August 26, 2023
Dear Friends,
My central focus in Congress has always been securing meaningful federal investments that have a local impact, whether that means creating jobs, lowering costs, or improving quality of life. I’m proud of the work we achieved last Congress on that front.
In March 2021, in the midst of many challenges for our nation, Democrats came together to pass a collection of forward-thinking bills to grow our economy and support our communities. Our Capital Region is continuing to reap the benefits of these investments from the American Rescue Plan Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
The impact of these laws continues to strengthen our nation and our Capital Region. In my last two newsletters, I highlighted some of the many climate and health care benefits delivered by the Inflation Reduction Act.
And this week, I was proud to join local leaders and advocates to celebrate millions in federal funding delivered to our Capital Region through the American Rescue Plan. This law secured $350 billion for state and local governments across the nation, including $10.7 billion for local governments in New York State.
On Wednesday, I visited the City of Troy, which has received some $42 million to build our communities back better, support the institutions that define our region, and expand opportunity for all. I was thrilled to visit Beman Park to see a $1 million upgrade to create a new playground, viewing area, and other updates that will breathe new life into this historic community space.
This is one of many shining examples of how these federal dollars continue to make a difference for people and communities across our region. In fact, thanks to the combined investments from these bills, our Capital Region is seeing job growth, lower costs, and more. In NY-20:
- Democratic policies implemented since President Biden took office have created 36,900 local jobs, including more than 2,000 clean energy jobs
- The Inflation Reduction Act made health care coverage more affordable for more than 6,000 Capital Region residents who signed up for a marketplace plan
- That plan will save the average enrollee nearly $2,500 in premiums this year alone
- 21,400 Capital Region businesses have opened their doors thanks to Democrats’ investments
- Funding for broadband internet provided benefits to 48,000 NY-20 households, reducing broadband costs by an annual total of roughly $17,280,000.
This is why I work in Congress — to pass legislation that responds to the needs of communities in the Capital Region and to improve and enhance the lives of its residents. That work is far from complete, but I’m thankful for all that this administration has accomplished, and I’m grateful for our dedicated local leaders, organizations, and advocates for their commitment and partnership in ensuring a better tomorrow for all who call our region home.
As always, thank you for reading.
Your friend,
DID YOU KNOW?
My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates on legislation my colleagues and I have passed and how they impact you and your family. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- Are you a veteran who deployed to a combat zone but never enrolled in VA health care?
- Thanks to our Honoring our PACT Act, if you left active duty between September 11, 2001 and October 1, 2013, you can enroll now!
- The deadline to sign up is September 30, 2023.
- While this deadline was implemented for a specific group of veterans, many others can enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.
- This includes many Vietnam veterans, Gulf War veterans, veterans who deployed to a combat zone and transitioned out of the services less than 10 years ago, and more.
- Once you enroll, you have access for life. So don’t wait!
- Visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more and sign up now!
- For additional information on the PACT Act and how it is helping veterans and their families, visit VA’s PACT Act Dashboard.
