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.

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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.

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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.”

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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:

Senator Schumer Completes His 62- County Tour In Schenectady

Senator Charles Schumer continued his 11 year tradition of visiting every county in the state by visiting Schenectady County and touring Proctors Theatre. During his visit, Senator Schumer pledged support for Proctors' innovative energy district which uses green technology to provide heat and electricity to both the theater and neighboring businesses. Schumer further stated he would work for federal funding to support this program.

In 2004, Senator Schumer won 61 of the 62 counties during his reelection bid in large part because of his tireless efforts to be a senator for all of New York. Schenectady County holds a particularly special place in his heart as it was here in 1998 that the then-Congressman Schumer showed his strength in Upstate New York by winning the Schenectady County straw poll. Schumer went to win the Democratic Primary and defeat the entrenched Republican incumbent in that year.

Text messaging while driving ban goes state-wide

Recently, Governor David Paterson signed into law a state text messaging while driving ban. Dozens of upstate counties followed Schenectady County's lead and adopted county bans which led to the state law. The need for this important public safety measure has been supported by a report released by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI). The study showed that text messaging on a cell phone has the highest crash risk of all cell phone related tasks, with the risk of a crash or near crash 23.2 times higher while text messaging as compared to non-distracted driving.

Susan Savage, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature and sponsor of the County’s Text Messaging While Driving Ban said, “My goal has been to raise awareness to this dangerous and deadly behavior. With increased awareness, I hope that drivers will understand the dangers of text messaging while driving and will instead pull over or wait until they reach their destination before sending a text message.”

Nationally, Senator Charles Schumer is leading the fight to make this a federal law.

More recovery funds coming to Schenectady County

Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will provide $798,270 for General Electric Global Research Center for important biomedical research.

"This funding for biomedical research is a wise investment in the Capital Region economy," said Senator Schumer. "Not only will these federal dollars help New York institutions tackle our biggest health issues, but we will be creating research and teaching positions in the region. I will continue to fight for funding to keep our state's world-class schools and research facilities at the forefront of medicine."

"It is critical that we invest in the life-saving research at our world class medical facilities in the Capital Region," said Senator Gillibrand. "Federal funding for this cutting edge research will advance research and treatment while promoting economic growth for New York. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to make sure New York gets its fair share of federal dollars."


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Schumer Annouces $697,000 for energy projects in Schenectady County

Senator Charles E. Schumer recently announced that General Electric’s Global R&D Center in Niskayuna has been selected to receive $697,769 in federal funding for projects that will help address difficulties in the energy market. The funding will specifically focus on wind turbine manufacturing process monitoring.

“This project is a win-win for upstate New York,” said Senator Schumer. “Not only will this funding help keep New York a leader in the clean energy movement, but it will create much-needed jobs across the state. I will continue to fight for funding to support research and development of renewable energy sources to keep New York facilities at the forefront of clean energy technology.”

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Stimulus funds provide important boost to local job training programs

According to the programs website "YouthBuild Schenectady is a 12-month program that helps young adults ages 18-24 from Schenectady County earn a GED while getting paid to build affordable housing. Participants receive six months of classroom instruction and onsite construction training and six months of job placement and support services." In this uncertain economy caused by the Bush Recession, programs such as this have an even more important role in work force training and development.

Thanks to funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was passed with help from both of our Senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and our Congressman Paul Tonko, YouthBuild Schenectady will receive $687,500 to teach "green" job skills.

Green collar jobs are considered to be a major part of the future workforce and, thanks to this funding stream, local youths will now be learning these critical skills.

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

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

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

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

For more information, click here.

President Obama signs Credit Card Reform

President Obama was joined by Senator Charles Schumer for the signing of the important the Credit Card Accountability, Responsiblity, and Disclosure Act of 2009. Congressman Paul Tonko co-sponsored this important legislation.

Click here for a fact sheet about the new law.

Watch the video of President Obama's signing below.

Niskayuna-based GE Global Research receives major stimulus investment

Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced millions in investments for energy research at Niskayuna-based General Electric Global Research to advance innovation and technology in renewable energy to combat global warming and fuel New York’s economy for the long term. The investment from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressman Paul Tonko helped pass earlier this year.

“Providing funds to world class research institutions will not only create jobs in New York in the short term, but will save consumers money by allowing them to buy less fuel, make us safer by fostering energy independence, and allow us to keep our resources here at home, instead of shipping them overseas,” said Senator Schumer.

“By investing in research and innovation, we can relieve our dependence on foreign oil and create jobs in New York,” Senator Gillibrand said. “New York is home to the world’s leading scientists and research institutions, which are working to develop the next generation of energy technology. These institutions provide crucial economic engines in every corner of our state. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and the Obama Administration to direct federal dollars to develop the renewable energy industry in New York.”

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

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Schenectady County receives over $389K in FEMA funds for December Ice Storm cleanup

In a recent release, Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand applauded FEMA for issuing the first round of emergency disaster aid, which includes $88,647 for entities within Schenectady County, for damage caused by the December ice storm. Following the urging of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressman Paul Tonko, FEMA reversed its decision to not issue a major disaster declaration and will now provide aid to help cover the costs of the storm damage. Because of their efforts, Schenectady County residents will gain important relief from cleanup and repair costs that would have otherwise be borne by local taxpayers.

"This critical assistance is coming just in time for the counties in the Capital Region and the Hudson Valley that were severely damaged in last December's storm," said Schumer. "These communities have sustained major damages and had been forced to foot the bill. I am so glad that I could help secure this first round of federal aid to the region to help get these counties back on their feet."

"The Capital Region and Hudson Valley were hit hard in December by ice storms. These federal dollars will go a long way to helping the communities and businesses get back on their feet. New York families are dealing with enough in this economy, they shouldn't be left holding the bag after natural disaster such as this," said Senator Gillibrand.

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Update: An additional $300,599 was received in the second round of funding. Click here for more information.

Schumer, Gillibrand announces $374,989 will go to health clinic in Schenectady County

Schenectady Family Health Services, Inc. will receive $374,989 in funding from President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for adding providers and expanding service and hours of operation. The funding will provide greater access to medical care for Schenectady County residents.

“These funds are just what the doctor ordered,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “In these tough economic times, this federal funding from the Economic Recovery Package will go a long way in ensuring that all residents have continued access to quality, affordable healthcare.”

"Community Health Centers are a lifeline to many families across New York," said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. "During these tough economic times, it is more important than ever that our families continue to receive the care they need. These federal dollars are a step in the right direction to helping community health centers, which are the true safety net providers for the people who need care most. I will continue to work hard in the Senate to ensure New York gets its fair share of federal dollars."

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Schumer announces $32 million in Economic Recovery Act funding coming to Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory

“This Recovery Act funding is a win-win for Schenectady County,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “These funds will ensure that the contaminated soil at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory is disposed of properly to keep our residents safe, and at the same time the clean up will create jobs and provide an economic boost to the area.”

The Department of Energy has awarded $32 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL) in Niskayuna to cleanup the site by removing contaminated soil and re-seeding the area.

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Schumer, Gillibrand announce Schenectady County will receive $42,550 in Economic Recovery Act funding for emergency food and shelter program

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have announced that Schenectady County will receive $42,550 in Economic Recovery Act funding for FEMA's the Emergency Food and Shelter Program(EFSP). EFSP funds can be used for many different services, including mass shelter, mass feeding, food distribution through food pantries and food banks, one-month assistance with rent, mortgage and utility payments to prevent evictions, and transition assistance from shelters to stable living conditions. The funding is part of a total of $5,290,000 for New York State and an additional $307,271 for the State Set-Aside Program to serve NY areas in need that do not qualify based on regular FEMA standards.

“During these tough economic times, funding this program will give needed food and shelter assistance to struggling families across the Capital Region,” Schumer said. “Increasing access to shelter, food and housing assistance will help keep many Upstate New York families afloat during these tumultuous times. These funds are a prime example of what the Recovery Act can do and one of the many reasons I fought so hard to pass the package. During this season it is more important than ever to feed the hungry and house our most vulnerable families.”

"During these tough economic times, it's important that we maintain a support system for the New York families who need it most," said Senator Gillibrand. "Food and housing assistance programs are a lifeline for many families in the Capital Region. These federal dollars provide food for their tables and a roof over their heads. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and the New York Congressional Delegation to ensure New York continues to receive these critical funds."

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