Schumer seeks more federal aid for state and local governments
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. » U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer paid a visit to Schenectady City Hall Monday afternoon to implore his colleagues in Washington to provide state and local governments with much needed federal aid.
Schumer noted that as communities reopen and attempt to recover from the huge financial hit caused by the COVID-19 crisis in New York, state and local governments, need federal relief which can be used to pay for essential services, offset lost revenues and increased costs, and aid in economic recovery.
“Despite the unexpected good news in an increase in employment numbers that we just saw, job cuts within the state and local governments are mounting, there’s no sign of it slowing down as the pandemic rages,” Schumer remarked.
“This effects the Capital Region more than any other part of New York state because of the percentage of state and local workers that are here. Our state and local governments are still waiting,” Schumer added.
Schumer went on to explain that with municipal governments across the state and in the Capital Region facing budgetary crises and forced to consider layoffs of tens of thousands of public health care workers, firefighters and EMS workers, police, sanitation workers, teachers, and other vital staff, additional aid for state and local governments is crucial to community recovery as counties reopen.
Schumer did not mince word in calling out his Senate colleagues on the sense of urgency required to help people who are struggling.
“Senate Republicans, all Senators must join to push swiftly and decisively to provide direct federal relief so state, county and local governments can save tens of thousands of vitally needed local jobs and provide the services that their citizens want them to,” Schumer said.
Along with Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy, who joined the senator, numerous other local officials added their voices for the fiscal relief.
“Here in Schenectady, we have worked for years to modernize our city, and revitalize downtown and our historic neighborhoods. Then out of nowhere this pandemic has socked us with $12 million in lost revenue,” McCarthy said.
“That’s just not something that a city like Schenectady can just make up elsewhere. We need the federal government to step to the plate if we are going to avoid layoffs and dire financial straits. Smaller cities like ours need direct federal aid, and I appreciate Senator Schumer’s efforts to fight for us in the U.S. Senate,” McCarthy added.
Officials noted how Troy is facing $9.5 million in lost revenue, and Rensselaer County is slated to lose up to $20 million, Troy Mayor Patrick Madden also opined on what the Collar City needs to help with its finances.
“Local municipalities like Troy are facing significant financial losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. These projected shortfalls threaten our ability to maintain critical operations and services in our community,” Madden explained.
“Passage of the HEROES Act, in the House of Representatives, was an important step toward securing necessary aid and relief for local governments, and it’s critical that the legislation’s provisions are included in negotiations for additional federal COVID-19 assistance for municipalities. We thank Senator Schumer and our federal representatives for their continued efforts to provide much-needed support to local communities like Troy impacted by the coronavirus,” Madden added.
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy also echoed those sentiments.
“While the health and public safety of our residents has been our first priority, the reality of the economic situation and a shortfall of $30 million or more in lost revenue needs to be addressed to help our residents,” McCoy noted.
“We need assistance from the
federal government so this incredible burden won’t be borne by our taxpayers who are struggling with financial hardship as well. Thank you, Senator Schumer, for all you are doing to help us during this unprecedented crisis,” McCoy added.
Schumer, who has also recently advocated for extended and strengthened unemployment insurance benefits, reiterated why the stakes are so high.
“This is not just abstract. State and local government, what’s that? It’s jobs, it’s economic vitality in the Capital Region and throughout our state,” Schumer explained.
“It’s the kinds of services people depend on every day. Whether it’s desperately needed healthcare or picking up the garbage. So this is very, very real and very, very important,” Schumer added.