By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-882570.mp3
Albany, NY – During his State of The Union Address, President Barack Obama told Americans he is focused on jobs and the economy - and unveiled several new initiatives, including plans to provide small businesses with tax breaks and better access to bank loans. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas gets reaction from local business and government leaders.
President Obama says the recovery is working - we're on track to add another one and a half million jobs by the end of 2010. The outlook for jobs --- and the economy in the Capital Region is very optimistic --- Dan Moran is the founder and president of Next-Act of Colonie. He says job postings in the Capital Region again increased the past seven days, hitting just about 3800, up from 3650 last week, setting a three-week trend of increased activity week-over-week, a trend he sees as "encouraging for the community and especially those seeking a job or thinking about changing jobs."
Both the state and federal governments are hiring new people in the Capital Region: Matt Anderson with the New York State Budget Division says Governor Paterson's 2010-2011 budget calls for 330 new hirees for the compliance staff at the Department of Taxation And Finance. The vast majority will be stationed in Albany. Though some may be in other locations like New York City.
Every job counts toward pushing down the high state and national unemployment rates - there are over a thousand jobs opening up involving the U.S. Census - Michelle Duffy, spokesperson for the New York State Labor Department, says work begins in March - and the jobs are critical. To put it in perspective, every person counted in the Capital Region is the equivalent of $1,500 in federal funds per year over a ten year period. For every person not counted, the area will lose $15,000 in federal funds over the next decade. If you're a Capital Region resident interested in taking the Census test, either in Albany or at another testing location, call 1-866-861-2010 to apply.
Improving the economy under President Obama's plan has pleased the AARP, which likes his focus on economic security and job creation but raises concerns when it comes to issues involving older Americans they want the President to keep social security solvent. David McNally is the New York Manager of Government Affairs for AARP, he warns ALL government officials against using Social Security and Medicare as "political footballs."
In general, the feedback on the State of The Union address is good: now it's up to President Obama and the members of Congress from both parties to work on the critical issues to ensure economic recovery.