Senator Oppenheimer Shares Her Plans to “Keep New York Working” at a Rally in White Plains

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) joined with other public officials to urge that funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, also known as the federal stimulus plan) be used expeditiously to create and save jobs in Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley.  Senator Oppenheimer spoke at a rally, sponsored by the Coalition to Keep New York Working, which was held April 23rd at  the steps of the Westchester County Michaelian Office Building in White Plains.

 “New York State is expected to receive at least $24.6 billion under the ARRA,” noted Senator Oppenheimer, “and that money will be used to fund education, health care and human services, as well as capital projects that will create jobs and improve our infrastructure.”  State allocated ARRA funds could be used for a whole host of needed maintenance and improvement projects, such modernizing water treatment and sewage plants and improving roads and bridges.

“In this difficult economic environment, it is important that the stimulus funds be disbursed quickly in a transparent, equitable, and ultimately, accountable manner.” For this reason, Senator Oppenheimer has joined with Senate colleagues to urge Governor Patterson to adopt clear and comprehensive measures to govern the distribution, use, reporting and review of all stimulus-related funding.  She asked the Governor to clarify the categories of stimulus funding and to set forth the criteria that will be used to determine which projects will receive support. 
Senator Oppenheimer informed rally participants of  a Town Hall Forum, scheduled for Saturday, April 25th at 10:00 am at the Greenburgh Public Library (300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford).  The purpose of the forum, which Senator Oppenheimer co-hosted, is to share information on how communities can benefit from the stimulus package and to assist businesses and organizations interested in applying for ARRA funds.  “We are here to help you,” Senator Oppenheimer stressed, “and together we can pave the way to economic revitalization in New York.”

Photo Caption: Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) speaking at the Coalition to Keep New York Working rally on April 23rd in White Plains, New York. With her is Ross Pepe, president of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester and the Hudson Valley.