Senate Majority Leader Smith and Members Travel to D.C. to Discuss Stimulus Package with Congress, White House

Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith led a bi-partisan Senate delegation to Washington, D.C. today to speak with U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and congressional leaders to talk about the federal stimulus package. The senators were the very first state delegation to meet at the White House with the intergovernmental affairs officials of the new Obama administration.

In Washington, the senators discussed the importance of New York receiving its fair share of the federal stimulus package and the ways in which the money will be used to revitalize New York’s economy.

"After meeting with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, the state’s congressional delegation and White House officials, I am confident that our state will be receiving the tools it needs to take to first steps on the long road to economic recovery," said Senator Smith. "Money for Medicaid assistance, transportation and infrastructure projects and educational initiatives are essential to reviving the economy, job growth, and getting the state back on track."

Joining Smith on this important trip were Senators Eric Adams (Brooklyn), Darrel Aubertine (Cape Vincent), Brian X. Foley (Blue Point), Joe Griffo (Rome), Craig Johnson (Port Washington), Jeffrey Klein (Bronx), Liz Krueger (Manhattan), Elizabeth "Betty" Little (Queensbury), Kevin S. Parker (Brooklyn), Bill Perkins (Manhattan), John Sampson (Brooklyn), Eric Schneiderman (Manhattan/Bronx), Daniel Squadron (Brooklyn/Manhattan), Bill Stachowski (Lake View), Toby Ann Stavisky (Queens). The senators paid for their own travel expenses.

Smith concluded. "We went with one message: to preserve New York’s standing as the financial capitol of the world, and maintain our reputation as the Empire State. We demonstrated the Senate’s commitment to using any stimulus funds to maximize long-term economic benefits. I believe we are on good footing and thank all the members who came for putting our state's economic health above all else."