Press Releases
SCHUMER: WITNESS INTIMIDATION COULD HAMPER INVESTIGATIONS INTO RECENT BUFFALO SHOOTINGS HOMICIDES, INCLUDING GANG-RELATED CRIMES PUSHES LEGISLATION TO HELP LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PROTECT KEY WITNESSES
Today, at the Robert H. Jackson Federal Courthouse, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer pushed legislation designed to help Buffalo law enforcement officials protect key witnesses who provide the police with information about crimes, help identify suspects, or testify during trials. The legislation also increases criminal penalties on those, like gangs, that seek to intimidate witnesses. In the wake of a spate of violent crimes in the Buffalo region, including recent violence thought to be retali… Continue Reading
12.27.12
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $69K FEDERAL GRANT FOR WOODLAWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY; INVESTMENT MEANS UPDATED EQUIPMENT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Company receive a grant totaling $69,497 in Round 6 of the FY12 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. AFG awards are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and are designed to help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from… Continue Reading
12.23.12
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF STATEWIDE LOTTERY FOR TICKETS TO PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SECOND SWEARING-IN - JOINED BY DOZENS OF WINNERS AND FAMILIES FROM NYC AND LI
Joined by eleven metro area winners and their families, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced the winners of his statewide lottery for tickets to President Barack Obama's Inauguration. Tens of thousands of New Yorkers entered the lottery. Schumer's office selected 225 winners from across New York State, each of whom will receive two general admission tickets to the Inauguration to be held on January 21 st, 2013. Schumer is chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremoni… Continue Reading
12.21.12
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $1.1 MILLION EDA FUNDING FOR CITY OF KINGSTON AFTER HURRICANE IRENE AND LEE KINGSTON WILL USE FUNDING FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS TO MITIGATE ECONOMIC HARDSHIP FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES AFTER STORMS
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that $ 1,120,000 in federal funding was awarded to the City of Kingston in Ulster County by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Relief Opportunity program. The City of Kingston will use the funding to make critical infrastructure repairs that will restore access to commercial and small businesses in the Kingston city center. These efforts aim to minimize the financial strain in the region from Hur… Continue Reading
12.21.12
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE FINAL CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL OF $24 MILLION FOR NEW YORK ARMY NATIONAL GUARD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MILITARY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT WILL BUILD STATE-OF-THE-ART MAINTENANCE SHOP ON BASE
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that a $24 million construction project in Stormville, NY, for the New York Army National Guard has passed both chambers of Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 and now heads to President Obama to be signed into law. Specifically, the $24 million federal investment would allow the construction of a new maintenance shop to provide field and sustainment maintenance for vehicle… Continue Reading
12.21.12
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE FINAL CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL OF NEARLY $140 MILLION FOR CONSTRUCTION AT FORT DRUM
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that $138.2 million in funding for the construction of several facilities at Fort Drum, including a new specialty care clinic, a new aircraft maintenance hangar, and a complex for missile tracking technology has now passed both chambers of Congress. The funding for construction is included as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, which now heads to President Obama to be signed into … Continue Reading
12.20.12
SCHUMER, GOLDFEDER: SUPERSTORM SANDY RAVAGED BREEZY POINTS SILVER GULL BEACH CLUB; PUSH FEDS TO QUICKLY ALLOW BEACH CLUB TO RECONSTRUCT SEA WALL TO PROTECT FROM FUTURE STORMS
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and New York State Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder today pushed the National Park Service (NPS) to quickly approve the reconstruction of a sea wall at the Silver Gull Beach Club in Breezy Point. After Superstorm Sandy, the Beach Club's sea wall was destroyed and because the Beach Club is on the National Register of Historical Places, NPS must first approve the reconstruction of a new sea wall. The wall will be rebuilt by the club, at no cost to the tax payer. "T… Continue Reading
12.17.12
SCHUMER COMPLETES 62 COUNTY TOUR FOR 14TH YEAR-IN-A-ROW WITH VISIT TO BATTENKILL CREAMERY IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Today, with his visit to Battenkill Creamery in Washington County, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer completed his 62 county tour of New York for the fourteenth yearinarow - a feat that makes him the first New York state public official to visit every single county in New York every year he has been in office. Schumer highlighted some of the year's biggest accomplishments including passage of the SAFE DOSES Act to crack down on prescription drug abuse and his efforts to secure a $14.6 million gra… Continue Reading
12.17.12
AS SCHUMER COMPLETES RECORD FOURTEENTH 62-COUNTY TOURSCHUMER TOURS BATTENKILL CREAMERY IN WASHINGTON COUNTY IN LIGHT OF FAST APPROACHING DAIRY CLIFF CALLS ON HOUSE TO PASS BIPARTISIAN FARM BILL ENSURE NY DAIRY FARMS ARENT LEFT WITHOUT SAFETY NET
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer visited Battenkill Creamery in Washington County and warned that the deadline is fastapproaching for the House of Representatives to take action and pass the bipartisan Senate Farm Bill, in order to avoid the "dairy cliff", which would have a devastating impact on dairy producers. The 2008 Farm Bill expired on September 30th, and on January 1st the nation will begin to revert to 1940's era agriculture policy. Specifically, Schumer called on the House to tak… Continue Reading
12.11.12
SCHUMER: U.S. AIR FORCE TO BRING THUNDERBIRDS BACK TO JONES BEACH FOR 2013 MEMORIAL DAY AIR SHOW ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY SENATOR LED CAMPAIGN TO BRING THEM BACK
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today said that the United States Air Force will bring the Thunderbirds back to the 2013 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach over Memorial Day weekend. This will be the Air Show's 10 th anniversary and the first major event since Superstorm Sandy seriously damaged the iconic New York State Park. With the squadron's notable absence at the 2011 Air Show, Schumer has led a campaign through both letters and phone calls to have the Thunderbirds return to Long Island … Continue Reading
12.10.12
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $488K FOR JOB CREATION ENGINE AT MARIST COLLEGE WOMENS ENTERPRISE CENTER TO RECEIVE EDA FUNDING TO BOOST HUDSON VALLEYS ECONOMY AFTER IRENE AND LEE
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced $488,000 in federal funding was awarded to the Women's Enterprise Development Center (WEDC) by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Relief Opportunity program. The Women's Enterprise Development Center will use the funding to create a program that aims to minimize further job loss from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee and help employers by promoting job creation, supporting economic diversification, and fostering di… Continue Reading
12.10.12
SCHUMER, MENENDEZ TO INTRODUCE COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION TO REDUCE TAXES ON THOSE IMPACTED BY HURRICANE SANDY BY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OR MORE WILL ALLOW MORE RESOURCES TO GO TOWARDS CLEANUP AND RECONSTRUCTION
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez today announced comprehensive legislation to reduce the tax burden on those financially impacted by Superstorm Sandy. The tax package will include provisions that would allow for a full deduction for expenses paid or incurred as a result of disaster cleanup; waive penalties for individuals who withdraw from their retirement plan early; allows individuals who provided free housing to displaced individuals to claim additional exem… Continue Reading
11.29.12
AT SCHUMERS REQUEST, JETBLUE AND DELTA AIRLINES TO DROP CHANGE FEES FOR TEACHERS AND FAMILIES OF STUDENTS WHO HAD TO CANCEL OR MOVE THEIR VACATIONS BECAUSE THEIR WINTER BREAKS WERE CANCELLED IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANE SANDY
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer released the following statement today after JetBlue and Delta Airlines agreed to his request to drop flight change and rebooking fees for teachers and the families of students who had their winter break cancelled because of superstorm Sandy. Because of the days missed during the storm, school districts across New York and Long Island cancelled their winter breaks, leaving those who had booked vacation during that time saddled with hundreds of dollars in fees … Continue Reading
11.21.12
SCHUMER: FCC WILL HOLD FIELD HEARINGS AND MEET WITH INDUSTRY IN PURSUIT OF PLAN TO ENSURE CONTINUATION OF CELL SERVICE IN THE WAKE OF DISASTERS
New York, NY - U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold field hearings across the New York area to determine what steps need to be taken to ensure that cell towers don't lose power for days or weeks in the wake of severe storms, terrorist attacks or other events that cause power failures. Last week Schumer requested that the FCC develop such a plan, and said he will work closely with the commission going forward. Schumer sa… Continue Reading
11.21.12
SCHUMER LAUNCHES EFFORT TO JUMP START NEXT PHASE OF SYRACUSE INNER HARBOR DEVELOPMENT FED DOLLARS COULD CREATE NEW ROADS, SIDEWALKS WATER LINE CONSTRUCTION THAT WOULD SPUR MILLIONS MORE IN PRIVATE INVESTMENT
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the federal government to jump start and provide critical funds for the next phase in development of Syracuse's Inner Harbor, a key project that will revitalize the former Barge Canal terminal and attract millions in private investment within the city's urban core. Schumer's call comes in light of Monday's Common Council vote to apply for Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding through the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance P… Continue Reading
11.20.12
With over 2,015 veterans unemployed in the Southern TierSCHUMER LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO SAVE EXPIRING TAX CREDITS FOR BUSINESSES THAT HIRE VETS CREDIT IS A PROVEN SUCCESS GIVES EMPLOYERS, LIKE SANMINA-SCI, UP TO $9,600 PER VET HIRED
Today, at SanminaSCI in Owego, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer joined local veterans, including company employees and revealed his plan to prioritize the extension of the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors Tax Credits, which are proven successes in incentivizing companies to hire veterans and set to expire at the end of this year. SanminaSCI already employs about 22 veterans, and Schumer applauded their goal to hire approximately 60 veterans in the near future. Specifically, SanminaSCI is … Continue Reading
11.20.12
SCHUMER LAUNCHES PLAN TO HELP REVITALIZE BUFFALO LANDMARKS, LIKE STATLER, AMAs, AND RICHARDSON COMPLEX PUSHES FOR EXPANSION EXTENSION OF FED TAX CREDITS THAT ARE CRITICAL TO REHABILITATE BRING NEW LIFE TO HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer launched his twopronged plan to help revitalize dozens of Buffalo landmarks like the Statler Building, Richardson Complex, and the AM&A's building, by encouraging developers to renovate these underutilized historic buildings. Following a tour of the Statler Building on Delaware Avenue with local developers, Schumer announced his proposal to extend the New Markets Tax Credit, set to expire at years end, and his support of the Creating American Prosper… Continue Reading
11.01.12
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND URGE FEMA TO APPROVE MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR WESTCHESTER ROCKLAND COUNTIES
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand urged FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate to approve New York State's anticipated request and declare a federal state of emergency for Westchester and Rockland Counties in light of the severe flooding in the Hudson Valley following Sandy. In their letter, the Senators pointed out that neighboring counties in New York City and Long Island have already received a major disaster declaration, and that the devastation in Westchester and… Continue Reading
11.01.12
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, HOCHUL HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANT WORK OF NFARS NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS DURING SANDY RESPONSE; URGE DOD TO CONSIDER LIFESAVING EFFORTS IN FUTURE BASE DECISIONS
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representative Kathy Hochul urged the Department of Defense (DoD) to closely examine the importance of the National Guard 107 th Airlift wing, based at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (NFARS), to both Western New York, the state, and the entire Northeast. They emphasized in their letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that the 107 th Airlift Wing, which has served as a proven resource in the Western New Yor… Continue Reading
10.31.12
SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $2.5 MILLION DEPT. OF ENERGY AWARD FOR PLUG POWER IN THE CAPITAL REGION
Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that Plug Power in Latham, NY will receive a $2,500,000 award from the U.S. Department of Energy to retrofit 15 electric tow tractors with hydrogenpowered fuel cells, which will be deployed at two of FedEx's domestic airports in Memphis, Tennessee, and Oakland, California. Both sites, which are known for their high volume of traffic, will utilize lowcost natural gas as the feedstock to produce hydrogen. The first phase will consist of developin… Continue Reading