Congressman Hinchey at Work in Poughkeepsie
Congressman Maurice Hinchey has a proven record of getting results for the communities he represents. Since 1995, he has delivered nearly $4 billion for the 22nd Congressional District, including more than $66 million for the parts of Dutchess County he represents. In the last two years, Hinchey has secured more than $13 million for projects in the City of Poughkeepsie.
These federal investments in our region have created jobs, helped communities provide the infrastructure for economic growth, have made low-cost capital available for business startups and expansion, strengthened our schools and health care systems, promoted our tourism industry and lured new businesses to the area.
"In the historic 110th session of Congress we have accomplished a great deal in an effort to create energy independence and economic prosperity for our country," said Hinchey. "We have accomplished a lot but there is a lot more to get done. We must end the military occupation in Iraq, make greater investments in our nation's infrastructure, and nurse an economy back to health after eight disastrous years of Bush administration economic policies. With the continued support of the people of the 22nd district and President Obama in the White House, we can continue to make great strides in order to restore the American dream and our credibility throughout the world."
Democrats, who won narrow majorities in the House and Senate in 2006, have worked through an unprecedented number of radical initiatives in the 110th Congress in order to pass a number of priorities. Democratic proposals that were enacted into law include, an economic stimulus that put hundreds of dollars into the hands of more than 130 million American families, raising the minimum wage, the largest funding increase for veterans medical attention in the history of the Veterans Administration, a new GI bill, and the single largest investment in reducing the cost and increasing the access to college. Hinchey also worked hard to support important local projects throughout the 22nd district.
Hinchey's efforts in the 110th Congress included:
Creation of The Solar Energy Consortium, a partnership of industry, academia and government designed to make New York a hub for solar energy production and use. Secured $4.66 million in federal funds last year to help bring companies such as Prism Solar Technologies and C9 Corporation into the consortium, which are expected to result in the creation of hundreds of new jobs in the region. Secured an additional $2.9 million for alternative energy initiatives in New York in this year's budget. Additionally, Hinchey helped convince Empire State Development to contribute a $1.5 million grant to attract solar energy companies to TSEC. Subsequently, New York State's budget for this fiscal year includes $6.5 million for TSEC. Last month, TSEC announced its second manufacturing partner, Solar Thin Films, which will create an additional 400 jobs. In total, TSEC has received or will receive almost $16 million this year and next year to grow the solar industry throughout the state. TSEC, working with its partner companies, including Prism Solar Technologies, Solar Thin Films, Globe Specialty Metals, Precision Flow Technologies, and Fala Technologies, is in the process of creating more than 1000 new jobs throughout New York State.
Successfully passed and funded the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial legislation. Over two years, secured $1.5 million for the federal share of the costs of the celebrations slated for autumn, 2009.
Supported the Poughkeepsie School District's effort to win a $745,035 grant from the Department of Education aimed at preventing student dropouts.
Helped to secure $87,500 for Hudson River Housing to assist homeowners in Poughkeepsie.
Earmarked $980,000 for much-needed improvements to Grand Avenue.
Helped to secure a $58,050 grant for the Poughkeepsie Fire Department.
Supported the Poughkeepsie Police Department in their efforts to secure a $323,587 federal grant.
Helped the House to pass legislation that would increase the Medicare reimbursement rate for Vassar Brothers Hospital.
Earmarked $50,000 to the Bardavon for an at-risk youth program.
Successfully passed in the House the Washington-Rochambeau Historic Trail bill to mark the journey taken by George Washington and Count Rochambeau when moving to finally defeat the Confederates at Yorktown during the revolutionary war.
Consistently battled GE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finally begin the job of removing PCBs from the Hudson River.
Secured $175,000 for the operation of the Drug Courts in Poughkeepsie, as well as Kingston, Newburgh and Middletown.
Hosted a Housing Forum in January convening every Federal, State and local agency involved in addressing the current housing crisis throughout the Hudson Valley.
