By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-818144.mp3
Albany, NY – Congressman Paul Tonko hosted a meeting in Albany Friday morning with elected officials & community leaders from across the 21st Congressional District. The group met to discuss details of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 passed by the House Wednesday night, and how it will affect local communities. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas attended the meeting. Click on the link above to listen to his report.
The $819 billion stimulus package is designed to create and save millions of jobs, invest in green energy projects that will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, lay the groundwork for an innovation economy, and fund projects to rebuild and repair roads and bridges. The legislation is targeted at getting money into the economy quickly.
The package includes:
$3.6 billion for New York State in federal funding for infrastructure projects that includes money for highways & bridges, transit projects, and clean water and other environmental initiatives.
An estimated $63 million in aid to school districts in the 21st Congressional District to modernize school buildings and classrooms, and provide additional aid for low-income students and students with disabilities.
$12 billion in additional federal Medicaid funding for New York State.
Rep. Tonko said, "It is important that we start talking now about how the stimulus package will affect local communities. We all share the common goal of serving our communities, and that means looking for opportunities to fund programs that will help people in need, repair our crumbling infrastructure, and put people to work. We also need to invest in the economy of the future -- research and development on the next generation of renewable fuels, efficiency programs, and training for a green collar' workforce. Our area has historically been on the cutting edge of new technology, and we are poised to be a leader in the new innovation economy. I look forward to partnering with our other local leaders to ensure that we put the funds being provided by the stimulus package to work for our region."
Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings said, "I have urged Congressman Tonko and his colleagues to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and I applaud their recent vote in favor of this bill. It's critically important for our nation's urban centers to use available stimulus monies in this troubling economic climate. I look forward to working to Congressman Tonko to ensure that these funds reach the constituents and communities in need."
Albany County Executive Mike Breslin said, "I applaud Congressman Paul Tonko's efforts to bring relief to our local taxpayers during these difficult economic times. We all know there will be an increased demand for critical health and human services. The economic stimulus plan, particularly the additional funding assistance for Medicaid, will reduce the burden on property taxpayers and ensure we can continue to provide those much needed services. Funding for infrastructure projects will also be a boost for our economy. We have submitted a proposal to reconstruct and improve the intersection at Fuller Road and Washington Avenue to dramatically increase the capacity and safety of the heavily used crossroads."
Schenectady Mayor Brian U. Stratton said, "Swift enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by Congress, and the prompt disbursement of funds directly to cities and local governments is the most effective way to ensure that Schenectady and the Capital Region receive the significant investment needed for our crumbling infrastructure and "ready to go" projects that can jumpstart our local economy by creating immediate, real jobs. We are grateful for Congressman Tonko's strong support of the federal stimulus bill, and his continued partnership in making sure that Schenectady and the Capital Region receives its fair share."
Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan Savage said, "Schenectady County is very appreciative of Congressman Tonko's support of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This unprecedented investment in our communities will provide the economy a much needed boost and directly help property taxpayers in Schenectady County."