Senator Brian X. Foley hosts hundreds of Constituents at Stimulus Town Hall

Brentwood, NY - Senator Brian X. Foley (D – Blue Point) hosted a town hall forum on the federal stimulus package at the Brentwood campus of Suffolk County Community College to inform the public about the benefits local communities may realize from the $24.1 billion New York stands to receive from the federal stimulus package. The attendees learned first-hand what projects are eligible for funding and how to obtain funding. Senator Foley was joined at the forum by fellow hosts Sen. Craig Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith.

Nearly two hundred people packed a lecture hall on the Brentwood campus of Suffolk County Community College to hear details on federal economic recovery spending dedicated to New York state. In addition to the state senators, representatives from ten state agencies and authorities spoke and answered questions from the audience.

“We will make sure that every New Yorker has the opportunity to benefit in some way from the resources in this economic recovery package and Long Island gets its fair share of aid,” said Senator Brian X. Foley, who serves on the Senate Economic Development Committee and is chairman of the powerful Senate Banking Committee. “I’ve been pleased to work with our state-wide leaders as well as our congressional delegation to ensure that our local civic and business groups are able to access this funding.  Together, we will use the stimulus funding to boost our economy and work towards a stronger, more prosperous state.”

"This is an unprecedented opportunity to invest in jobs and rebuild the infrastructure that will put Long Island to work,” said Senator Craig Johnson. “I congratulate Senator Foley for successfully hosting this very important event and helping our local communities take part in the economic recovery efforts.”
 
“The potential benefit to New York communities is enormous and it is essential that New Yorkers understand how this money will impact them,” said Senate Majority Leader Malcolm. A. Smith. “The New York State Senate will take advantage of this opportunity in a bipartisan fashion to create new jobs and new business opportunities across our state, and help families in need with unemployment benefits, health coverage, nutrition aid, education and training.”

Money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be spent in a variety of ways including the preservation of healthcare and education funding, stabilizing our economy through job creation and green energy initiatives, providing continued support for our most vulnerable citizens and improving infrastructure, transportation and energy efficiency.

“While today’s economic crisis presents unprecedented challenges,” said Foley, “it also represents an opportunity for all of us to work together and reinvest in building a state that’s stronger, more prosperous than ever.”

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