Statement From Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson

Action taken by the United States Senate today is welcome news for New York and other states struggling to overcome historic budget deficits. I urge the House of Representatives to act as quickly as possible and applaud Speaker Pelosi for indicating the House will return from recess to take a vote on this critical funding.
 
Those who supported SA 4575 on FMAP and education funding for state governments understand what the consequences of inaction would mean to our state’s health care services, education programs, and organizations that provide for the needy throughout New York. The Senate’s legislation will also secure jobs for hundreds of thousands of firefighters, police officers, and teachers, keeping our communities safe and economy growing.
 
I thank Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and the Senate Leadership for standing up to those who would abandon our residents. On behalf of the State Senate I also want to express my gratitude for Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins for their bipartisan leadership and thoughtful approach to policy-making. I am confident all 28 members of New York’s congressional delegation can demonstrate this same willingness to put partisanship aside and act in the best interests of our state.
 
I also want to thank Governor Paterson and Speaker Silver for their determined advocacy on behalf of this legislation and, in particular, Mayor Bloomberg for undertaking a very successful lobbying effort in Washington in order to ensure New York receives our fair share of federal funds.