Watch President Barack Obama's Weekly Address
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
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.
“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.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
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.
“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.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, February 22, 2010
President Barack Obama Posts Health Care Proposal
How will President Barack Obama's health care proposal effect you? Click here to find out!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
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.
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.
• 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.
Friday, February 19, 2010
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
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
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
Glen Sanders, 1 Glen Avenue, Scotia, NY
Contact: Brian Quail
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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:
“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:
Monday, February 15, 2010
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.”
"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.”
Sunday, February 14, 2010
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.
“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.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
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.
“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.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
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.
Sponsored by Legislator Santabarbara; Co-sponsored by Legislators Savage and Gordon:
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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:
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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.
“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.
Monday, February 8, 2010
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:
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:
Sunday, February 7, 2010
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:
“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:
Saturday, February 6, 2010
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