NATIONAL DEBT AND THE TAX BREAKS

Taken right from the WNYC website:

Tax breaks are on the agenda in Washington, and Senator Charles Schumer wants Democrats to focus on tax cuts that help low and middle-income earners.

"Our first goal has to be to get the middle class that tax cut. They need it. Their income is shrinking. They will spend that money and get the economy moving again," Schumer said. "But I don't think millionaires should get that tax cut."
 

Democrats are committed to continuing the tax cuts for everyone except Americans earning more than a quarter-million dollars per household. 

But President Barack Obama has said he would consider a two-year extension on the Bush-era tax cuts that are set to expire at the end of the year, including those for the very rich. 

I think a full extension is foolish if you're serious about diminishing our national debt. But thats just me.

COUNTIES GETS HELP FROM PREZ

As many of you know, The President offered a federal spending plan that extends the Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP) last week, the federal share of the Medicaid program, for states and counties. What most of us don't know is that only about 30% of the first stimulus money has been allocated since the initial plan went into effect. Why is that?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and was intended to help states weather the financial crisis. What we faced on the municipal level was acting on what we already had "shovel ready" regarding projects. Most towns weren't prepared for the first wave of deadlines. Kingston, Ulster County and New York State had to scramble to get the proposals finalized, just like the rest of the country. What's interesting is the impact it has had already.

Since then, Senator Schumer has stepped up to make sure counties across the state received the increased FMAP because of the financial Albany plays in the State's Medicaid program. The increased FMAP has helped our counties stave off property tax increases and mass service cuts and layoffs. Extending the FMAP increase for two more quarters will provide counties with an additional tool to get through this recession.

I think this also prompts the leadership throughout the state to have their planning departments close up any unfinished municipal proposals. Lesson here would be to be ready for the second round of grants. Schumer has pledged to lead this measure through the upcoming Federal budget-making process. I don't see any reason for the legislation to be delayed, pending anymore meltdowns on the Senate floor. Cross your fingers.

GILLIBRAND PUSHES TO BAN BPA

Kirsten Gillibrand had recently posted a detailed warning about products that have potential to harm children and pregnant women. I thought I would pass it on to you.

I'm a Mom with two little boys at home and I consider it my duty to be a voice for parents in Washington to fight for and to protect kids in whatever way I can.

Which is why I was so disturbed by a recent study by Consumer Reports that revealed that a dangerous chemical called bisphenol-A, commonly known as BPA, has been found in a wide range of common products used by children – such as baby bottles, canned formula and canned food.

Even more shocking is that, according to the study, BPA has been found in humans at levels higher than previously thought and in food with containers advertised as BPA free.

BPA is an endocrine disruptor, which can mimic the body's own hormones, and the adverse health effects of BPA on women and children, particularly pregnant women and infants, can be extremely serious. According to a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, BPA is potentially dangerous to human development and reproduction. More than 100 published studies have shown possible links to breast cancer, obesity and neurological disorders. Even low-level exposure to BPA may impact neural development and behavior, and lead to early puberty in girls.

Allowing our children to continue to be broadly exposed to this harmful chemical is unacceptable. The time to ban BPA from food and beverage packaging marketed to kids is now.

Like all parents, I expect to have faith and confidence that the products my family consumes are safe. This study shook that confidence and inspired me to take action. Last month, I was proud to join with my colleague Senator Chuck Schumer to announce the BPA-Free Kids Act – legislation that would protect infants and toddlers from the health risks from BPA by banning this chemical from products such as baby bottles, sippy cups, bowls, plates and utensils used by children ages three and under.

In 2008, Canada became the first country in the world to ban plastic baby bottles with bisphenol-A. If Canada can do it, so can we.

Through testing standards, product labeling requirements, and stiff penalties, along with additional research into BPA, this legislation would result in a great step forward towards ensuring the health of our most vulnerable.

But we can’t stop there. The Consumer Reports study showed alarming BPA levels in a range of canned foods – including green beans, tuna fish, and soups. In response, Senator Schumer and I are co-sponsoring legislation with Senator Diane Feinstein that would permanently ban BPA from all food and beverage containers, including canned food.

CHUCK SCHUMER IN KINGSTON

Senator Schumer made a special visit to the City of Kingston today. With a perfect day as a backdrop, he spoke from the entrance of the Kingston Housing Authority to highlight some changes in Tennant screening abilities.

With a national estimate of 3,000 registered sex offenders unknowingly residing in public housing, the time to tighten up the vetting process is now. The waiting list for assisted living in this complex is three years out. And that's for people who are struggling to raise families in our own community. No-one wants to house such criminals in that kind of environment, never mind use tax dollars to do it.

The announcement comes on the heals of some national tragedies that have reignited the concern about where to house men & women on the list.
Many facilities have limited access to the DATA that you would expect them to. Some date back only 10 years, some reach only within the state. This push opens up the availability of the registry in both back history and nationally. The new programs will be made at no cost to an already strapped housing program.

With little notice, the audience was made up of mostly officials and staff in the area as well as a few local residents. But the impact of the change offered by the good Senator, will rest the fears of many who live in housing units like Rondout Gardens for years to come.

SCHUMER AND THE TROLLEY TRAX

Well, Senator Schumer made the front page of the Freeman again. His push to refurbish the Trolley Tracks and help spruce up our downtown tourism engine is truly welcomed.

$800,000 has been earmarked for this purpose. However, every time we hear about the trolley tracks, the stretch from the Museum property to E Chester St is never mentioned. Other than raise the rails on the Avenues and install new tracks over Rt 9W, the property is ready for action.


The events that have become the staple of the downtown economy would greatly benefit by getting people from midtown to the site by trolley rail rather than driving down or shttle bus. Let them climb aboard the trolley allong Jansen Ave.

Schumer said the allocation has been approved by the U.S. DOT and the Senate’s Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee. [That was a mouthful] It still has a journey to go before finding it's way into our capital projects account.

As stated in the Freeman; Mayor Sottile said the money, if approved, would come at an opportune time, with the city currently focused on waterfront improvements.
He's right. It will surely help fund the continuing efforts by this administration. And I will join the list of elected officials who thank Chuck Schumer for his long term efforts to secure this funding. I would just like to hear whether or not the upper rails have ever been considered.

NEWBORN SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Having a baby? If Sen. Chuck Schumer gets his way, the Federal Government will create a savings account at a local bank under your child's name. How much? How-bout a $500 initial deposit for each newborn U.S. citizen?

Schumer unveiled his plan this week to help children save money starting the day they are born. The American Saving for Personal Investment Act is one of the few initiatives that Schumer and Gingrich agree on. Newt had suggested something similar many years back.

According to the AP: The Fed will deposit $500 annually, but additional deposits can be made as well. Up to $2,000/year.

There are programs in our schools and now through television programs encouraging our kids to save money with the intent to teach them early. Having an account started when they are born should boost that effort tremendously.

As the proposal advances, it will be determined if it will be part of a larger Soc Sec Reform bill or introduced on it's own. Either way, we should watch this one.

DO-NOT-CALL LIST: GET ON IT!

So, you're right ion the middle of something important, your mobile phone starts ringing in your pocket, you look, it's a number you don't know. Thinking it might be important, you answer..."Hello, this is the second notice that your car warranty has expired and you may be..." Now you're mad that they called you again!

We've all suffered with that automated call during this past year. But did you notice it stopped a few weeks ago? I hadn't thought about it either.

Turns out the FTC obtained a court order blocking "robo-calls" on those things and until I read that, I didn't realize my ignorant bliss. I once told the human that finally answered that I had a 1972 Pontiac LeMans convertible and that I would like to get the warranty reinstated. He hung up. That didn't stop the calls though.

The new one? Automated calls pitching bogus credit card interest rates and mortgage scams. Thats right, in this critical time, the robo-calls are targeting consumers with ridiculously low rates that most of us would think were too good to be true...once again, the old adage is true. Don't believe it for a minute.

To combat this, Sen Chuck Schumer has asked the Federal Trade Commission take action against these unsolicited calls. I can support that. What took so long to stop those warranty calls in the first place?
Anyway, I applaud Chuck for getting to this one right away. It seems the robo-calls are even pestering people who are on the Do Not Call list.

Anyone who receives one of these calls should file an official complaint through the FTC's website, http://www.donotcall.gov . Don't let it slide. It's one thing to be irritated to death by a non-threatening robo-call, but some of our most vulnerable may fall for the new credit card scheme. Lets kill this one right away.

WALKWAY OVER HUDSON: QUAD FUNDING

The Federal Omnibus Appropriations Bill includes $950,000 for the Walkway Over the Hudson!

With an extra push from Sen. Charles Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, this chunk of change will better prepare the historic Poughkeepsie-Highland railroad bridge into the world's longest elevated pedestrian walkways. Just in time for this years 400 year celebration.

If this funding survives the vetting process both on the floor of the Senate and House, then the fast track to the crossing is a sure thing.

Schumer quoted in the AP: “The Walkway Bridge is poised to become one of the greatest tourist attractions in New York, and its opening will be the culminating event of the Quadricentennial Celebration, we are taking a landmark piece of the Hudson Valley’s industrial past and turning it into something that will draw visitors from every corner of the state and beyond—providing terrific opportunities for our local businesses and delivering a shot-in-the-arm to the Hudson Valley economy.”

Senator Gillibrand said: “These federal dollars will go a long way in helping local business make the Hudson Valley a destination for families and businesses. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to ensure that New York receives its fair share.”

State Assemblyman Frank Skartados heaped praise on our two DC reps and expressed continued support for the project in any way possible. Noting that this is the opportunity for tourism economic growth to really accelerate in the midhudson region. The 100th AD includes both Poughkeepsie and Lloyd.

SCHUMER AND KAWASAKI RAIL

I'm taking the train downtown!

Everyone in Kingston has heard the news that this City is one of three finalists to be chosen to demonstrate a new rail system. Not to be confused with the High Speed Rail that's included in the "stimulus" package.

Well, the news went out the other day that our Sr. Senator Chuck Schumer has written the head of Kawasaki to use Kingston as the site for a test of the company’s new battery-powered trolley. I say bravo!

According to the AP: Senator Schumer made a personal call to Akira Hattori, the CEO of Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc. last week urging the company to choose the city of Kingston for their pilot program that will test a battery-powered light rail trolley.

Much of the needed track is already refurbished and the remaining link to E Chester St could be the focus in 2009. The new light rail will provide clean, reliable public transportation in Kingston and serve to boost tourism. (If we ever get back in the business of promoting tourism)

Chuck was quoted: “The City of Kingston is the perfect spot for Kawasaki to test a battery powered light rail system." Mayor Sottile alerted me to this development weeks ago, since he knows I'm a big train enthusiast.

There are 1.5 miles of tracks from the trolley museum to Kingston Point Park and an additional mile cutting through the Avenues and over the 9W Bypass. Folks from Foxhall to Mary's Avenue could walk to the rail station behind Rondout Savings and catch a ride to the Hoolie!

It would be just one more attribute for the Main St Manager to promote for the City of Kingston come next year.

Personally, I'd like to see the City reopen the Canfield Street Tunnel and link the light rail from the Rondout to the Plaza. Talk about a "stimulus" plan.

HIGH SPEED RAIL IN THE STIMULUS?

As many of us are well aware, Senator Chuck Schumer has been a strong supporter of mass transit, especially high speed rail. Well, one of the influential voices in the other house has made some similar views known recently.

Rep. John Mica, who is on the House Transportation Committee says 80 groups have expressed interest in advancing high-speed rail around the nation.

According to the AP: John Mica, who is Republican, says the Federal Railroad Administration began soliciting proposals in December for projects to help build, finance and operate high-speed rail service between Washington and New York and 10 other areas across the U.S.

For the US to even think about competing with Asian and European countries in manufacturing and development, we need to upgrade our transportation system nationally.

Most of the groups that have expressed interest include architectural, engineering and construction firms as well as train manufacturers and state transportation departments. Sound like more jobs? Economic stimulus?

Schumer's goal from the start was to push economic growth in the upstate New York region by providing rail service on the west side of the Hudson River.
This recent push for federal investment in national infrastructure programs, has brought High Speed Rail back to the conversation and members of Congress now visualise service from Miami to Montreal, as well as coast to coast.

Bravo to Senator Schumer for the continued support, and bravo to Forida's John Mica for getting on board. Not only would the project fit perfectly into the stimulus proposal, but the end result would affect the East Coast in a permanent, economically sound way, leaving little excuse for any community for lacking growth.

SCHUMER AND THE STIMULUS PACKAGE

Chuck Schumer made a quick trip to a recycling facility this week. Taylor Recycling in Montgomery, NY. Which is just south of the Ulster County border in Orange.

His reason for dropping by the plant was to draw attention to the Bio-Mass project they are developing which would convert waste into electricity. Just a small example of the overall north east Renaissance in green and renewable energy development and manufacturing.

Why now? Well, to highlight the latest push by President-Elect Obama's recovery package that aims to stimulate the economy on a local level by allocating funds for municipal capital and infrastructure upgrades, such as road bridges, mass transit upgrades, sewer system diversions and of course recycling and green energy projects.

Here in Kingston, our own Economic Director has prepared an outline for submission for the new administration, describing in detail, what projects we have “shovel-ready” in our own back yard. Steve Finkle and staff have done their homework on this one and being prepared is usually smiled upon by those who seek an efficient outcome of fund allocation.

While touring the facility in Orange County, Schumer outlined the economic recovery plan, now being developed by Obama and House and Senate members.

Hinchey [seen here with Assemblyman Skartados] Gillibrand and Hall have each indicated their willingness and enthusiasm for the Hudson Valley region being central to the New York State economic boost. Having Senator Schumer come to this area, even if it is in Orange County, should give us reassurance of their continued focus locally.

Schumer said the package, with range between $500 and $700 billion, has three categories so far: "shovel-ready" road, sewer and water projects; longer-term infrastructure work, with preference given to those that create "green" jobs; and "significant aid" to state and local government health and education programs.

The Finkle proposal was voted on Dec 16th at the special Common Council meeting.

SCHUMER: EMERGENCY TRAINING GRANT

Senator Chuck Schumer has just announced that Kingston, Greenwood Lake, the Village of Goshen and the Towns of Chester and Newburgh will receive a combined $100,435 worth of equipment and training.

This will serve as a positive in our area since all too often, firefighters and police officers are the first to show up at a bad scene; Sometimes in remote areas of the Hudson Valley.

These local departments will receive federal funding for emergency response equipment and training during the 2009 FY and all new recruits will be trained from the onset.

Contacted by phone, Senatorial candidate Larry Delarose said: "Even when the nation requires a steady course correction in the realm of finance, job loss and national security, Sen. Schumer never shrinks from his duties to secure the continued training for our safety personnel"

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance is the full name of the program that provided the grant. The grant buys a full set of extrication equipment as well as several haz mat meters and computers that analyze unknown substances. Items we would never be able to affod through the regular budget process. I think it’s only right that we offer our thanks to Sen. Schumer and his staff in Washington for the added funding in the 39th State Senatorial District.

HOUSE PROPOSED FISA BILL: JUST SAY NO

Sometime this week, Senators Schumer and Clinton will vote on the revised FISA Bill that passed in the House last week.

The House of Representatives caved and overwhelmingly passed a bill that creates loopholes for this administration to continue spying on US citizens with impunity and cuts off lawsuits against telecom companies that broke the law.

Imagine; The president simply has to claim his request was legal for immunity to be granted to telecom companies that illegally handed over personal information to the government. These are your records people!

With barely a whisper, the President can offer immunity to the Telecom Companies who engage in these spineless practices. All he has to do is give the company a note claiming their behavior was legal, and they're completely off the hook.

Our Representative, Maurice Hinchey voted against this un-American legislation, now we can only hope this bill dies in the US Senate.

My question would be, what did this administration offer for those affirmative votes? What amount of additional pork will the taxpayers shell out to accommodate the spending whims of elected officials across the country, simply to turn away from the daunting reality of these freedom-stealing proposals coming out of the White House?

We all have followed the news on this issue as the debate rages on, I am still shocked that the House caved in at this final hour before recess. We wouldn’t want them to stay after class and get some real work done. What do you think?

SCHUMER ON THE RAILS

New York’s senior Senator, Charles Schumer, will be making a big announcement that could help the economy in Ulster County. He is happy to say that the MTA has committed $2.7 million needed for a crucial study to create a one-seat ride from Stewart International Airport to New York City.

It is assumed that the slow moving government process of allocating funds for such a study would be a waste of everyone’s time, so the MTA pumping the remaining $2.7 million needed to jump-start this thing, avoids much delay and continued political rancor over additional federal appropriations.

The extension of Metro-North Railroad’s west coast line from Salisbury Mills, to the airport itself would create a direct link south to New York City through New Jersey.

Anyone who has followed my previous posts will notice I like trains and subways. The Metro and Amtrak on the east side of the river have had been tremendous boost on the economic and residential growth in Dutchess and Columbia Counties. Sure, we’ve got the thruway, but rates and gas prices have had a financial squeeze on all commuters from the Catskills region.

I applaud Senator Schumer on this quest to stimulate the upper Hudson region and adding Stewart Airport to a larger travel network for the metropolitan area.

I would suggest to Chuck, please consider a continuation of the rail service to Exit 19. Every dollar invested in mass transit, returns ten-fold. A direct rail link to NYC would greatly impact our residential property values while decreasing the travel expense and carbon footprint of Ulster County residents who work in the city.

More on CSX rail upgrades throughout the state coming soon!

Chuck’s site: http://schumer.senate.gov/