Governor David Paterson issued the following statement on the Senate passage of the budget and legislation extending the Power for Jobs Program:
Albany - “I am relieved that the Senate has finally followed the Assembly’s lead by passing the final bill necessary to complete the State Budget. Like so many of us, our state is facing one of the most difficult fiscal challenges in our history. The budget we adopted is a responsible spending plan that makes the tough decisions needed to close the deficit while protecting core services that New Yorkers depend on.
“Every state in our nation is struggling and sacrifices had to be made. Our fight is not over. We will remain vigilant in our efforts to renew New York ’s economy, maintain the state’s fiscal stability and protect the many families struggling to make ends meet.
“I am pleased that the Senate also took action on the Assembly’s one year extension of the Power For Jobs Program. There are too many livelihoods dependent on this program to allow it lapse.
“While it is not a solution, a one year extender of the existing program will give the Legislature and the Governor time to negotiate the details of a permanent program without jeopardizing current Power for Jobs recipients. There is no good reason to hold employers hostage while we resolve our differences. I urge the Governor to sign this legislation and come back to the table to work on a program that encourages business investment without raising energy costs for upstate New Yorkers.”
