Schenectady County Democrats have scored another economic development win. Thanks to the new economic development team led by Ray Gillen and recruited by Susan E. Savage, Chair of the County Legislature, downtown Schenectady is seeing a renaissance. The latest economic development win is the opening of Bombers Burrito Bar. While just the opening of another new resturant in Schenectady would be something worth writing about, Bombers comes with a proven reputation from its Albany County location. In addition, this is a homecoming of sorts as Bombers' owner is a Union College graduate. Check out the ribbon cutting youtube video below!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tonko Votes in Favor of Credit Card Protections
Congressman Paul Tonko recently voted to approve the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act, which he also co-sponsored.
“We need to put these common-sense regulations in place to protect consumers from credit card companies which have resorted to gimmicks and underhanded tactics to make bigger profits on the backs of working families,” said Rep. Tonko. “We must put an end to the abusive practices that are driving Americans deeper and deeper into debt. We need to build an economy that rewards hard work and responsibility, not one built on maxed-out credit cards.”
Click here for more information on this important legislation.
“We need to put these common-sense regulations in place to protect consumers from credit card companies which have resorted to gimmicks and underhanded tactics to make bigger profits on the backs of working families,” said Rep. Tonko. “We must put an end to the abusive practices that are driving Americans deeper and deeper into debt. We need to build an economy that rewards hard work and responsibility, not one built on maxed-out credit cards.”
Click here for more information on this important legislation.
Monday, May 4, 2009
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."
Click here for more information.
“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."
Click here for more information.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Senator Gillibrand Declares High Speed Rail In New York One Of Her Top Priorities
High speed rail is a critical infrastructure and economic development investment that will help revitalize the Upstate economy. Schenectady stands to reap major economic rewards from any major investment as a part of any high speed rail connecting Buffalo to Albany and New York City will run through Schenectady and bring tourism and other economic development opportunities.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “I am pleased that President Obama is committed developing high-speed rail. Other countries have known the benefits that high speed rail brings – it is time the U.S. pledges to modernize our rail infrastructure. President Obama included $5 billion dollars in his budget toward the development of high speed rail corridors over the next five years. That is on top of the $8 billion secured as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These funds are vital to making high speed rail a reality in New York.
“High-speed rail is one of my top priorities for Upstate New York. It is a key component of our economic development and will spur job growth across New York. The development of high-speed rail will create an economic development engine in Upstate New York for decades. High-speed rail development means immediate job creation in construction and local suppliers. There are long-term economic development opportunities in business growth and increased tourism.
“I will work with President Obama, Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and our Congressional Delegation to see high speed rail development in New York State.”
Click here for more information.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “I am pleased that President Obama is committed developing high-speed rail. Other countries have known the benefits that high speed rail brings – it is time the U.S. pledges to modernize our rail infrastructure. President Obama included $5 billion dollars in his budget toward the development of high speed rail corridors over the next five years. That is on top of the $8 billion secured as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These funds are vital to making high speed rail a reality in New York.
“High-speed rail is one of my top priorities for Upstate New York. It is a key component of our economic development and will spur job growth across New York. The development of high-speed rail will create an economic development engine in Upstate New York for decades. High-speed rail development means immediate job creation in construction and local suppliers. There are long-term economic development opportunities in business growth and increased tourism.
“I will work with President Obama, Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and our Congressional Delegation to see high speed rail development in New York State.”
Click here for more information.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Stimulus funds help expand Summer Youth Employment Program
Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan E. Savage recently announced that Schenectady County has been awarded $392,457 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for workforce development. The majority of the funds will be used by the Schenectady County Job Training Agency to enroll an additional 230 at-risk youth in the 2009 Schenectady County Summer Youth Employment Program. In total, the program will have more than 520 participants, each receiving critcal workforce training and life skills including resume writing, banking and budgeting, financing, and college exploration.
"This has been a very successful program and a great opportunity for local youth," said Legislator Philip Fields, sponsor of the resolution accepting the stimulus funds. "Our kids will not only have the opportunity to earn a few dollars this summer, but will be given important skills that they will need to be successful in the future."
"This funding through President Obama’s stimulus plan is so important during these difficult economic times," said Chair Savage. "We will provide many more young people in Schenectady County with important job training and the skills necessary to find good paying jobs and become productive members of our community."
Click here for more information.
"This has been a very successful program and a great opportunity for local youth," said Legislator Philip Fields, sponsor of the resolution accepting the stimulus funds. "Our kids will not only have the opportunity to earn a few dollars this summer, but will be given important skills that they will need to be successful in the future."
"This funding through President Obama’s stimulus plan is so important during these difficult economic times," said Chair Savage. "We will provide many more young people in Schenectady County with important job training and the skills necessary to find good paying jobs and become productive members of our community."
Click here for more information.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Schenectady County Democrats make the Climate Smart Community Pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
“Schenectady County is pleased to join with other communities throughout New York State to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan E. Savage. “This is one more step Schenectady County is taking to greatly reduce the County’s greenhouse emissions and create a livable, energy-independent and secure community for our children and grandchildren.”
Chairwoman Savage began the 2008/2009 term of the Schenectady County Legislature by committing to making County government more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. In April of 2008, Democrats on the County Legislature sponsored the first major package of environmental legislation in County history. This package required County departments to purchase Energy Star products, put into place LEED standards for all new County construction projects, ordered the establishment of new policies to be implemented for energy conservation and recycling in all County facilities, and created a partnership with NYSERDA to promote residential home energy audits within our county.
Building upon the success of that package, the Democratic Majority on the Schenectady County Legislature on April 14, 2009 supported a resolution stating that Schenectady County, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate, will:
1. Pledge to combat climate change by becoming a climate smart community;
2. Set goals to reduce carbon emissions, and act to implement those goals;
3. Decrease energy demand for county governmental operations;
4. Utilize renewable energy for county governmental operations where feasible;
5. Realize benefits of recycling and other climate smart solid waste management practices;
6. Promote climate protection through community land use planning;
7. Plan for adaptation to unavoidable climate change;
8. Support a green innovation economy;
9. Inform and inspire the public; and
10. Commit to an evolving process.
Click here for more information on the legislation.
Chairwoman Savage began the 2008/2009 term of the Schenectady County Legislature by committing to making County government more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. In April of 2008, Democrats on the County Legislature sponsored the first major package of environmental legislation in County history. This package required County departments to purchase Energy Star products, put into place LEED standards for all new County construction projects, ordered the establishment of new policies to be implemented for energy conservation and recycling in all County facilities, and created a partnership with NYSERDA to promote residential home energy audits within our county.
Building upon the success of that package, the Democratic Majority on the Schenectady County Legislature on April 14, 2009 supported a resolution stating that Schenectady County, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate, will:
1. Pledge to combat climate change by becoming a climate smart community;
2. Set goals to reduce carbon emissions, and act to implement those goals;
3. Decrease energy demand for county governmental operations;
4. Utilize renewable energy for county governmental operations where feasible;
5. Realize benefits of recycling and other climate smart solid waste management practices;
6. Promote climate protection through community land use planning;
7. Plan for adaptation to unavoidable climate change;
8. Support a green innovation economy;
9. Inform and inspire the public; and
10. Commit to an evolving process.
Click here for more information on the legislation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
