Schenectady County ends year with a surplus despite difficult economic times

Schenectady County ended 2008 with a $33.7 million surplus, according to the Daily Gazette, thanks to smart budgeting in these difficult economic times. Schenectady County Democrats worked on a budget without empty gimmicks that would have led to a fiscal crisis and the fruit of that labor is apparent.

Since the new Democratic Majority took leadership in the Schenectady County Legislature, it is has been their priority to make smarter more efficient government a reality in Schenectady County. Taxpayers have saved more than $10 million through a reduction of 250 positions in county government employment The total County workforce has been reduced by 11% since 2004 despite state mandated increases in Correction and Social Services staff.

They have combined these efficiencies with developing new and smarter ways to do business. Schenectady County Democrats established the first Canadian mail order prescription drug plan in New York state, a companion domestic mail order program, and a county employee waiver system for benefits which saves taxpayers $5.2 million annually. They worked together over some Republican opposition to eliminate the personal use of county vehicles and cell phones by county employees as perks saving taxpayers over $200,000 since 2005. They brought a new management style that reformed the Public Defender's Office and established a Conflict Defenders Office saving county taxpayers over $300,000 a year since 2005 while ensuring all county residents are treated fairly and they established a consolidated County Legal department under the County Attorney saving taxpayers $500,000 through aggressive collection of outstanding debts owed the county, consumer protection violation fine recoveries, and limited use of outside attorneys.

These are just some of the reforms put in place in the last 6 years. Schenectady County Democrats continue to work on developing new and innovative ways for operating government to ensure County residents continue to receive the services they need while providing saving to taxpayers.

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address

Gillibrand Pushes Historic Bill to Provide Health Coverage to All Children

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has joined in the introduction of the Medikids Insurance Act, a historic bill that would provide health coverage to all children by 2015.

"Getting everyone covered with affordable, comprehensive health care is a national priority and a moral responsibility," Senator Gillibrand said. "As a mother of two young boys, I know how important it is to secure health insurance for all children. This commonsense bill is the right step to cover all young people. When we get everyone covered, we'll ensure better health, provide better opportunities toward a bright future for our kids and young adults, and reduce the costs of care for all of us."

For more information, click here.

SCDC Executive Committee Endorses 2009 County Candidates

"In this time of challenge, it is the duty of our party to advance candidates prepared to lead and who know how to get results on the issues that matter to working families. The 2009 slate of Democratic candidates have delivered results and they are committed to forging ahead on the path of change that creates jobs in our local economy, keeps our streets safe, and reduces the property tax burden," said Brian Quail, Chairman of the Schenectady County Democratic Committee.

The Executive Committee of the Schenectady County Democratic Committee recently made the following unanimous endorsements for countywide offices and county legislature races:

District Attorney -- Robert M. Carney

Sheriff -- Dominic A. Dagostino

Member of County Legislature District 1 -- Karen B. Johnson

Member of County Legislature District 2 -- Philip A. Fields

Member of County Legislature District 3 -- Susan E. Savage
Member of County Legislature District 3 -- Brian M. Gordon
Member of County Legislature District 3 -- Martin S. Finn

Member of County Legislature District 4 -- Judith A. Dagostino
Member of County Legislature District 4 -- Holly C. Vellano

What the Public Has Said

A key priority for Democrats is ensuring seniors and others in need of skilled nursing home care can receive that care here in Schenectady County. On Febuary 12, Democrats on the County Legislature called a public hearing and the response was overwhelming. Over 200 members of the public attended the public hearing and expressed support for continuing to operate Glendale and building a new facility, which will compliment the outstanding care provided there. Over two hours of testimony were given about the importance of this facility. Doctors and nurses, Democrats and Republicans, families and patients, all came together to express the continuing need for Glendale and building a new facility.

Without Glendale, many families of the patients have told their Legislators that they would be forced to send loved ones to facilities hours away and, in many cases, even out of state. During the critical winter months, when hospital admissions spike, health care professional have warned that without Glendale surgeries could be delayed and the local public health system already strained by the Berger Commission recommendations would be further burdened.

Members of the public also have stressed that the project will provide a major boost to the local economy by creating construction jobs during the tough economic times of the Bush Recession.

Listen for yourself to what the public has to say:



Hubert H. Humphrey famously said, "The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped." Schenectady County Democrats have taken this challenge to heart by defending the Glendale Home from repeated Republican privatization schemes that would have resulted in closure. Now, County Democrats continue to demonstrate their commitment by working toward building a new facility that will enhance the already high quality care provided at Glendale.

Conversations with Kirsten

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand knows the importance of listening to her constituents. Because of this, she is giving New Yorkers a new and innovative way to get to know their Senator and ask questions. Check out her video below.



Check out her website.

President Barack Obama's Weekly Address