“This piece of legislation is a preventative measure to ensure that New York state continues to maintain its commitment to discourage terror funding and acts of terror,” said Ball, who chairs the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee.  “New York state must continually assess what preventative measures are in place against terror and what new initiatives can be put in place to ensure our continued safety.”

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

The freshman Republican from Mount Kisco has joined New Hampshire Congressman Frank Guinta in a friendly wager over the big game. Should the Patriots lose, Guinta is on the hook for “lobster, maple syrup and Poutine (a French Canadian specialty consisting of French fries topped with curd cheese covered with a spicy chicken gravy).”

“This weekend’s match up will be a great game to watch for fans of both teams who enjoy a tradition of success,” said Hayworth. “I am looking forward to sampling some of New Hampshire’s traditional food after watching the New York Giants bring home a win against the New England Patriots for the second time in the Super Bowl,” Hayworth said.

·      Assorted cold cuts platter from Mama Theresa’s Italian Specialties in New Windsor, NY

·      Baked Ziti from Dinardos in Pound Ridge, NY

·      New York cheesecake from The I-84 Diner in Fishkill, NY

Guinta, who is also in his first term in Congress, is apparently looking forward to his pasta.

” . . . I’m sure that when the Patriots whittle the Giants down to size Sunday evening, the lobster, syrup and poutine won’t be going anywhere.  And speaking as someone with a fondness for ziti, I’ll be rooting doubly hard for the Patriots to win!,” he said.

 “By working with Governor Cuomo, in a bipartisan and effective fashion, we have accomplished many of my top goals including the MTA Payroll Tax Repeal and the Property Tax Cap. This Senate seat literally decided the balance of power in the previous election, it will certainly remain a critical seat and I’m totally focused on finishing the good things I have started to help seniors,small business owners, veterans, taxpayers and deliver for the district at large by maintaining this important seat,” Ball said in a statement. “Moving forward I will use my voice to continue to fight for real tax relief, a freeze of school taxes for seniors, a balanced budget that smartly cuts government spending and roots out waste and expand upon my important work as Chair of the Senate’s Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee.”

Yesterday’s declaration he will seek another Senate term also sharpens things for Democrat Justin Wagner, who announced several months ago he wanted to unseat Ball. Wagner was also waiting to see how the redrawn districts affected the race. His hometown of Cortlandt is still in the 40th.

“This partisan power grab demonstrates everything that is wrong with Albany.  When he ran for election, Greg Ball promised to support independent redistricting.  But now that’s he’s been elected, Senator Ball is turning his back on government reform.  These district lines are a partisan farce and are proof that Senator Ball is now part of the Republican Albany establishment,” Wagner said in a statement. “Whether these gerrymandered district lines end up constituting the 40th District or whether a court intervenes to stop this partisan power grab, I look forward to offering a positive alternative to the voters of the Hudson Valley and contrasting that to the failed record of Greg Ball.”

“Last November I hosted a jobs fair in New York’s Hudson Valley. A thousand local residents seeking work came to meet with about nearly 40 local employers offering work. At Christmas I was very happy to receive a card from a constituent thanking me. She found a job through our jobs fair. The question I have as I think about the President’s State of the Union address tonight is, ‘How can we multiply this story by 14 million? We can do it if we work together – House and Senate and President – to free up American enterprise to create jobs. Washington can’t regulate or tax us into growth. But we can work together to lift burdens and bring the federal government to the right size to serve-and not to suffocate-a strong and healthy economy. I stand ready to work with our colleagues to pursue this simple common sense,” she said in a statement.

“In the State of the Union address, President Obama outlined a blueprint for a job-creating economy built for the long term and designed to lift everyone up.  One where hard work and responsibility are rewarded, and where everyone plays by the same rules. The people of the 19th Congressional District are hanging on by their fingernails, yet when they point out the consequences of this broken system, they are turned away by leaders like Congresswoman Hayworth who find it more expedient to focus on the few. We need a representative who won’t turn away, who knows these hardships and who responds to help in times of need.  I fully support President Obama for outlining such an ambitious agenda; for putting the country back on the right track and focusing on the issues that matter – for calling for a government and a financial system that serves all of us: no bailouts, no handouts, no cop-outs. When we get back to that set of values, we’ll be getting back to an America that will grow jobs, improve education, build newer, better infrastructure and serves the needs of each and every one of us,” said Dr. Rich Becker, a Cortlandt Town Board member, in a statement.

“To be clear, when Hayworth says “lower taxes” – she’s not referring to the taxes that I pay or that the folks in my village pay. She truly believes that when we keep lowering taxes on the ultra-wealthiest Americans like Mitt Romney that it will “trickle down.”   Well folks, we’ve seen it in action, and it doesn’t work. Now let’s see what happens when we put the middle class and working families first.,” Wappingers Falls Mayor Matt Alexander said in a statement.

 

In the announcement, Ball also seemed to downplay any suggestion that he plans to run for Congress this year against fellow Republican Rep. Nan Hayworth of Mount Kisco.

“Elections do matter and this state Senate seat is a perfect example, for it decided the very balance of power in New York State. This next election will be no different. I look forward to the upcoming campaign and view it as a huge opportunity to showcase a long list of positive results. Working in a bipartisan and constructive fashion, and with Governor Andrew Cuomo, we were able to eliminate the job-killing MTA payroll tax for thousands of taxpayers, slash the tax rate for the beleaguered middle class to the lowest point in 58 years, balanced the budget, did it on time and actually cut state spending and finally passed comprehensive ethics reform. Honestly, there are hundreds of other examples of great positive results and this campaign is going to be a poisitive, grassroots campaign focused completely and simply on “Gettin’ It Done!,” he said.

UPDATE—Wagner this afternoon pointed out he raised $103,181 in his first bout of campaign fundraising, which included a personal loan of $35,000—an effort, he said, that took place in the last three months of the cycle. He said he raised more than 41 of the current 62 incumbent senators during the last cycle.

“This successful effort is proof positive that voters want leaders who are focused on solutions and building community—not divisive Albany politicians like Greg Ball. This filing will allow us to build the infrastructure necessary to win in November, and I’m looking forward to sharing my vision with Hudson Valley voters about the need to create jobs and reform government in Albany,” Wagner said.

“In these tough economic times, it’s outrageous that so many in Washington are more interested in bickering and naysaying than doing what’s right. They’ve lost sight of what really matters – creating jobs and competing in the global economy. Too many D.C. insiders are more interested in special tax breaks for oil and insurance companies – while opposing a payroll tax cut for middle-class families who need it the most. It’s time to bring common sense back to Washington. That’s why I’m running for Congress.”

Redistricting, though, could change the district’s geographic boundaries.

She co-chairs the House’s non-partisan Hurricane Irene Coalition, which sent a letter to higher-ups in Congress, requesting the funding.

Update—Apparently, the money is for repairs already completed or in the planning stages.

Feds reimburse NY $89.7 million for storm damage

WASHINGTON – New York is getting $89.7 million from the Federal Highway Administration to rebuild roads and bridges damaged last year by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

The money from the FHA’s Emergency Relief Program reimburses the state for projects it already has completed or has begun planning, according to Nancy Singer, a spokeswoman for the federal Transportation Department.

“Essentially the program works on a reimbursable basis,’’ Singer said. “It’s an ongoing process.’’

States can continue to be reimbursed for costs a couple of years after a natural disaster.

Besides covering the cost of rebuilding roads and bridges, the federal reimbursements can pay for road detours, debris removal and other measures taken to restore traffic flow following a disaster.

New York will get $67.3 million for the August damage caused by Hurricane Irene and $22.4 million for the September damage caused by Tropical Storm Lee.

The funding is part of $1.58 billion in grants announced Monday for 30 states and several U.S. territories and federal agencies.
—Brian Tumulty, Gannett Washington Bureau

Dr. Richard Becker, a Cortlandt Town Board member, called for a moratorium on fracking, the controversial method of pulling natural gas out of rock deep beneath the surface. Becker expressed concerns about the possible health effects associated with the process, more formally known as hydraulic fracturing, and supported the call for the industry to fund a long-term study of those impacts.

His comments were among thousands received by the state.

Also this week, Matt Alexander, the mayor of Wappingers Falls, spoke about the Indian Point shutdown.

”(The) news of the reactor shut-down and pump failure at Indian Point is deeply troubling.  Sadly, this is not an unexpected development. Anyone who’s visited the site or studied its impact knows that the plant is a relic of a bygone era. We need a strategy to decommission Indian Point, and we need it now. Make no mistake – even the Nuclear Regulatory Commission agrees that (Tuesday’s) shut-down is no ‘routine” matter,” Alexander said.

Becker sent the following out today, as the state Assembly held a hearing on IP’s future.

“Today there was a State Assembly hearing in New York City on Indian Point’s future. It coincidentally is also the third day that yet another radioactive water leak has caused a shutdown of the Indian Point 2 reactor. This is why, as I have often stated:  It is urgent that New York State and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission reject the relicensing of Indian Point and shut the plant down as soon as possible. It is time to wind Indian Point down and replace it with safer energy sources. As a physician, I am acutely aware of the health danger caused by the escape of even small amounts of radioactive substances into our air and water,” Becker said in a statement.

Hayworth, R-Mount Kisco, is also using the get-together as a chance to rally her troops, according to Capital Tonight.  She emailed her supporters with a plea for cash that begins: “Its bad enough that Congressman Frank helped drive our economy over a cliff, but now he is using his position to help my opponents raise money.”

Alexander’s campaign came back with its own response.

“Mayor Alexander is flattered that Congresswoman Hayworth is highlighting our event. He’s proud of support from any elected official who has stood up for consumer protection and working families over Wall Street greed.

“It’s no surprise that Nan Hayworth is fundraising off her job-killing Tea Party record. She has been audacious from Day One in her attempts to kill any sensible regulations of Wall Street—including Dodd-Frank—that might protect the bottom 99% of New York families. There is one candidate in this race who represents the interests of middle class and working families, and his name is Matt Alexander,”  T.J. Helmstetter, Alexander’s campaign manager for Alexander, said in a statement.

Whether or not that happens, it seems that state Sen. Greg Ball, R-Patterson, thinks it’s a good idea for the Democratic governor. Ball tweeted the following yesterday after the State of the State address.

Here’s one more from state Sen. Greg Ball, R-Patterson.

“The contrast between Albany and Washington, D.C. has been striking and it all comes down to bipartisan, effective leadership focused on jobs, rightsizing government, cutting spending and lowering taxes. Working together I hope we can continue to slash government spending, continue to cut taxes and finally pass a statewide cap on Albany’s spending. Last year we passed a local property tax cap, but now it’s time for Albany to put their money where their mouth is and do the same to themselves. Working with our Republican Majority in the Senate, this Governor has proven an uncanny ability to seamlessly lead Albany in the right direction on the economic issues that matter, and 2012 should be no different if we always remain focused on the shared objective of getting New York State back on track.” Ball said in a statement..

Congresswoman Hayworth Op-Ed: Serving our friends and neighbors across the Hudson Valley

A year in review from U.S. Congresswoman Nan Hayworth, M.D. (NY-19)

January 4, 2012

“Focus on jobs.” “Make the federal government work better for us.” “Help break the partisan gridlock in Washington.” These are some of the messages I’ve been getting from people all across the Hudson Valley in our 19th Congressional District. When Congress is not in session in Washington I spend my time here, visiting our towns and villages, small businesses and larger manufacturers, senior centers and schools. We’ve held a jobs fair to bring job seekers together with potential employers; I’ve toured local nonprofits caring for our neediest citizens; and I’ve brought together key state and federal agencies to expedite recovery after Hurricane Irene.

Strengthening our economy and growing jobs is the most pressing issue facing our region and our nation. This year we’ve passed 28 bills in the House of Representatives-with votes from both Republicans and Democrats-aimed at reducing burdens on our businesses, especially small ones, and providing certainty to investors who would like to start new businesses or make existing ones bigger and better.  In June I introduced another bill that can make a difference right here in the Hudson Valley, the PACE Protection Act of 2011. It would allow people who own homes or other properties to make energy-saving retrofits affordably, through a special property tax assessment that is paid over time. It would not add costs for local taxpayers, and it would immediately create jobs in our communities. The PACE Protection Act is gaining support on both sides of the aisle.

I’ve also joined my colleagues in the House to work together with the Senate and the President wherever we can find consensus. For example, President Obama has called for making it easier for businesses to raise capital for expansion, and for reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I’ve supported the introduction and passage of legislation to do these helpful things. To help overcome the partisan divide in the House, I’m a cofounder of the Common Ground Caucus, which brings Republican and Democratic Members together to get to know each other outside of our legislative work. I’m also working with Congressman Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont, as a co-chair of the Hurricane Irene Coalition, which crosses the aisle to ensure that our counties, and the entire Northeast, receive all of the federal assistance to which they are entitled to recover from last year’s devastating storms. I’m proud to have been the first member of our New York congressional delegation to have asked President Obama—successfully—for full disaster-relief designation for all of our counties in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

In the face of challenges like natural disasters and man-made pollution, I’ve worked to protect the beauty of our Hudson Valley and to keep our air and water clean in common-sense ways. Last year I received the highest score among our Republican Members of Congress from New York from the League of Conservation Voters. I was also recently recognized by the Sierra Club for my strong voting record in support of clean water. My record on the environment has led observers to recognize me as one of several federal legislators willing to “take the pro-green position during floor and committee votes spanning more than 100 bills and amendments.”

It’s a great privilege to serve our friends and neighbors across the Hudson Valley. I’d appreciate your helping me and our team by letting us know how we can help you or your community. You can contact us, as well as learn more about the issues I’m working on, at http://hayworth.house.gov.  Thanks for joining us to make our Hudson Valley an ever better place to live and work.

At an event in Carmel today, the Democratic senator called on the House to approve the two-month extension passed by the Senate. He said it’s too late to start a new process in hopes of passing something by Dec. 31.

“What we’re saying is we have a good bipartisan agreement in the Senate and the House should simply pass our two-month extension,” Schumer said. “This has to get done.”

The House this week rejected the Senate bill, with GOP members saying the extension should be approved for the whole year.

“In the midst of a terrible economy, our hardworking families should not face increased taxes next year. House Republicans are determined to continue our work in Washington until we come to an agreement that lifts burdens for taxpayers while protecting the Social Security Trust Fund; continues help to our unemployed while assuring sound long-term reforms; and ensures seniors’ access to their doctors under Medicare. We call upon the Senate to join us in working toward a solution that offers long-term relief to struggling families and job creators,” Hayworth said in in a statement.

The Senate version called for a two-month extension; House Republicans wanted to pass a measure that extended the cut for all of 2012 instead of having to take up the matter again come February.

Hayworth, who is in her first term, took criticism yesterday from two Democrats who want to unseat her.

“Today my opponent, Congresswoman Hayworth, voted in lock step with the Tea Party once again by voting to kill a bipartisan agreement to extend the payroll tax cut for the middle class and unemployment insurance – a bill that was overwhelmingly passed in the Senate by an 89 to 10 vote,” Becker said in an email.

The 229-193 vote in the House also called for setting up a negotiating committee so the House and Senate can develop mutually acceptable legislation. The Senate version called for a two-month extension, which many House Republicans said was an inadequate step. If an extension isn’t approved by the end of the year, the average worker is expected to pay about $1,000 more in taxes in 2012.

Matt Alexander, the mayor of Wappingers Falls and another Democrat vying to challenge Hayworth, this afternoon also criticized Hayworth’s vote. He pointed to a statement he made yesterday.

“ . . . The fact is Congresswoman Hayworth and her Tea Party caucus had an entire year to propose a solution, yet failed to do that. Instead, Nan blocked and opposed every single proposal to extend the payroll tax cut. Well, time’s up. You don’t get elected to lead Congress only to put the country in reverse.”

“After years of leading the charge to repeal the MTA payroll tax, I am thrilled with the governor’s leadership on making this initial repeal a priority and reality,” said Senator Ball who spearheaded the bill (S50002) that currently repeals the job-killing MTA payroll tax for 80% of the businesses that pay it. That bill was successfully passed by the New York State Senate on December 9, 2011. “The repeal of the MTA payroll tax was just the first step, I will continue with my demands for forensic accounting to protect middle class, working families like mine who are struggling,” Ball said in a statement.

“The Town of Patterson received notice today that the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York ( DASNY) has approved its application for
$1,000,000. The funds will assist in the cost of construction of the $2.8 million Patterson Courthouse, which was completed earlier this year. The grant was initially secured by Vincent Leibell, and approved by the NYS Senate Finance Committee in 2008. Due to economic times and changes in
the political landscape this grant had been rescinded, or placed on hold several times. Each time the Town has pressed the State to restore the funding through the concerted efforts of Supervisor Michael Griffin, Councilman Kevin Burns and Town Planner Richard Williams,” according to a Patterson press release.

“Had these dollars been lost, the taxpayers of the Town of Patterson would have been forced to absorb this debt. It’s critically important that all levels of government work together to cut taxes and create jobs,” Ball said in a statement.

“Our hardworking families and taxpayers cannot be faced with further burdens this January.  That is why I joined colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support an extension of the payroll tax reduction and unemployment insurance in a responsible manner that protects the integrity of the Social Security trust fund and prevents more debt from being piled on future generations of taxpayers,” Hayworth said in a statement.

Democrats have opposed linking the two items, saying the pipeline project needs more environmental study. The House bill is expected to die in the Senate. By voting for a bill that is expected to go nowhere, the DCCC argued Hayworth is forcing a $1,000 tax hike on middle-class families. That’s the amount in additional taxes an average family is expected to pay in 2012 if the extension isn’t approved.

“It is fundamentally unfair to cut taxes for millionaires and at the same time expect poor and middle class New Yorkers to do more with less. We cannot allow that to happen,” Wagner said in a statement

Wagner on Wednesday proposed allowing the tax to remain on those earning seven figures. Two-thirds of that revenue, he said, could be set aside and used for education funding. The money would be outside the usual budget process and available through an application process.

“The long-term solution to the problem of income inequality is an education system that prepares all of our children for the new economy, and the need to provide our children with a quality education is greater than ever.  The pace of economic and technological change requires a newfound commitment to education” Wagner said.

The rest of the money could be used to close the state’s budget gap.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has long said he’s opposed to letting the millionaires tax continue. But on Wednesday he spoke of possibly making changes to the tax code and, as my colleague Joseph Spector pointed out, that may include proposing higher taxes on the wealthy.

Wagner says his proposal will divert those tax revenues to education, which, he added, will make the choice one about cutting taxes for millionaires or funding education. He will detail his plan Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Mount Kisco Library.

The gathering comes after the Hudson Valley suffered through a tropical storm and then an October nor’easter. Topics to be discussed, according to Ball, include:

•            Why do so many of our fellow neighbors lose electrical power in their homes and businesses during a natural disaster like a snow or rain storm?

•            What must be done to enable the homes and businesses in our region to retain electrical power during and after a natural disaster or storm?

•            How can we improve response times for service to constituents and customers from all government agencies and utility companies?

•            What can we learn from the October 30th Nor’easter and Hurricane Irene?

•            How can the local municipalities, utility companies, first responders and state officials work better together to ensure all residents are safe, and services are restored in a timely and efficient manner?

The round table will take place December 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Yorktown Town Hall.

Thank you letter for Veterans Dinner

“Today, through my leadership, I’m proud to say Wappingers Falls is one of the fastest-growing communities in our state with an astonishing 17% growth rate in the past year alone. New businesses and jobs are arriving, crime is down and our services and infrastructure are strong, AND we’ve held the line on property taxes.

This turn-around took determined leadership, an unwavering focus on economic development and jobs. It was the commitment of government to act in times of difficulty and put people to work rebuilding the infrastructure that was critical to our economic success.

It took getting people from both parties to stop playing games and to put people above politics and start working together. It took the faith of the men and women in government as our partners working to turn our community around. A community came together to recapture its future.

This approach not only revived our community, but twice earned me the endorsements of the Democratic and Republican parties.

This same formula that worked for Wappingers Falls is what I intend to bring to Congress. I got into government to take on big challenges because I was sick and tired of being on the sidelines. My leadership turned Wappinger Falls around and with your support I’d like to do the same here throughout New York’s 19th Congressional District.” Alexander said.

“Maybe Governor Cuomo is focused on being President Cuomo and feels compelled to befriend this powerful industry, but all I know is that I went to Pennsylvania and I truly believe if the governor did the same, he would put the brakes on his fracking express, taking time to get it right. Whether it be Dick Cheney’s ‘Halliburton Loophole’ or Governor Cuomo’s most recent expediting of a process for the convenience of billionaire gas execs, at the highest of levels this gas industry has undue influence. New York State should be leading the charge to regulate this industry, to protect private property owners, farmers, sportsman and our environment by learning from the devastation in other states. Instead the Governor is paving the way for fracking without installing necessary safeguards,” Ball said in a statement.

The third-quarter reports are due any day now. Hayworth’s campaign committee, according to its July filing, had $630,662 on hand and had about $500,000 in debt—most of that personal loans from the candidate.

Hayworth is in her first term in Congress.

Scheduled to attend Hayworth’s jobs fair are Hudson Valley employers seeking new hires in a wide range of fields including health care, manufacturing, technology, financial and retail agencies.  Employment assistance organizations will also be present to provide career counseling and advice.  In addition to meeting with prospective employers, job seekers are encouraged to participate in a variety of workshops and informational seminars focusing on interview skills, resume writing, networking and job search information.

You can see the clip here.

“Too many New Yorkers are still struggling in this tough economy—we need to make job creation our number one priority,” Wagner said in a statement. “Small businesses form the backbone of our state’s economy and are crucial to any plan to put New Yorkers back to work.”

“Mayor Delfino gets it,” Ball said in a statement. “He understands that government needs to get out of the way and let small businesses do what they do best. Create jobs. We’re taking that message to towns and cities throughout my district and letting people know we’re here to help, create partnerships and offer the support and resources needed to put people back to work,” added Ball.

“I wasn’t the smartest mayor, but I brought people together. I put the right people in the room and started a conversation,” Delfino said in a statement. “Greg Ball recognizes that government needs to work for people, not against them. If you create a environment that encourages business and works with people, you will be successful.”

Clinton was speaking at an economic conference that included Cuomo announcing plans by tech companies to invest more than $4 billion in New York.

Cuomo’s Spending and Government Efficiency Commission took part in the conference. The group, of which state Sen. Greg Ball is a member, seeks ways to cut waste and streamline government.

“Unlike what we are seeing in Congress, we have been able to illustrate the strength of working together as a team and in a bipartisan fashion. Working with Governor Cuomo we cut state spending, passed an on time balanced budget and stood firm against all tax hikes, while proactively capping property taxes across the state. That type of progress took real team work and I applaud the Governor for heightening SAGE’s image. I’m honored to be part of a team that is focused specifically on cutting duplicative services and getting government out of the way so that beleaguered entrepreneurs and small businesses can do what they do best: create jobs!, ” Ball said in a statement.

“The old way of doing business in Albany is no longer an option,” said Senator Ball. “I’m thrilled and applaud Governor Cuomo for bringing new attention and focus to our efforts to streamline state government. Reinventing state government and streamlining our processes to make New York State open for business and job creation will be difficult because of political pitfalls and inner turf battles. To create jobs and entice new investment into our state we must cut through the clutter of state bureaucracy, nepotism and patronage, the former President is a great public image boost, making our commitment to the task public and real!”

“Residents, taxpayers and small business owners are suffering, trying to rebuild their lives after one of the most devastating storms in years. The decision to tie disaster relief to spending cuts shows many in the Beltway are completely out of touch with the immediate needs of working people and blue collar families. Our Congresswoman has now flip flopped again, saying one thing in the district via press releases and government mail, then voting another way down in Washington, DC. Its well beyond time that our ‘representatives’ at the nation’s capital stop playing politics and just deliver the relief our beleaguered homeowners need,” Ball said in a statement.

Ball faulted Hayworth earlier in the month for seeming to tie disaster relief with federal spending cuts. In a statement then, she said politics wouldn’t be part of the process.

The Senate eventually rejected the House bill and passed its own version today.

Hayworth, R-Mount Kisco, has a Hurricane Recovery page on her website. She also co-chairs a coalition making sure FEMA has the resources for the post-Irene recovery and that also serves as an information source for members of Congress looking for help in their districts.