to show everyone what this means for us in the 21st Congressional District. Below is the complete text of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's estimates on how the health care reform legislation to be voted on this weekend will impact the 21st Congressional District.

"The U.S. House of Representatives will soon vote on health care reform legislation. This legislation will make health care affordable for the middle class, provide security for seniors, and guarantee access to health insurance for the uninsured – while reducing the federal deficit by over $100 billion over the next decade. This analysis examines the benefits of the legislation in the 21st Congressional District of New York, which is represented by Rep. Paul Tonko.

In Rep. Tonko’s district, the health care reform bill will:
 Improve coverage for 439,000 residents with health insurance.
 Give tax credits and other assistance to up to 149,000 families and 14,500 small businesses to help them afford coverage.
 Improve Medicare for 113,000 beneficiaries, including closing the donut hole.
 Extend coverage to 16,500 uninsured residents.
 Guarantee that 6,900 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage.
 Protect 1,100 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.
 Allow 59,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents’ insurance plans.
 Provide millions of dollars in new funding for 8 community health centers.
 Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and other health care providers by $71 million annually.

Affordable High-Quality Health Care for the Middle Class

Essential health insurance reforms. Approximately 66% of the district (439,000 residents) receives health care coverage from an employer or through policies purchased on the individual market. Under the legislation, individuals with insurance can keep the coverage they have now, and it will get better. The insurance reforms in the bill prohibit annual and lifetime limits, eliminate rescissions for individuals who become ill while insured, ban coverage denials for pre-existing conditions, and reduce the cost of preventive care. To rein in soaring insurance costs, the reforms also limit the amount insurance companies can spend on administrative expenses, profits, and other overhead.

Historic health care tax cuts. Those who do not receive health care coverage through their employer will be able to purchase coverage at group rates through the new health insurance exchange. To make this insurance affordable, the legislation contains the largest middle-class tax cut for health care in history, providing middle class families with incomes up to $88,000 for a family of four with tax credits to help pay for coverage in the exchange. For a family of four making $50,000, the average tax credit will be approximately $5,800. There are 149,000 households in the district that could qualify for these credits if they purchase health insurance through the exchange or, in the case of households with incomes below 133% of poverty, receive coverage through Medicaid.

Coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions. There are 6,900 uninsured individuals in the district who have pre-existing medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Under the bill’s insurance reforms, they cannot be denied affordable coverage.

Financial security for families. There were 1,100 health care-related bankruptcies in the district in 2008, caused primarily by the health care costs not covered by insurance. The bill caps annual out-of-pocket costs at $6,200 for individuals and $12,400 for families who purchase insurance through the exchange or who are insured by small businesses. It also eliminates annual and lifetime limits on all insurance coverage. These reforms ensure that no family will have to face financial ruin because of high health care costs.

Security for Seniors

Improving Medicare. There are 113,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the district. The legislation improves their benefits by providing free preventive and wellness care, improving primary and coordinated care,and enhancing nursing home care. The bill also strengthens the Medicare Trust Fund, extending its solvency from 2017 to 2026.

Closing the Part D donut hole. Each year, 7,300 Medicare beneficiaries in the district enter the Part D donut hole and are forced to pay the full cost of their prescription drugs. Under the bill, these beneficiaries will receive a $250 rebate in 2010, 50% discounts on brand name drugs beginning in 2011, and complete closure of the donut hole within a decade. A typical beneficiary who enters the donut hole will see savings of over $700 in 2011 and over $3,000 by 2020.

New Coverage Options for Young Adults

New lower-cost health care options for young adults. The legislation will allow young adults to remain on their parents’ policies until they turn 26. There are 59,000 young adults in the district who could benefit from this option. For individuals under age 30, the bill creates new, inexpensive policies that allow them to obtain protection from catastrophic health care costs.

Helping Small Businesses

Helping small businesses obtain health insurance. Under the legislation, small businesses with 100 employees or less will be able to join the health insurance exchange, benefiting from group rates and a greater choice of insurers. There are 16,600 small businesses in the district that could benefit from this provision.

Tax credits for small businesses. Small businesses with 25 employees or less and average wages of less than $50,000 will qualify for tax credits of up to 50% of the costs of providing health insurance. There are up to 14,500 small businesses in the district that could qualify for these credits.

Covering the Uninsured
Coverage of the uninsured. The legislation would extend coverage to 95% of all Americans. If this level of coverage is reached in the district, 16,500 residents who currently do not have health insurance will receive coverage.

Relieving the burden of uncompensated care. In 2008, health care providers in the district provided uncompensated care to individuals who lacked insurance coverage and were unable to pay their bills. Under the legislation, these costs of uncompensated care will be reduced by $71 million.

Supporting community health centers. There are 8 community health centers in the district that provide health care to the poor and medically underserved. Nationwide, the legislation would provide $11 billion in new funding for these centers. If the community health centers in the district receive the average level of support, the 8 centers will receive $10.4 million in new assistance.

Deficit Responsibility

No deficit spending. The cost of health care reform under the legislation is fully paid for, in large part by eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and excessive profits for private insurers. The legislation will reduce the deficit by $130 billion over the next ten years, and by about $1.2 trillion over the second decade.

This analysis is based upon the following sources: the U.S. Census (data on insurance rates, small businesses, and young adult population); the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (data on Medicare and Part D enrollment); the Department of Health and Human Services (data on health carerelated bankruptcies, uncompensated care, and pre-existing conditions); the Health Resources and Services Administration (data on community health centers); and the Congressional Budget Office (estimates of the percentage of citizens with health insurance coverage under health care reform legislation)."

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Watch President Barack Obama's Weekly Address: Time for Action on Financial Reform for the Economy

Congressman Tonko annouces federal grant to boost Schenectady High School's graduation rate

Congressman Paul Tonko recently announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the Schenectady School District and Schenectady High School a $6,270,000 million grant through the Department’s Mentoring, Educational, and Employment Strategies to Improve Academic, Social and Career Pathway Outcomes grant program.

“This is an important grant for Schenectady High School, which will help create a learning environment that will help get students on the right track,” said Congressman Tonko. “Schenectady High has come up with an impressive plan to improve it’s graduation rate, and deal with the family and social issues which have impacted student performance. I am committed to continuing my partnership with the Schenectady School District to ensure that all students have the chance to learn and succeed.”

The district has developed a plan in concert with the community to address problems including how to improve the graduation rate. The highlights of the plan that will be funded through this grant include:

•A freshman academy for incoming 9th graders
•The addition of a digital academy in a satellite location to relieve overcrowding at the high school campus
•Anti-bullying programs and school climate initiatives to improve student behavior
•Counseling and mentoring for at risk students
•College and career exploration programs
•Employment opportunities that would allow students to earn money and avoid gang involvement

For more information, please click here.

CONGRESS PASSES SENATOR SCHUMER'S BIPARTISAN "HIRE NOW TAX CUT"

Yesterday, Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that his bipartisan “Hire Now Tax Cut” proposal to provide businesses that hire unemployed workers with a tax cut has passed Congress and will now go to the President’s desk for signature. The “Hire Now Tax Cut” is part of the HIRE Act that just passed Congress and will soon be signed by President Obama.

Schumer's bipartisan proposal was cosponsored by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and provides a tax cut to businesses that hire a worker that has been without work for at least 60 days prior to employment. The businesses will avoid paying the employer’s share of Social Security taxes on that worker for the duration of 2010. The more a business pays a worker (up to the maximum Social Security wage of $106,800), and the longer a business has a worker on its payroll, the greater the tax benefit – so there is an incentive to hire people sooner, and pay them more. The benefits go immediately into a business’ cash flow – no waiting until 2011 to receive a tax credit.

“Passage of the “Hire Now Tax Cut” brings thousands of unemployed New Yorkers that much closer to finding a job,” Schumer said. “Both sides of the aisle have heard the call to focus on jobs. This proposal is not a panacea, but it will start the long process of putting people back to work.”

Schumer offered the following examples of savings that businesses would receive under this proposal:

· Hire a $35,000 worker in March, save $1,808.
· Hire an $80,000 worker in April, save $3,720.
· Hire a $70,000 worker in May, save $2,893.

Click here for more information.

Don't miss the SCDC St. Patrick's Day Celebration!

Tomorrow, March 18, 2010 at 5:30pm

SCDC St. Patrick's Day Celebration

The Stockade Inn, 1 North Church Street, Schenectady

Contact Brian Quail with questions.

Pay online at our secure online contribution center.

Judge Vincent W. Versaci nominated to fill Schenectady County Surrogate Court vacancy

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that he has nominated the Honorable Vincent W. Versaci to fill an interim vacancy in the Schenectady County Surrogate Court.

"I am ready for the unique challenge of presiding over the Schenectady County Surrogate Court," said Judge Versaci. "I look forward to serving the people who will come before me and getting out to meet the voters before the special election in November."

The Schenectady County Democratic Committee’s Executive Committee unanimously recommended Judge Versaci based on his unique experience, high qualification, and dedication to the local community.

Under the New York State Constitution, the Governor may nominate individuals to fill vacancies on the Surrogate Court until those vacancies can be filled at the next general election. If the Governor's nomination is confirmed by the Senate, this nominee will serve until December 31, 2010.

The Honorable Vincent W. Versaci has been nominated to serve as a Judge of the Schenectady County Surrogate Court, filling a vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Barry Kramer who was elected to Supreme Court in 2009, the second Democrat in two years to win a Supreme Court seat. Judge Versaci is currently a City Court Judge in the City of Schenectady and an Acting County Court Judge for Schenectady County. Prior to being elected to the bench, Judge Versaci practiced law in the areas of personal injury, matrimonial law, family law and estate litigation in private practice. He was an associate for Frank M. Putorti, Jr. in Schenectady. He received his B.A. from the University of Rochester in 1993, and his J.D. from Albany Law School in 1996.

Schenectady County secures new home for Rotterdam Little League

Last Tuesday evening, the Schenectady County Legislature unanimously approved the purchase of 8.7 acres of real estate in the Town of Rotterdam for parkland and to create a new home for the Rotterdam Little League.

“I am pleased that the County Legislature is able to step forward and use this funding to secure a new home for the Rotterdam Little League,” said County Legislator Judy Dagostino, the sponsor of the resolution. “Hundreds of Rotterdam youth will benefit every year from this investment in our future.”

The purchase of the new site will allow for the relocation of the current ball fields and the development of a 248 unit apartment complex which will bring new tax revenues to the County, Town, and school district. Schenectady County will use special dedicated parks and recreation funds to purchase the land.

County officials have secured an agreement to purchase the property for $260,000, significantly less than the appraised value of $600,000. The difference in value will be donated to the county by the current owner. The Little League will develop the land and build the new baseball fields.

Schenectady County Adopts Calorie Posting Law

Tuesday evening, Democrats on the Schenectady County Legislature voted in favor of a local law sponsored by Susan E. Savage, Chair of the county Legislature, to require mandatory posting of caloric information on menus and menu boards in chain restaurants. Such information, clearly displayed at the point of decision, will allow consumers to make informed choices when they choose to eat out.

“It’s important that we provide the information necessary for individuals to make smart, educated choices about the food they are eating,” said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the County Legislature. “People will now be able to make informed choices thanks to this important legislation.”

Representatives of the American Cancer Society and other public health organizations attended the public hearing on the legislation and spoke in support of the measure. These groups were supported by recent research in favor of menu posting. A recent Stanford University study on calorie posting on restaurant menu boards at Starbucks shows that it lowers customers’ calorie counts per visit without harming business (Starbucks locations within 50 meters of a competitor actually had an increase in Starbucks revenue). Two studies from the American Journal of Public Health have demostrated the positive impact of calorie posting on allowing consumers to make informed decisions(June 2008, February 2010).

Schenectady County has joined New York City and Albany, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties in requiring menu postings in New York State. The law was adopted by a vote of 12 to 2 (1 absent) with both Republicans on the county Legislature voting against this common sense legislation to provide consumers with more information.

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President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address: Education for a More Competitive America & Better Future

Decay and stagnation have given way to growth and renewal

Since the new Democratic Majority took leadership of the county Legislature, change for the better is happening in Schenectady County because Democrats at all levels of government in our county are working together. Even in these difficult economic times, the results have been dramatic. Already the new unified economic development team has delivered 3,300 new jobs, and $400 million in new private sector investment in our economy. Through hard work and vision, decay and stagnation have given way to growth and renewal.

A recent New York Times article about the changing perception of Schenectady among Union College students and officials shows more proof of the dramatic results that the new Democratic Majority has brought. Below are some quotes from the article:

"(Union College) Officials are trying to capitalize on the fact that downtown Schenectady, which had become a symbol of urban decay, has managed a marked turnaround in the past five years, with the $40 million renovation of its historic Proctors Theater and the opening of a six-screen movie theater, a handful of restaurants and a Hampton Inn. In addition, General Electric has brought hundreds of additional employees to Schenectady for its new renewable-energy headquarters."

"Around 2003, the city and Schenectady County began a commitment to rebuild the commercial base and improve facades along State Street and Broadway. In addition to G.E.’s renewable-energy headquarters, Schenectady attracted the Golub Corporation, the parent of the Price Chopper supermarket chain, which has just opened a new headquarters near campus with 800 employees. G.E. also plans to open a $100 million battery plant next year in a restored manufacturing building, with 350 positions. "

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Watch President Barack Obama's Weekly Address: The Immediate Benefits of Health Reform

Reconciliation rules - an up or down vote

There is a lot of rhetoric out there about health care reform. Senate Democrats are considering using reconciliation rules for an up or down vote. Listen to Republican Judd Gregg explain reconciliation.

President Obama calls on supporters to help finish the fight for health reform

President Obama calls on supporters to help finish the fight for health reform.

NEW YORKERS BEING 'HELD HOSTAGE' BY REPUBLICANS

Republicans are holding hostage thousands of Americans' unemployment benefits and endangering access to health care. In New York State alone, 85,647 people will lose their unemployment benefits by the end of March if Republican Senator Jim Bunning of Kentucky is allowed to continue his efforts to prevent a vote on emergency legislation. This important legislation provides a 30-day extension of unemployment insurance, help for unemployed workers in paying for health care(COBRA), small business loan guarantees, the highway bill, and flood insurance. Roll Call quotes Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah telling reporters, “This is not as big of a deal as some of you are trying to make it.” The Republican Party doesn't get it. Maybe this isn't a big deal to them, but it is to the thousands of families whose homes and health care are at risk.

Congressman Paul Tonko made the following statement today after Republican Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning again blocked the passage of emergency legislation to extend a number of programs:

“It’s sad that the nation’s unemployed, transportation workers, uninsured and seniors are being held hostage by one member of the United States Senate,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “If this is the level of respect Senate Republicans are displaying towards their public obligations as elected officials it’s a shame.

“In the greater Capital Region and Mohawk Valley 600 people have lost their unemployment benefits and we can add another 500 people to that list if nothing is done by the end of this week. These unemployment benefits are a lifeline to people who have been stung hard by this very deep and long recession. This is not the time to play political games. It is time for Republicans in the Senate to focus on the needs of the American People, who want nothing more than to pay their bills and put food on the table.”

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Watch President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Congressman Tonko votes to restore competition, fairness in Health Insurance Marketplace

Congressman Paul Tonko voted for the Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act which will take away the anti-trust exemption for health insurance companies, requiring them to compete fairly and adhere to the same anti-trust laws as other companies.

“For too long, Americans have been had by health insurance companies that don’t play by the rules,” said Congressman Tonko. “Middle-class families are facing higher premiums, a lower quality of coverage and limited choices – all while monopoly health insurance companies are jacking up prices and turning record profits. Enough is enough.”

For 65 years, the health insurance industry has been legally exempt from anti-trust laws, and the federal government was banned from even investigating evidence of possible collusion. In the last 14 years alone, there have been 400 mergers among health insurers and now 94% of all insurance markets are “highly concentrated” – meaning consumers have little or no choice between insurance providers.

“Competition is the core principle of our economy,” Congressman Tonko continued. “And for consumers, it’s a guarantee of two things: more choices and lower costs. It is the engine that drives economic growth, spurs American innovation and ensures that consumers are getting a fair deal. This bill creates a fair health insurance marketplace and helps put our economy on sound footing for the future.”

For more information, please click here.

SENATOR SCHUMER: NEW BIPARTISAN PROPOSAL COULD EMPLOY THOUSANDS OF NOW UNEMPLOYED CAPITAL REGION WORKERS

Recently, Senator Charles E. Schumer met with local businesses and unemployed workers to discuss his new bipartisan “Hire Now Tax Cut” proposal to provide businesses that hire unemployed workers with a tax cut. Schumer has joined with Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) to offer a tax cut to businesses that hire a worker that had been without work for at least 60 days prior to employment. The businesses will avoid paying the employer’s share of Social Security taxes on that worker for the duration of 2010. The more a business pays a worker (up to the maximum Social Security wage of $106,800), and the longer a business has a worker on its payroll, the greater the tax benefit – so there is an incentive to hire people sooner, and pay them more. The benefits go immediately into a business’ cash flow – no waiting until 2011 to receive a tax credit.

“Congress must focus like a laser on job creation, and that’s what this proposal does,” said Schumer. “The plan is targeted, cost efficient for the taxpayer and highly effective for workers seeking employment. This bipartisan proposal will put people back to work right away and help create the only thing that will finally bring us out of this recession: Job growth.”

For more information, click here.

Schenectady County Legislature Approves Amendment to Senior Citizen Tax Exemption

“In these tough economic times, it is important that we provide tax relief to our residents, especially our senior population,” said Schenectady County Legislator Tony Jasenski, sponsor of Local Law 1 of 2010 which amended the Senior Citizen Tax Exemption for County property taxes beginning this year. The amendment, adopted at the county Legislature's last meeting, allows Schenectady County residents who turn sixty-five after March 1 and before December 31 to receive the Senior Citizen’s Exemption for the 2011 tax year. Currently only individuals who turn sixty-five before the March 1 date qualify for the exemption. The Senior Citizen’s Exemption is a sliding scale exemption from county property taxes of between five and fifty percent and is available to seniors with an annual income below $37,400.

The Democratic Majority on the County Legislature passed a 2.13% tax cut this year, the third cut in the last five years and the largest cut in at least 20 years. This makes the Schenectady County full value tax rate the lowest since 1956; a feat made possible by the Democratic Majority's efforts over the last 6 years to cut spending and create a leaner more efficient government. This amendment is another example of county Democrats working to provide property tax relief to county residents.

Click here for more information on the senior exemption.

Credit Card Reform

The Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act, co-sponsored by Congressman Paul Tonko, went into effect yesterday, providing consumers with important protections.

Click here for a fact sheet about the new law.

Below is a summary of some of the major provisions:

Ends Unfair, Arbitrary Interest Rate Increases
--Prevents card companies from unfairly increasing interest rates on existing card balances – retroactive increases are permitted only if a cardholder is more than 30 days late, if a promotional rate expires, if the rate adjusts as part of a variable rate, or if the cardholder fails to comply with a workout agreement.
--Requires card companies to give 45 days notice of all interest rate increases or significant contract changes (e.g. fees).


Lets Consumers Set Hard Credit Limits, Stops Excessive “Over-the-Limit” Fees
--Requires companies to let consumers set their own fixed credit limit that cannot be exceeded.
--Prevents companies from charging “over-the-limit” fees when a cardholder has set a limit, or when a preauthorized credit “hold” pushes a consumer over their limit.
--Limits (to 3) the number of over-the-limit fees companies can charge for the same transaction – some issuers now charge virtually unlimited fees for a single violation.


Ends Unfair Penalties for Cardholders Who Pay on Time
--Ends unfair “double cycle” billing – card companies couldn’t charge interest on debt consumers have already paid on time.
--If a cardholder pays on time and in full, the bill prevents card companies from piling additional fees on balances consisting solely of left-over interest.
--Prohibits card companies from charging a fee when customers pay their bill.


Requires Fair Allocation of Consumer Payments
--Many companies credit payments to a cardholder’s lowest interest rate balances first, making it impossible for the consumer to pay off high-rate debt. The bill bans this practice, requiring payments made in excess of the minimum to be allocated proportionally or to the balance with the highest interest rate.


Protects Cardholders from Due Date Gimmicks
--Requires card companies to mail billing statements 21 calendar days before the due date (up from the current 14 days), and to credit as “on time” payments made before 5 p.m. local time on the due date.
--Extends due date to next business day for mailed payments when the due date falls on a day a card company does not accept or receive mail (i.e. Sundays and holidays).


Prevents Companies from Using Misleading Terms and Damaging Consumers’ Credit Ratings
--Establishes standard definitions of terms like “fixed rate” and “prime rate” so companies can’t mislead or deceive consumers in marketing and advertising.
--Gives consumers who are pre-approved for a card the right to reject that card prior to activation without negatively affecting their credit scores.


Protects Vulnerable Consumers From High-Fee Subprime Credit Cards
--Prohibits issuers of subprime cards (where total yearly fixed fees exceed 25 percent of the credit limit) from charging those fees to the card itself. These cards are generally targeted to low-income consumers with weak credit histories.


Bars Issuing Credit Cards to Vulnerable Minors
--Prohibits card companies from knowingly issuing cards to individuals under 18 who are not emancipated.


Requires Better Data Collection from Credit Card Industry
--Requires reports to Congress by the Federal Reserve on credit card industry practices to enhance congressional oversight.


Swift Implementation of 45-Day Notice Requirement
--Requires card companies to send out 45-day notice of interest rate increases 90-days after the bill is signed into law; the remainder of the bill takes effect 12 months after enactment.

President Barack Obama Posts Health Care Proposal

How will President Barack Obama's health care proposal effect you? Click here to find out!

The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act

One year in, the evidence is clear -- and growing by the day -- that the Recovery Act is working to cushion the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression while laying a new foundation for economic growth.

The New York Times yesterday wrote ,"Perhaps the best-known economic research firms are IHS Global Insight, Macroeconomic Advisers and Moody’s Economy.com. They all estimate that the bill has added 1.6 million to 1.8 million jobs so far and that its ultimate impact will be roughly 2.5 million jobs. The Congressional Budget Office, an independent agency, considers these estimates to be conservative."

Check out these charts from the NYT showing the change in the economy since the Recovery Act was passed.

But beyond the numbers, the Recovery Act has funded projects in communities across the country that have led to real and tangible improvements in people's lives:

• In Englewood, Colorado, Eddie B. is at work as a police officer because of the Recovery Act. When he graduated from police academy last year, the average wait time for a job was between two and three years. But the Recovery Act allowed him to be hired almost immediately -- along with four of his friends from the academy. He said, "The President, with the Recovery Act, gave me the opportunity to serve my community and help the people I live with."

• Jeanne S. is a middle school teacher who works at a public school in Phoenix, Arizona. Last spring, she and other teachers were told that the school might not be able to afford to keep them on any longer. Yet money from the Recovery Act allowed her and other teachers to keep their jobs, and Jeanne says that they are grateful for the opportunity to keep teaching thanks to the Recovery Act.

Right here in Schenectady County, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds are creating jobs. General Electric Global Research Center has received funds for important biomedical research and green energy research. Recovery funds are being used by YouthBuild Schenectady to create a green job training program for youth in Schenectady County. Stimulus funds are being used to construct a second track along the rail corridor between the Schenectady and Albany-Rensselaer train stations. Combined with other high speed rail investments, these investments will better the local economy and improve trip time for more than 56 weekly passenger trains and over 350 weekly cargo trains. Stimulus funds in Schenectady County helped improve access to health care, saved summer youth employment opportunies, and cleaned up our local environment. These are just a few of the local examples of how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has helped Schenectady County residents. ARRA also provided one of the largest tax cuts in American history - $232 billion - providing important relief to many Schenectady County residents in these difficult times.

The success of the Recovery Act is composed of millions of stories like these -- of folks getting to work who wouldn't otherwise be in their jobs, families able to buy their first home because of the homeowner's tax credit, and much more.

Democratic leadership at all levels is undoing the mess left by years of Republican deregulation, economic mismanagement and outright abuses of power. There is much more that needs to be done to rebuild our economy and provide relief to working families. Yet ironically reactionary elements are saying government created this crisis and are calling for government to do less as a solution in and of itself.

IF there is anything George Bush should have taught us it is that less is surely not more. We know doing less is what got us in trouble. The Republicans refused to regulate a securities industry that created derivatives and other sham instruments used to create fake paper wealth, the collapse of which threatend to topple the entire global finance sector. The Republicans refused to reign in the subprime mortgage scams that resulted in record foreclosures and a collapse in the housing market in some parts of the country. The Republicans refused to implement a rational energy policy -- which left our country more dependent on middle eastern oil and inevitable spikes in gasoline prices. The Republicans refused to tackle the health insurance problem resulting in 30 million uninsured and the highest health insurance premiums in the world for workers and businesses such that the high cost of healthcare is now one of the greatest obstacles to American competiiveness in the global marketplace.

It is time to do more. These are difficult times that require decisive leadership bold enough to meet the challenges of the moment. And once again only the Democratic party is prepared to deliver -- and is delivering.

Click on this link to view a video on the Recovery Act from Organizing for America - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWmUnU7HS-I - or watch the video below.

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Watch President Barack Obama's Weekly Address on Premiums, Profits, and the Need for Health Reform by clicking here or playing it below.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events


February 25th, 2010 at 5:30pm
County Clerk John Woodward 2010 Campaign Kickoff Fundraiser
The Stockade Inn, 1 North Church Street, Schenectady
Contact: John Woodward

March 1, 2010 at 7pm
Scotia-Glenville Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting
Peckham's, Scotia, NY, Scotia
Contact: Brian Quail


March 11, 2010 at 5:30pm
District Attorney Bob Carney's Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration
The Stockade Inn, 1 North Church Street, Schenectady
Contact: Janine Kava


March 18, 2010 at 5:30pm
SCDC St. Patrick's Day Celebration
The Stockade Inn, 1 North Church Street, Schenectady
Contact: Brian Quail
Pay online at our secure online contribution center.


March 18, 2010 at 6pm

County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara's Evening of Cigars & Wine Tasting!
That's a Great Cigar Shop located at 180 Erie Blvd in Schenectady
**Limited attendance - only 50 tickets available**
For tickets, please contact Jennifer 518-355-1022


March 23, 2010 at 5:30pm
Judge Christine Clark Family Court Campaign Kickoff
Mallozzi's, 1930 Curry Road, Schenectady, NY
Contact:Judge Clark 2010


May 8, 2010 at 7:30 am
SCDC Annual Mets Bus Trip to Citifield
Leave from Crosstown Plaza Parking Lot on Watt St. and Rt 7
Contact: Brian Quail
Pay online at our secure online contribution center.


October 21, 2010 at 5:45 pm

Annual SCDC John F. Kennedy Awards Dinner
Glen Sanders, 1 Glen Avenue, Scotia, NY
Contact: Brian Quail

Union Graduate College Opens Its New Home in Downtown Schenectady

The results of the new economic development team put in place by the new Democratic Majority in 2004 continues to pay dividends. Just two years ago, the corner of Nott Terrace and Liberty Street in Schenectady was the site of an abandoned gas station. Today, it is the brand-new home of Union Graduate College, a three-story, 24,000 square foot building on a 1.5 acre campus, at the gateway of downtown Schenectady.

“I am very proud of the role our County Economic Development Team played in keeping Union Graduate College here in Schenectady County,” said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “We took a former brownfield and turned it into a green building that is now fertile ground for developing the future leaders of our community."

“I have always felt that Union Graduate College could play a key role in the ongoing redevelopment of Schenectady,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. “It was almost five years ago that the college approached me to support the construction of a permanent home. I am proud to have secured $500,000.00 for this project. Not only does it keep the Graduate College in the City of Schenectady, but it makes an immediate impact on Nott Terrace and the continuing rebirth of downtown.”

The $8.5 million Graduate Center was built to house Union Graduate College’s growing Master’s degree programs in management, bioethics, engineering and education. The Graduate College has seen enrollment jump 5.5% this year. The Graduate Center was also built to LEED standards, with features that reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint.

"Higher education is at the very heart of economic development in New York State," said Chair Savage in a recent New York State Association of Counties publication article written by Dr. Laura Schweitzer, President of Union Graduate College. "We are very proud Union Graduate College has made its permanent home in the heart of our community. This provides opportunities for this generation and the next to learn and work right here in the orginal Tech Valley.”

Dr. Schweitzer further wrote that "In the more than a dozen years as a college adminstrator, I have seen the powerful difference it makes when colleges and local leaders work together. Private colleges like Union Graduate College are anchors in New York State's communities - but we cannot be islands. We must be part of the plan. In Schenectady County officials have played a hundred roles - both large and small - in helping bring our new campus to life. In turn, we are deeply committed to helping continue the successful renaissance already underway."

Watch the ribbon cutting ceremony below:

New York to receive federal funds for double tracking from Schenectady to Albany

Congressman Paul Tonko recently announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded more than $151 million in funding for high speed rail in upstate New York, which comes on the back of over $4.5 million in the FY 2010 Transportation Appropriations bill. This funding will include construction of a second track along the rail corridor between the Schenectady and Albany-Rensselaer train stations. Combined, these investments will better the local economy and improve trip time for more than 56 weekly passenger trains and over 350 weekly cargo trains.

"This will help our economic development efforts by improving rail service, reliability and creating future opportunities for high-speed rail service," said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature.

“These investments are welcomed news in the Capital Region” said Congressman Tonko. “By investing in double tracking between Schenectady and Albany we can help develop the economy of downtown Schenectady, the only city in the region with a downtown train station, and improve trip time not only for those in the region but for travel across Upstate New York. I want to thank the Upstate New York delegation, led by Chairwoman Louise Slaughter, for working hard to deliver this investment to help revitalize our Upstate economy.” Click here for Congressman Tonko's complete release.

“This is great news for New York,” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. “Building high-speed rail here will connect more commuters and businesses, create jobs immediately and help rebuild our economy for the long term. We’ve worked hard for a long time to bring high-speed rail to New York. This round of funding is just the first step in our efforts to secure what New York needs to achieve true high-speed rail connectivity. I will keep fighting to make sure New York gets more high speed rail funding in future rounds.”

Congressman Tonko Announces Federal Job Training Funds for Schenectady

Congressman Paul Tonko recently announced the Municipal Housing Authority of the City of Schenectady will receive $55,533 from the Housing and Urban Development’s Family Self Sufficiency Program. These funds are awarded to public housing authorities to hire a program coordinator who will enable local residents to gain more access to training opportunities for jobs, job placement organizations as well as local employers.

“These investments will enable those who are unemployed, and many of whom have been for a long period, the opportunity to retrain and retool their skills to ensure they can get back to work and help get the economy moving again,” said Rep. Tonko. “These local hires will help locally unemployed people find work and put their skills back to work. We must continue to focus on rebuilding our economy, which is my top priority. Creating sound jobs on the road to recovery takes investments such as this to help bring down the unemployment rate and retrain the workforce of the future.”

For more information, click here.

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Niskayuna-based GE Global Research receives stimulus grants for energy saving, next generation lighting projects

Congressman Paul Tonko recently annouced that GE Global Research in Niskayuna has been awarded two grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act totaling $5.77 million for high-efficiency solid-state lighting projects. Solid-state lighting (SSL), which uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) instead of standard incandescent bulbs, has the potential to be ten times more energy efficient than current sources.

“These smart investments that we are making today will soon pay off with more energy efficient lighting that will cut our energy use and ultimately our reliance on imported foreign oil,” said Rep. Tonko. “These funds will also position our country and American companies like GE as global leaders in the creation of this energy efficient technology, and potentially create new jobs due to the cutting edge research done right here in our community.”

The green economy is taking shape right here in Schenectady County thanks to the hardwork and leadership of Schenectady County Democrats.

For more information on these grants, click here.

Legislators Santabarbara, Gordon, Savage Sponsor Important Resolution on Autism

The Schenectady County Legislature recently unanimously adopted an important resolution, sponsored by Angelo Santabarbara and cosponsored by County Legislature Chairwoman Susan E. Savage and Legislator Brian Gordon MD, calling on the New York State Legislature to approve legislation requiring health insurance policies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Just as the passage of Timothy's Law was a crucial step in providing fair and equitable health care coverage, this legislation would provide access to treatment for a growing number of children and adults affected by autism.

Autism is the fastest growing disabling disorder affecting American children, with diagnoses increasing by 500 percent over the past ten years. In New York State, the autism rate for children has been increasing by approximately 15% per year in that time span. Studies from the year 2000 show that 1 in 150 children are affected, but more recent studies place the number closer to 1 in 90 children. Currently, there are 17,000 students age 4 to 21 classified by New York schools as having autism. Failing to provide coverage to these individuals substantially endangers their health and quality of life.

Please read the complete resolution below.

RESOLUTION 23-10

Sponsored by Legislator Santabarbara; Co-sponsored by Legislators Savage and Gordon:

A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE TO APPROVE LEGISLATION REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

BE IT ENACTED, by the Legislature of the County of Schenectady, as follows:

WHEREAS, Assembly bill number 6888-B and Senate bill number 6123 would amend the NYS Insurance Law to require health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of this state legislation is to ensure that every policy, group policy and/or medical indemnity, hospital service or health service corporation would provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; and

WHEREAS, the aforesaid state legislation would provide insurance coverage for persons with autism spectrum disorders without the imposition of age or coverage limitations; and

WHEREAS, the aforesaid state legislation would assist families with the necessary insurance coverage so that their children can receive adequate primary care, educational, rehabilitation and behavioral health services; and

WHEREAS, the aforesaid state legislation would enable families to buy insurance products that would allow them to increase the effectiveness of their financial resources in obtaining needed medical treatments and therapies; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that this Legislative Body supports Assembly bill number 6888-B and Senate bill number 6123, and encourages the State Legislature to approve such legislation; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this Legislature directs the Clerk of the Legislature to send a certified copy of this resolution to the Speaker of the Assembly, Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Hugh Farley and Assemblyman James Tedisco.

Legislator Santabarbara Donates to Autism Society

Democratic Schenectady County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara continues his important and very personal work on the issue of autism. At the recent opening of the new location of the Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America in downtown Schenectady on lower State Street, Santabarbara donated $4,700 raised from his homemade cheese sales. Watch coverage of the ribbon cutting below:

Congressman Tonko announces funding to help Union College collect and analyze intelligence

Congressman Paul Tonko recently announces the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) release of funding for a project at Union College entitled “Collaborative Research: Measuring and Modeling Collective Intelligence.” This project would attempt to use vast computer networks to create new kinds of intelligent entities that combine the best of both human and machine intelligence. A key to this human-centered computing system is finding a better way to measure the collective intelligence they exhibit.

“This program is a great example of some of the cutting edge research going on in our colleges and universities and represents the kind of bold ideas and innovation that will lead to future scientific discoveries,” said Rep. Tonko. “I commend the work of Union College in attempting to compile this information to understand and solve some of the most complex systems of data and intelligence. Ultimately the solutions discovered in Schenectady will enable us to solve some of the most difficult and complex problems we face.”

Such a system seeks to provide powerful tools for managing and designing intelligence systems. The idea is to provide a collective test of intelligence to groups such as management teams to predict their future performance on a wide range of tasks. The test could then suggest changes the team could make to improve flexibility or effectiveness. People and computers are poised to solve problems together both in an efficient and intelligent manner.

The Division of Information and Intelligent Systems at NSF has provided Union College with $173,908.00 to carry out this research over the next three years, in collaboration with MIT and Carnegie Mellon University. It will also have key implications for computer-supported cooperative work, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, as well as cognitive science, social psychology and organization theory.

GE Dedicates New Renewable Energy Global Headquarters in Schenectady County

The sucess of the unified economic development team's new approach continues to pay dividends. Just one of the areas of change has been the new positive relationship with GE. The Daily Gazette on February 22, 2009 quoted Jan Smith, spokeswoman for GE Energy, as saying "When the new group came in, they said we should have a climate for change. There has been an effort on [their part] to work with us and us with them." The article further stated "Smith credited the changed environment with GE's decision to locate 500 jobs related to solar and wind power generation." The establishment of the Renewable Energy Global Headquarters in Schenectady has spurred the creation of more than 650 new jobs locally, 150 more than originally anticipated and a year ahead of schedule.

Recently, Schenectady County Legislators joined with GE representatives and Federal, state and local officials to celebrate the official dedication of GE’s Renewable Energy Global Headquarters. The state-of-the-art, eco-friendly facility is a $45 million renovation of Building 53 on GE’s Schenectady campus.

“GE could have built this facility anywhere in the world and we are so happy they chose Schenectady County to be the hub of the company’s fast growing, green energy business,” said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature.

“This facility is an investment in the future of GE in Schenectady,” said Steve Bolze, president and CEO, GE Power & Water. “It will help ensure that New York continues to be a global leader in sustainable technology, as GE’s renewable energy business continues to support the growth of a green economy.”

Bolze thanked government and community officials for their support in the development of the new facility.

“The rebirth of Building 53 as our Renewable Energy Global Headquarters is an important symbol of the rapid growth and success of our renewable energy business, particularly in the wind sector,” said Victor Abate, vice president-renewable energy for GE Power & Water. “When we entered the wind energy industry in 2002, it was a $200 million business for us. Today, it has grown into a vibrant business of more than $6 billion.”

Check out the annoucement below:

Chairwoman Savage Introduces Calorie Posting Local Law

Recently, Schenectady County Legislature Chair Susan E. Savage introduced a local law to require chain resturants to post caloric information.

“It’s important that we provide the information necessary for individuals to make smart, educated choices about the food they are eating,” said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “By requiring chain food service establishments to post calorie information on menus and menu boards, we are enabling people to make informed choices”

A January 6, 2010 Stanford Graduate School study found that calorie posting on menu boards does influence consumer behavior. Using data provided by Starbucks, the study found calorie posting led to a 6 percent calorie per transaction decrease. The study also found that calorie posting “did not cause any statistically significant change in Starbucks revenue.”

“Many chain restaurants already make some information available, but most of the time this information is behind a counter and the patron must ask for it,” said Savage. “Recent surveys have shown that patrons are much more likely to reduce their calories per order when they see calorie information at the point of purchase. This legislation will be good for consumers while having little if any impact on the restaurants.”

By enacting this legislation, Schenectady County would join New York City and Albany, Nassau, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester Counties in requiring menu postings in New York State. Governor Paterson has also proposed State-wide legislation requiring calorie posting in restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores that belong to large chains.

Watch the press conference below: