url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-federal-highway-administration-has-heeded-his-calls-and-approved-plan-for-long-sought-crash-gate-for-emergency-vehicles-to-improve-safety-on-i-84,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION HAS HEEDED HIS CALLS AND APPROVED PLAN FOR LONG-SOUGHT CRASH GATE FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES TO IMPROVE SAFETY ON I-84,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After launching his push earlier this year following the bus crash on I-84 in Orange County that tragically killed two adults and injured dozens of Farmingdale High School students, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has heeded his calls to assist New York State and local officials with the creation of an emergency vehicles-only access road, also known as a “crash gate” on I-84. “The tragic bus crash in Orange County this past September was just one of many a horrific tragedies that have taken place on Interstate 84 and plagued communities across New York with fear about the ability of first responders to quickly respond to these dangerous and sometimes deadly accidents,” said Senator Schumer. “First responders in Orange County have long called for the installation of a life-saving crash gate, and finally, after I called on the FHWA to support our local officials and help keep New Yorkers safe by working with them to greenlight this long desired safety project, I am proud to announce the federal agency has heeded our calls and has officially approved construction on an emergency crash gate for I-84. In an emergency every minute and second counts, and I will continue to fight to deliver the federal resources needed so our first responders can continue to save lives in Orange County and beyond.” A copy of Schumer’s original join letter to the Federal Highway Administration demanding further action to approve plans for the crash gate can be found here. Schumer said the construction of a crash gate for I-84 was first proposed over a decade ago, but the original proposal was never finalized. He explained that following his continued advocacy, the FHWA has officially approved the long-stalled state plan to install an emergency access point between the Goshen and Mountain Road exits — the more than a 10-mile stretch of the interstate that prevents timely emergency responses and currently sees about c per year. Currently, the Slate Hill Fire District’s trucks can only access the highway in a roundabout way, which makes response times longer. Schumer said that September’s bus crash and other recent accidents demonstrated the troubling lack of access to I-84 that exists for first responders in the area. The Slate Hill Fire District’s closest entrance to I-84 is four miles from the firehouse, requiring its trucks to travel into another neighboring fire district just to enter the interstate. By constructing a first responders-only access road built between the eastbound and westbound highways, a crash gate will allow first responders to access I-84 faster and potentially save lives. According to the Slate Hill Fire District Chief, had such a crash gate been available in September, they would have been able to respond 5 to 10 minutes sooner. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-completes-tour-of-all-62-new-york-counties-for-landmark-25th-year-now-with-4500-visits-to-upstate-ny-and-long-island-in-his-career-senator-says-his-silver-anniversary-with-the-empire-state-was-one-of-most-meaningful-tours_including-delivering-billions-for-infrastructure-creating-thousands-of-good-paying-jobs--and-says-he-will-continue-tradition-again-next-year,"SCHUMER COMPLETES TOUR OF ALL 62 NEW YORK COUNTIES FOR LANDMARK 25th YEAR; NOW WITH 4,500+ VISITS TO UPSTATE NY AND LONG ISLAND IN HIS CAREER, SENATOR SAYS HIS SILVER ANNIVERSARY WITH THE EMPIRE STATE...",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"During Schumer’s 1998 Senate Election Campaign, He Vowed To Visit Every Single New York County Each Year — Now, After 25 Years Of Keeping His Promise, He Is Marking Historic 25th Year Of The Tradition That Has Accumulated 4,500+ Visits To Communities In Every Corner Of New York Schumer: After 25 Years Of Traveling The State, I Am Not Slowing Down – And Promise To Continue Traveling, Listening, Learning and Delivering For New York In Bigger And Bolder Ways! Marking the silver anniversary of his beloved tradition, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced he completed his landmark 25th year of his annual 62 county tour, with his final stop yesterday in Columbia County. Over the past 25 years, Schumer visited Upstate New York and Long Island a whopping 4,500+ times with 112 non-NYC county visits this year alone. Schumer was the first New York public official to start a tour of every single county in New York, a tradition he has continued each year he has been in office. “25 years ago, I made the promise to visit every county, but little did I know that this tradition would bring me across our great state over 4,500 times. From Buffalo to Brooklyn, meeting with New Yorkers from every walk of life on my tour is what inspires me, it is how I learn, and it is what motivates me every day in Washington,” said Senator Schumer. “This was a landmark year, and one of my most meaningful tours, as we got to see firsthand many of the historic investments we made from my CHIPS & Science Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, the Inflation Reduction Act and more really start to bloom. We have delivered billions for long overdue infrastructure projects from roads to broadband, new cutting-edge industry and thousands of good paying jobs coming back from overseas to Upstate NY. All of that would not be possible without the knowledge and motivation I gain from the people I meet on the 62 county tour.” “Whether it was standing outside the long abandoned Jamestown furniture factory that sat as an eyesore in the community and getting the feds to help clean it up, expanding broadband in the North Country, lowering healthcare costs for our seniors, or helping solidify Upstate NY from Buffalo to Albany as a growing hub for semiconductor manufacturing in research…This year was about helping communities big and small in every corner of the state lay the foundation for a brighter future,” said Senator Schumer. Schumer added, “God gave me a lot of energy. Many people said that when I became majority leader, I wouldn’t have time for the 62 county tour, but even though I carry a bigger title in Washington and I now have to lead international trips on diplomacy, my favorite two titles will always be New York’s senator and a New Yorker. After 25 incredible years of traveling the state, I have no plans of slowing down anytime soon, and I look forward to continuing this tradition again next year.” In his continued quest to deliver resources to every corner of Upstate New York, Schumer highlighted various accomplishments achieved over the past year by region below: NEW YORK STATE Secured a massive nearly $1 billion every single year with new Medicare Wage Index rule change to bring increased payments to rural and urban hospitals in every corner of Upstate NY: Following years of relentless advocacy, Schumer announced in August that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) officially finalized a rule that will have an estimated nearly $1 billion impact for increased payments to Upstate New York hospitals every single year from the federal government. With this fixed rule, hospitals across the state will begin to receive the fair and full reimbursements they have been denied for far too long, meaning better healthcare for communities and families across Upstate. Delivered the largest federal investments in broadband in New York State’s history – bringing high-quality internet to a record number of homes and businesses across the Empire State: Schumer announced that New York state would receive a historic nearly $670 million in federal funding from his Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. This is the largest single investment for broadband in New York State’s history and will be used for providing affordable high-speed internet to locations in New York that currently have no broadband service. In addition, Schumer also announced another $100 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan this year to expand high-speed internet across New York State. Sparked millions in investments for Upstate NY’s manufacturing sector and brought critical manufacturing in industries like semiconductors back from overseas to America – all spurred by historic CHIPS & Science Law: Exactly one year after his CHIPS & Science Act was signed into law, Schumer highlighted billions in investments the semiconductor industry has already proposed and thousands of good paying jobs thanks to the historic legislation he championed for Upstate NY.Schumer crafted the CHIPS & Science Law with Upstate NY in mind to bring critical manufacturing in industries like semiconductors back from overseas to America, and over the past year, new investment sparked by the federal legislation he authored has breathed new life into Upstate’s manufacturing sector, including: Micron has proposed an historic up to $100 billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York, which is expected to create up to 50,000 good-paying jobs. Wolfspeed near Utica recently opened the first, largest, and only 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility in the world with over $1 billion invested in the Mohawk Valley. Edwards Vacuum will invest $300+ million to build a 600 job U.S. dry pump manufacturing facility in Western New York’s Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) to supply the semiconductor industry. IBM will invest $20+ billion in the Hudson Valley to increase its research and development (R&D) of technologies in the semiconductor, quantum computing, and other high-tech industries. GlobalFoundries is considering building a second fab in the Capital Region, driven by the major demand for their chips, that will be a key supplier to the auto and defense industries. Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants, is considering expansion because of the support for suppliers in the CHIPS federal incentives that Schumer included in the CHIPS & Science law. Menlo Micro announced an over $50 million investment to build their first domestic microelectronics fab facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. Albany Nanotech recently landed a $10 billion public-private partnership with New York State and semiconductor industry leaders boosting a major new expansion with investment in the world’s most cutting-edge semiconductor machinery to the Capital Region, expected to create at least 700 direct jobs, hundreds of union construction jobs, and bolstering workforce training for this vital industry in NY. WESTERN NEW YORK Landed prestigious Federal Tech Hub Designation for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse as region primed to grow America’s semiconductor industry: After years of advocacy, Schumer announced that the Upstate cities of Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse won the federal Tech Hub designation he created in the CHIPS and Science Act, putting Upstate NY further on the road to becoming America’s semiconductor superhighway. The tri-city region was one of only 31 proposals selected across the country to compete for potentially billions in federal funding to boost Upstate NY’s workforce training, innovation, and manufacturing of semiconductor technology. Delivered millions in critical pension relief for Western New York union workers and their families thanks to American Rescue Plan: After years of relentless advocacy, Schumer announced that International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 237 would receive $32.2 million pension-fix payout from the American Rescue Plan – ensuring the 430 members and their families receive the hard earned benefits and the financial security they deserve. Schumer also announced the UFCW would receive about $400 million of the $764 million pension fund payout from the American Rescue plan, benefitting roughly 8,000 to 10,000 workers and retirees from Western New York at employers such as Tops, Sahlen’s and Wardynski’s. Successfully pushed EPA to demolish and clean up Jamestown’s old contaminated Crawford Furniture Factory, a site with known hazardous contamination, following massive fire: After standing in Jamestown to launch push to get feds to help clean up the old Crawford Furniture Factory, Schumer announced the EPA heeded his calls and is officially beginning clean up on the hazardous site. After a dangerous fire late last year, that potentially put public health at risk for the community, Schumer came to Jamestown to launch his push for feds to help take financial burden off local taxpayers and help remove hazardous materials at the site and demolish the eyesore so it could potentially become a site for new opportunity. The EPA is now beginning demolition of the former manufacturing facility at the Allen Street Development Site – knocking down, cleaning up damaged buildings and disposing of toxic asbestos from the deteriorating facility. Secured Major Disaster Declaration for Winter Storm Elliott, the deadly December blizzard that devastated Western NY: After his relentless advocacy, Schumer announced that President Biden had approved New York’s Disaster declaration for Winter Storm Elliott, officially providing the state and local municipalities with federal funding needed to boost recovery efforts. The declaration made over $2.6 million available to cover the costs of storm-related damages and emergency response for both New York State and in impacted communities in Erie, Genesee, Niagara, St. Lawrence, and Suffolk Counties, including Snow Assistance for Erie and Niagara Counties to reimburse for snow removal. The declaration also included Individual Assistance to cover funeral expenses for residents of Erie and Niagara Counties. HUDSON VALLEY Announced Sullivan County received critical NY-NJ HIDTA designation following years of advocacy – securing major boost in fed crime fighting resources for Hudson Valley: Following years of non-stop advocacy, Schumer announced the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) had heeded his calls and granted Sullivan County’s request to be designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Schumer personally brought the Director of ONDCP, Dr. Rahul Gupta, to Sullivan County to announce the critical designation, which will finally provide access to the federal resources to help local law enforcement combat the opioid crisis in the Hudson Valley and stop dangerous drug traffickers. Delivered $21 million to reconnect Kingston’s neighborhoods to the waterfront, create good-paying jobs, and revitalize downtown: Following Schumer’s March 2022 visit to Kingston, where he vowed to secure $20 million for the city, the Department of Transportation announced a $21.7 million RAISE grant to boost transportation and transform Kingston’s Waterfront. Schumer wrote to and personally called Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to secure this award. Schumer said this long awaited funding will reconnect Kingston’s neighborhoods to its historic Rondout waterfront area to restore and revitalize downtown, create good paying jobs, and bolster economic opportunity for all. Secured $1.8 Million for the West Point Fire Department after they had faced years of budget cuts: After standing shoulder to shoulder with West Point firefighters at the United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, Schumer announced that the Army heeded his call and reversed course to fully fund the West Point Fire Department (WPFD) after it faced years of staggering budget cuts that hampered operations. Schumer said that the Army committed $1.8 million – 150% of WPFD’s original request this year - to replace outdated emergency response equipment and give West Point firefighters the peace of mind and financial security they have desperately needed and deserved. Landed Breeze Airways at Stewart International Airport: After working to secure flights out of Plattsburgh, Schumer continued his push for affordable airline access and landed Breeze Airways at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, making it the fifth New York State airport to provide services from Breeze Airways – all part of Schumer’s multi-year, multi-faceted plan to provide air services for all. CAPITAL REGION Helped launch CDTA’s new BusPlus Purple Line, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line with limited stop service along the busiest corridors in the Capital Region – boosting fast, accessible, and affordable transportation: Following ten years of relentless advocacy, Schumer helped CDTA announce the launch of its new BusPlus Purple Line, which will provide affordable, dependable, express transit service for Capital Region residents and students along the Washington and Western Avenue corridors to Crossgates Mall. The Purple Line will connect riders to employment and entertainment centers across the route, connecting riders with downtown Albany, the city’s bus terminal, the Harriman State Office Campus, the University at Albany, the Albany Nanotech campus and Crossgates Mall in Guilderland. Unveiled a new $1.7B investment into Watervliet Arsenal – the largest investment in the history of the facility – to modernize arsenal, upgrade equipment, and secure Watervliet as heart of Army cannon manufacturing: Schumer announced that Congress and the U.S. Army would invest over $1.7 billion in the Watervliet Arsenal over the next 20 years—the largest investment in the history of the Arsenal—to modernize the facility, upgrade equipment, and bolster workforce to secure Watervliet as heart of Army cannon manufacturing for generations to come. This historic investment builds on the $230 million already flowed to the facility in 2023 in order to jumpstart modernization efforts in the factory. The last major modernization effort was done during the 1980s. Announced historic new partnership between GlobalFoundries and Lockheed Martin – spurred by Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Act: This past June, Schumer stood alongside GlobalFoundries’ and Lockheed Martin executives to announce their new major strategic partnership to advance U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and increase the security, reliability and resiliency of domestic supply chains for national security systems. This new partnership, a direct result of expected expansion of domestic chip manufacturing spurred by Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act, means that chips Lockheed Martin uses in some of the nation’s most sensitive defense and aerospace technologies will now be made at GlobalFoundries by Capital Region workers. Schumer said this new collaboration between two of Upstate New York’s largest employers will strengthen our national security, all while supporting the 2500 employees GlobalFoundries currently has working in Malta as well as potential future expansion. Announced $40 million awarded to New York-based consortium from the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Microelectronic Commons Program: This funding is one of the first major CHIPS awards from Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Act and will establish the infrastructure of the hub, allowing partners to bolster workforce training programs for the semiconductor industry and add new state-of-the-art microelectronics equipment. The consortium, known as the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTech), led by NY CREATES, the University at Albany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE), Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and IBM, will bring together academia, industry, and government organizations to help supercharge New York’s booming chips industry to spur innovation, attract new companies, strengthen the workforce, and bolster this industry, which is vital to America’s national security. Helped unveil Plug Power’s new Vista facility: Back in 2016, Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh and Senator Schumer made a deal—If Schumer could reinstate the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Plug would grow its workforce in New York. A promise made was a promise kept— Schumer secured the ITC in 2017, and in January this year, Plug Power opened its brand new Vista facility in Slingerlands which manufactures green hydrogen fuel cells; creating 1,600 good paying jobs in the Capital Region. Plug’s growth in New York was even more supercharged with new incentives included in the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES Secured a major investment of $68 million from General Motors for Rochester – fueling revival of Finger Lakes auto industry and creating 100 new jobs: After fighting to save the Rochester plant from closure years ago, Schumer announced that General Motors will invest $68 million at their Rochester manufacturing plant for the production of electric vehicle battery components that will position the plant at the forefront of the rapidly growing electric vehicles market as well as for production of components for GM’s next-generation Gen6 V8 light duty truck engine. The represents the culmination of years of efforts by Schumer to bring new work to the Rochester GM facility, personally lobbying GM, and creating new federal incentives to spur electric vehicle production. Sen. Schumer said Rochester’s production facility will now be at the heart of GM’s transformation to electric and that this work will help sustain their nearly 750 workers for years to come. Saved over 200 union jobs after urging Tom James Company to buy former Hickey Freeman Factory: After years of working to protect Hickey Freeman’s highly skilled, mostly unionized workers, Schumer announced that the Tom James Company, the largest U.S maker of custom clothing, would purchase the Rochester factory, maintaining nearly 200 union employees and promising to add up to an additional 45 jobs over the next five years. With the company struggling, Schumer directly called the Tom James Company and convinced them to purchase the historic, 112-year old facility, protecting the existing workforce and securing their commitment to grow the workforce of the newly dubbed “Rochester Tailored Clothing.” Delivered $3 million to greenlight Rochester’s urban tree program and plant over 6,000 new trees across the city: After visiting Rochester in May to launch his support for the city’s application to the USDA’s Urban and Community Forestry grants program, Schumer wrote to USDA Secretary Vilsack and successfully secured funding for the program to plant thousands of new trees across areas of need throughout the city. Rochester’s poorer neighborhoods and communities of color currently have 30% fewer trees than more affluent areas, leading to urban heat islands and worsening health disparities. Successfully resolved Baxter International’s chip shortage, protecting the jobs of the company’s 300-person workforce: After standing with workers of Baxter International in Orleans County promising to fight to help solve their microchip supply chain issues, Schumer announced that his relentless advocacy was successful and that the previous shortages that hindered production have been resolved. In August of 2022, the senator personally visited Orleans County to launch a two-pronged plan to address the microchip shortage. Schumer said that Baxter’s infusion pumps are classified as in “critical need” by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the nation’s pandemic response, so it was crucial their manufacturing supply chain be preserved. Schumer began working with Texas Instruments, one of Baxter’s primary chip suppliers, to help prioritize components for their lifesaving medical devices. After months of work, Baxter confirmed that Schumer’s support was successful and they have the necessary chips to produce their infusion pump technology and preserve the company’s 300-person workforce. CENTRAL NEW YORK Persuaded TTM Technologies to select DeWitt for $130M investment in state-of-the-art printed circuit board manufacturing facility expected to create 400 good paying Central New York jobs: Following a yearlong site assessment process involving 27 markets in 16 states, Schumer and Governor Hochul successfully persuaded TTM Technologies to locate it’s new, state-of-the-art $130M printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing expansion facility in the Town of Dewitt. The expansion facility will be co-located on 24 acres adjacent to TTM’s existing production facility in DeWitt and is expected to create 400 good-paying manufacturing and engineering jobs, as well as an equal number of construction jobs during the design and build. This trailblazing investment furthers Schumer’s plan to transform Central New York into a global epicenter of semiconductor manufacturing by adding one of the nation’s first, specialized PCB manufacturing and advanced packaging facilities to the region’s semiconductor ecosystem. The 160,000+ sqft facility will manufacture ultra-high-density PCB’s for defense and commercial semiconductor applications. TTM will also invest in research and development that will further integrated-circuit substrate and HDI PCB technologies across the United States. The project will support around 400 construction jobs during development and construction of the facility. Ensured Verizon can hear us now, successfully pressuring Verizon to get to work on fixing the infamous Oneida Street wireless dead zone plaguing Utica: Standing side-by-side with Utica residents, small business owners, and public safety officials in April, Schumer sounded the alarm on a dangerous wireless dead zone that stretches along one of Utica’s busiest streets and impedes calls, mobile payments and even presents a public safety risk. After years of complaints from small businesses and public officials went unheard, Schumer turned up the volume by calling on Verizon to investigate the problem, meet with local officials, and come up with a plan to fix the dead zone. Verizon heeded Schumer’s call before the end of summer, engaging with the City of Utica, the Village of New Hartford, and Schumer staff to formulate a plan to fix the dead zone. Verizon identified the New Hartford Recreation Center site for a new tower, had engineers visit and evaluate the site, and worked with the Village of New Hartford to fast track approvals. More progress has been made in the few months since Schumer’s call to action than over the many years of effort preceding it. Secured nearly $15 million for workforce development and training across Central New York and the Mohawk Valley: After writing to Defense Secretary Austin, Schumer secured $5 million for CenterState CEO, the Griffiss Institute, Syracuse University and partners to build out the region’s defense manufacturing workforce. Schumer advocated for Syracuse University, successfully securing $2.5 million in NSF funding to attract, retain, and increase diversity and access for underserved populations in the region’s STEM workforce and $900,000 in BIL-powered DOE funding to become an Industrial Assessment Center. Schumer supported Mohawk Valley Community College by securing $2 million for a new, state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing training center at Mohawk Valley Community College and $440,000 in BIL-powered DOE funding to become an Industrial Advancement Center. Schumer secured $2 million for Onondaga Community College to create a state-of-the-art hospital simulation education and training center to address the critical shortage of health care workers and train the next generation of health care practitioners. Schumer secured nearly $2 million for the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties to design, develop and grow a training program that prepares local job seekers for high-demand, high-quality career pathways. Delivered over $13 million to revitalize urban tree canopies from Utica to Auburn and plant thousands of trees across Central New York: After personally calling and writing USDA Secretary Vilsack to advocate for funding, Schumer secured over $13M to rejuvenate urban greenspaces in the City of Syracuse, the City of Auburn, the CNY Regional Planning and Development Board, the City of Utica, and Olmsted City of Greater Utica. With urban tree canopies across the region in need of a green thumb, this federal funding will help breathe new life into neighborhoods and greenspaces from Utica to Syracuse to Auburn by planting thousands of new trees, reducing extreme temperatures from urban heat islands, and connecting youth to good paying jobs that foster a cleaner, greener environment. The funding is made possible thanks to the historic increases secured by Schumer in the Inflation Reduction Act, which included over $1 billion for the UDSA to increase equitable access to trees. Funding for the City of Syracuse builds on the city’s 2018 urban forestry master plan, to which the city has already committed $2 million in federal dollars from Schumer’s American Rescue Plan. Landed $46 million in National Defense Authorization Act for cutting-edge Quantum Computing and Unmanned Aerial Systems R&D in Rome: Schumer reinforced his reputation as a champion of Rome’s Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) by securing $46 million in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to supercharge quantum computing and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology. Schumer’s efforts will advance AFRL’s pioneering R&D by supporting major projects, such as a quantum networking testbed and quantum cloud computing environment, a next-generation ion-trap quantum computer, a joint all-domain command and control testbed, and a multi-domain radio frequency spectrum test environment. NORTH COUNTRY Landed prestigious Multi Domain Task Force at Fort Drum to reinforce the north country’s pillar of national defense: After years of advocacy, Schumer successfully completed his mission to deliver a prestigious Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) for Fort Drum. When the Army first announced that Fort Drum was being considered for a MDTF, Schumer sent a letter to the Army supporting Fort Drum’s candidacy. As part of an all-out push, Schumer personally calling Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth multiple times to highlight Fort Drum. The MDTF combines land, air, sea, cyber, and space capabilities into one unit that supports joint forces and is essential to building joint readiness while strengthening interoperability with key allies and partners. Announced largest-ever NBRC investment into economic development projects throughout North Country communities: After he delivered major federal funding for Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, Schumer in August announced that New York State projects had received the largest amount of funding in the history of the program, to the tune of nearly $11 million for twelve projects across the North Country that address aging infrastructure, expanding childcare, training workers for good-paying jobs, increasing access to high-speed internet, and accelerating the economic growth of Main Streets across the North Country and Upstate New York. Secured Critical Access Hospital Status for Alice Hyde Medical Center to Boost essential care for Franklin County communities: Following his advocacy, Schumer announced in November that Alice Hyde Medical Center has been designated as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Alice Hyde’s new status will reduce the community hospital’s financial vulnerability amid financial and operational challenges for rural health care organizations in New York and across the country. Schumer has been a champion of the CAH program for years and successfully saved several Upstate New York hospitals at risk of losing their CAH status last year. Delivered $17+ million for 400+ miles of high-speed fiber to bridge the North Country’s digital divide: With far too many unserved and underserved North Country communities struggling to access the high-speed internet they deserve, Schumer led the charge to bridge the digital divide by securing millions in federal funding for the Development Association of the North Country to lay over 400 miles of new broadband fiber, bringing high-speed internet to thousands of homes, businesses, and community anchors across the North Country. Schumer secured $14,547,750 in through the NTIA’s Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program, which is powered by the IIJA’s record $65 billion for the expansion of high-speed internet, to expand nearly 350 miles of broadband fibers across the North Country for 2,500 unserved residences and over 280 community anchor institutions. Schumer also secured 2.5M from the Northern Border Regional Commission to complete a telecommunications project that will bring an additional 63.3 miles of new fiber, bringing affordable high-speed broadband to approximately 488 households in rural communities in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Secured over $5 million to complete the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority’s Terminal expansion project: After years of advocacy and millions in funding delivered, Schumer secured the final wave of funding for the Ogdensburg Bride and Port Authority’s (OBPA) long-awaited terminal expansion project. Currently, the Port of Ogdensburg can only accommodate one ship coming into port and unloading at a time. With this over $5 million in Port Infrastructure Development Program funding, the OBPA will be able to complete the Ogdensburg Harbor deepening that Schumer secured funding to kick start in 2021, add 500 feet to the west side dock wall for a second vessel berth at seaway depth, and expand storage facilities for increased cargo capacity. These upgrades will allow the Port of Ogdensburg to accommodate two or more ships coming into port and unloading simultaneously, equip the port to transport larger cargo more efficiently, and improve supply chain resilience. To make this award possible, Schumer secured $662,203,512 in FY’23 PIDP funding, including over $450 million in the IIJA and $212 million in the FY’23 budget. Landed Breeze Airways at Plattsburgh Airport: Following Schumer’s long history of fighting for affordable air service to Upstate New York, and after his letter to the Breeze CEO, Schumer announced that Breeze Airways will begin to offer flights out of Plattsburgh International Airport—connecting North Country families to affordable air service. SOUTHERN TIER Secured $50+ million investment from Menlo Microsystems to retrofit a Microelectronics Manufacturing Fab and create 100+ new good-paying jobs in Tompkins County: After personally calling the CEO of Menlo Micro, Schumer announced the company heeded his call and will invest over $50 million to build their first domestic microelectronics fabrication (“fab”) facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro’s next-generation switch technology are a vital component of the microelectronics industry, supporting the growth of the domestic semiconductor industry across Upstate NY that is being driven by Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act. Secured Federal Tech Hub Designation for Binghamton to become the nation’s next hub for battery innovation, research, and manufacturing: After delivering historic federal investment to jumpstart Binghamton’s growing battery hub last year, Schumer announced that Binghamton University’s New Energy New York (NENY) project won a highly-competitive federal Tech Hub designation, which he created in the CHIPS and Science Act, officially recognizing the region to lead the nation in battery innovation and manufacturing. Binghamton is now part of an exclusive group of only 31 regions in America eligible to compete for significant federal funding. Secured $1.2 million for regional workforce development effort to help 135+ workers access jobs in advanced manufacturing and construction trades: After personally writing to the Department of Labor Secretary, Schumer announced nearly $1.2 million for Ithaca Area Economic Development through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative to expand existing and establish new career readiness programs that are expected to connect at least 135 workers for entry-level, good-paying jobs in advanced manufacturing and the construction trades. Delivered $400,000 for Delaware County Line-Worker Training Program to power hundreds of good-paying jobs and upgrade critical infrastructure: After visiting Delaware County earlier this year to launch an all-out push, Schumer delivered $400,000 through the Appalachian Regional Commission for Delaware County Electric Cooperative in partnership with SUNY Delhi to develop an advanced line-worker training program, which is projected to train hundreds of workers for good-paying jobs improving electricity service, expanding access to affordable clean energy, and upgrading telecommunications infrastructure in rural communities across Upstate NY. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-deliver-nearly-30-million-to-improve-safety-of-notoriously-dangerous-queens-boulevard-through-a-bipartisan-infrastructure-and-jobs-law-program-fed-grant-will-help-improve-local-roadway-and-strengthen-pedestrian-safety-with-elevated-crosswalks-enhanced-medians-and-protected-bike-lanes,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND DELIVER NEARLY $30 MILLION TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF NOTORIOUSLY DANGEROUS QUEENS BOULEVARD; THROUGH A BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE & JOBS LAW PROGRAM, FED GRANT WILL HELP IMPROVE LOCAL...",2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"New Grant Will Help New York City Execute Safety Action Plan And Boost Road Safety Features For Queens Boulevard Senators Say “Safe Streets and Roads for All” Fed Grants, Created In The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, Will Help Communities Save Lives With Proven Safety Measures Like Elevated Protected Bicycle Lanes, Pedestrian Refuge Islands, Pedestrian Malls, And More Schumer, Gillibrand: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Is Driving Road Improvements And Paving The Way For Increased Safety On Streets Across NY Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $29,750,000 in federal funds to implement road safety improvements for a section of Queens Boulevard in Woodside. This $29.75 million federal grant is part of Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), a program created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law Schumer led to passage. Schumer and Gillibrand said this funding will help implement a safety action plan for Queens Boulevard, including elevated crosswalks and pedestrian malls, enhanced medians and pedestrian refuge islands, as well as elevated protected bike lanes. The funding will also enable enhanced monitoring of traffic injuries and expand the use of Intelligent Speed Assistance technology. “This substantial federal investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law will help New York City implement multiple life-saving measures on Queens Boulevard. From elevated crosswalks, pedestrian malls and refuge islands, to enhanced medians and elevated, protected bike lanes, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike will be safer with these improvements,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal funds empower New York City to strengthen roadway safety by implementing proven measures that will reduce injuries and traffic related incidents. I’m proud to deliver this federal grant that will help improve the safety of this central roadway, and help save lives by driving forward much needed safety features, stopping accidents before they happen, and laying the foundation for safer streets.” “Queens Boulevard is one of New York City’s most dangerous roads, where dozens of pedestrians have died over the past few decades,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am so proud to bring home nearly $30 million in federal funding to reimagine the corridor, significantly reduce accidents and injuries, and make Queens Boulevard safe for our families to use.” According to New York City Department of Transportation, 233 people, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists, were injured on Queens Boulevard between Union Turnpike and Jamaica Avenue from 2016 to 2020. Due to high rates of severe pedestrian injuries, Queens Boulevard became a Vision Zero priority for New York City. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Schumer led to passage as Majority Leader, established the SS4A discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years, 2022-2026. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law more than doubled funding for surface transportation programs that improve roadway safety.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-after-years-of-advocacy-announces-fort-drum-selected-for-prestigious-army-multi-domain-task-force-bringing-nearly-1500-new-personnel-to-the-north-country-and-helping-solidify-fort-drum-as-central-to-americas-national-defense-strategy,"SCHUMER, AFTER YEARS OF ADVOCACY, ANNOUNCES FORT DRUM SELECTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS ARMY MULTI-DOMAIN TASK FORCE BRINGING NEARLY 1,500 NEW PERSONNEL TO THE NORTH COUNTRY AND HELPING SOLIDIFY FORT DRUM AS...",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Has Been Fighting Non-Stop To Elevate Fort Drum, Personally Calling Army Secretary Multiple Times, And Now His Efforts Have Proven Successful With The Selection Of Fort Drum To Support The Europe Multi-Domain Task Force Senator Says New Unit Will Bring Nearly 1,500 New Soldiers & Personnel, Advanced Capabilities, And The Future Of Army’s Europe Strategy To The North Country Base Schumer: Fort Drum Is Mission Ready, Best In The Country To Lead The Future Of The Army After years of relentless advocacy to elevate Fort Drum, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that Fort Drum has been selected to house U.S. Army Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) #2, along with Wiesbaden, Germany. Multi Domain Task Forces are an essential part of the Army’s work to address the national security threats of the future, the senator personally met with Army Secretary Christine E. Wormuth today who informed him of the news. Schumer explained this prestigious designation he helped land for Fort Drum will make it a central part of the Army’s mission to combat emerging national security threats and is expected to bring 1,495 new personnel and soldiers to the North Country, and further support the long-term stability of the base and its central role in our national defense. “Fort Drum has been selected for one of the most prestigious designations by the Army, meaning nearly 1,500 new soldiers and personnel will soon call the North Country home, which will enhance this amazing base as a pillar within America’s national defense strategy. I personally advocated to Army Secretary Wormuth to elevate Fort Drum as the clear choice, and the Army could not have picked a better place than the North Country to lead the mission in protecting our national security,” said Senator Schumer. “Fort Drum is woven into the very fabric of the North Country, and there is no community more eager and able to support the Army in furthering America’s national defense strategy. The Army’s Multi-Domain Task Force represents the future of our military, and today the Army has said that the future of our military will be from Fort Drum.” Schumer explained that the MDTF program represents the future of the Army’s efforts to combat the threat to U.S. national security. The Army has planned to build five MDTFs to support the various combatant commands, with three units focused on the Pacific and one unit focused on Europe and one for global response. Fort Drum will share the MDTF supporting General Cavoli and the entire European Command (EUCOM) with the Army’s base in Wiesbaden, Germany. MDTF soldiers will likely rotate between Wiesbaden and Fort Drum, starting in 2025. This new effort combines land, air, sea, cyber, and space capabilities into one unit that supports combatant commanders (i.e. joint forces) and is essential to building joint readiness while strengthening our interoperability with key allies and partners. The second MDTF was activated in 2021 in Wiesbaden but thanks to Senator Schumer will now share its home with Fort Drum. Schumer has routinely highlighted how Fort Drum is uniquely suited to lead the Army’s new efforts facing the U.S. Central and European Command. The base is host to the Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, which serves as the primary departure airfield for the 10th Mountain Division and provides support to military forces at Fort Drum training for international contingency operations. Fort Drum already has approximately 500 soldiers deployed in support of European allies and partners, and has a long history of conducting critical joint exercise with allies like Finland. The terrain of the North County is an ideal environment to train soldiers on the skills required to face the harsh winters of Europe. Schumer has fought relentlessly to elevate Fort Drum and the North Country to the Army. When the Army first announced the consideration of Fort Drum for the MDTF, the senator sent a letter to the Army supporting Fort Drum’s candidacy, he then followed up those efforts personally calling the Army Secretary twice to highlight his support and announced that Fort Drum was a finalist for MDTF selection in March of this year. Schumer has worked for years to deliver major federal investment to enhance the bases capabilities for new opportunities like an MDTF unit. Schumer fought for years, personally calling the former Army Secretary, Defense Secretary and Army Chief Of Staff to deliver over $27 million in federal funding to construct a new railhead at Fort Drum, a top priority for the base. The senator also delivered over $21 million for a new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Hangar at Fort Drum, and he secured $27 million for Fort Drum in the FY22 omnibus to replace the base’s existing water supply that was vulnerable to multiple forms of contamination, requiring Fort Drum to purchase half of its water supply from a municipal source. Most recently, Schumer secured nearly $10 million for two major Fort Drum projects in the end-of-year spending package for FY2023. Today’s major announcement by the senator will help ensure the long-term stability and vitality of Fort Drum for years to come bringing new soldiers, personnel, and infrastructure to ensure Fort Drum continues to grow in the North Country and as a part of the Army’s mission. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-deliver-nearly-18-million-for-safer-streets-across-upstate-nythrough-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-and-jobs-lawto-improve-local-roadways-pilot-new-traffic-upgrades-and-strengthen-pedestrian-safety,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND DELIVER NEARLY $18 MILLION FOR SAFER STREETS ACROSS UPSTATE NY–THROUGH THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE & JOBS LAW–TO IMPROVE LOCAL ROADWAYS, PILOT NEW TRAFFIC UPGRADES, AND...",2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"New Grants Will Help NY Communities Develop Safety Action Plans And Boost Road Safety Features In The Capital Region, Rochester-Finger Lakes, And Across Upstate NY Senators Say Fed $$$ Through “Safe Streets and Roads for All” Program, Created In The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, To Help Communities Save Lives With Separated Bicycle Lanes, Curb Extensions, And More Schumer, Gillibrand: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Is Driving Road Improvements And Paving The Way For Better Safety On Streets Across Upstate NY! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $17,951,433 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law in Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants for communities across Upstate New York to improve road safety. Schumer and Gillibrand said this funding will help develop and implement safety action plans for communities across New York, inform improvements along roadways, use “quick-build” strategies to test out safety features, such as separated bicycle lanes or curb extensions at intersections, to help enact new safety features on streets. ""From new improved bike and bus lanes to safer intersections and sidewalks, this over $17.9 million investment from our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs law will help give communities from Rochester to Albany the tools they need to develop plans for safer streets while creating jobs. These federal funds will empower localities to enhance roadway safety, develop comprehensive safety action plans, and implement innovative strategies to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike,” said Senator Schumer. “These grants will help improve the safety of our roadways, boost the economy and help save lives by driving forward much needed safety features, stopping accidents before they happen, and laying the foundation for safer streets.” “Investing in projects that improve roadway safety is vital to preventing future traffic tragedies in our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These grants will allow communities across Upstate New York to develop and implement critical safety plans to address roadway safety issues. I am proud to have worked to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to secure this funding and I will keep fighting to make our roadways safer for all.” The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Schumer led to passage as Majority Leader, established the SS4A discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years, 2022-2026. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law more than doubled funding for surface transportation programs that improve roadway safety. A full list of award recipients across Upstate New York can be found below: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-applauds-major-10-billion-partnership_spurred-by-his-chips-and-science-act--with-governor-hochul--semiconductor-industry-leaders-to-bring-new-major-expansion-to-the-albany-nanotech-complex-with-nations-most-advanced-rd-technology-with-new-funding-senator-doubles-down-to-get-feds-to-designate-national-semiconductor-technology-center-in-the-capital-region,SCHUMER APPLAUDS MAJOR $10 BILLION PARTNERSHIP – SPURRED BY HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE ACT – WITH GOVERNOR HOCHUL & SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY LEADERS TO BRING NEW MAJOR EXPANSION TO THE ALBANY NANOTECH COMPLEX...,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Says New Public-Private Partnership, Spurred From Demand By His CHIPS & Science Law, Further Positions The Capital Region As The Ideal Leading Hub For The National Semiconductor Technology Center And Schumer Is Going All Out To Land This Major Fed Investment Now That We Have Entered The Homestretch The Albany NanoTech Campus Will Become North America’s First and Only High NA Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Public-Private Center – Creating At Least 700 Direct Jobs, Hundreds Of Union Construction Jobs, Bolstering Workforce Training, And Bringing Some Of World’s Most Advanced Machinery To The Capital Region Schumer: Capital Region Has Landed a $10 Billion Rocket-Chip To Further Upstate NY As The Global Center Of Semiconductor Research Building on years of advocacy to elevate Upstate NY and Albany NanoTech as a global center for semiconductor research and manufacturing, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced, alongside Governor Hochul, a $10 billion public-private partnership with leaders from the semiconductor industry including IBM, Micron, and others to bring a major new expansion with investment in the world’s most cutting-edge semiconductor machinery to the University at Albany’s NanoTech Complex. Schumer said that the partnership will further propel Albany NanoTech as the premier global center for semiconductor research, and now as we enter the homestretch he is going all out to land the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) that was established in his CHIPS & Science Act in the Capital Region. “This is a landmark day for the Capital Region. With this groundbreaking $10 billion public-private partnership, spurred by my CHIPS and Science Act, industry has made it clear: the Albany NanoTech Complex is home to America’s semiconductor R&D future. This historic partnership will bring the most cutting-edge machinery in the world to Upstate NY, helping make discoveries that engineers today cannot even fathom – ensuring the U.S. leads the world in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing and bringing us closer to turning science fiction into reality by producing microchips smaller than a nanometer, right here in the Capital Region,” said Senator Schumer. “Now as we enter the homestretch for the ultimate prize of landing the National Semiconductor Technology Center here in the Capital Region, this funding will lay the foundation to make it happen and I am going all out to bring home these major federal dollars to New York.” Schumer added, “This $10 billion means hundreds of new high-paying tech and construction jobs, along with scientists and leading companies from around the world turning to the Capital Region as the place where they conduct their research. I wrote the CHIPS & Science Act because I knew it would be transformative for Upstate New York, which was perfectly suited to bring this industry that is vital to America’s national security and economic future back from overseas. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has not only answered the call put out by the feds, but helped create a national model with unprecedented investment in every corner of Upstate NY and today’s announcement is just the latest example of how New York is leading our nation in developing the next generation of technology.” New York State is investing $1 billion to expand the Albany NanoTech Complex, leveraging at least $9 billion in private spending and investment, spurred by the increase investment in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing from Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law. Specifically, NY CREATES plans to use this major investment by New York State to acquire and install a High NA EUV lithography machine, the most advanced semiconductor equipment ever made, designed and manufactured by ASML, at its Albany NanoTech Complex. This will give industry partners including Micron, IBM, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, and other key companies access to ASML’s EXE:5200 High NA EUV scanner and other highly sophisticated equipment vital to making breakthrough discoveries in semiconductor research and development. In addition, state funding will boost the construction of NanoFab Reflection space, a new, highly sophisticated building with more than 50,000 square feet of cleanroom space. According to New York State, the project is expected to create at least 700 new direct jobs, support thousands of jobs already at the facility, and hundreds of construction jobs throughout the major expansion. Once built, New York’s High NA EUV Center will position the Capital Region as a one of the most advanced semiconductor research and development facilities in the world, helping attract scientists from around the globe, leading companies in the industry, and international partnerships to establish and expand their presence at Albany NanoTech. Schumer said that this major public-private partnership further strengthens Albany NanoTech as the ideal major hub for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) that was established in the CHIPS and Science Act. The site and its partners have a long record of accomplishment of groundbreaking research, that will only be supercharged by this addition of the new High NA EUV Center, that will make the Capital Region as the only place in North America and one of only two public institutions in the world to host this new advanced technology needed make the next generation of microchips. Two years ago, IBM announced the successful development of the world’s first 2 nanometer (nm) microchip – with the R&D work done at the Albany NanoTech Complex, the same site that produced the world’s first 7nm and 5nm chips, and the new technology acquired in today’s multibillion dollar investment will help continue this record of success. Last month, the Department of Commerce announced it has reached an initial agreement with a new nonprofit organization called SemiUS, the expected operator for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). This follows the Department’s recent announcement that an independent committee selected the inaugural Board of Trustees of this new nonprofit organization. Early planned activities at SemiUS will include hiring a Chief Executive Officer and an executive team, establishing a membership structure for the consortium, and developing a timeline for the sequencing of program activities, which are expected to commence in 2024, including the first announcements of major funding awards to leading hubs of the NSTC. Schumer has fought tirelessly to lift up the Capital Region and Upstate New York as a major hub to lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and research. Most recently, Schumer, in a personal meeting in Seoul with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, secured a commitment that the Republic of Korea will partner with NY CREATES on advanced semiconductor technology research & development at the Albany NanoTech Complex. This past September, Schumer announced that following his push, NORDTECH, a New York-based consortium led by NY CREATES in partnership with Cornell, RPI, the University at Albany CNSE, and IBM, was one of the first major recipients of funding through his CHIPS & Science Act, securing $40 million through the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Microelectronic Commons Program. Earlier this year, Schumer also personally invited NY CREATES head Dave Anderson to President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address to highlight his push to land the NSTC in the Capital Region. Prior to the passage of the CHIPS & Science Act, Schumer not only brought the Commerce Secretary to Malta to highlight opportunities for expansion at GlobalFoundries and across Upstate New York’s semiconductor industry, but also arranged for Secretary Raimondo to meet with NY CREATES and industry leaders, including from IBM and Applied Materials, to discuss the unique assets the region has for leading the NSTC. Schumer also brought Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves to Albany to tour the Albany NanoTech Complex and see firsthand how the Capital Region is perfectly suited to stand up the NSTC and begin boosting the nation’s semiconductor industry. Additionally, after years of relentless advocacy, Schumer secured in October the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region, putting Upstate NY further on the road to becoming America’s semiconductor superhighway. Schumer pulled out all the stops to bolster the tri-city region to beat out hundreds of other applications in the nationwide competition. The proposal called the “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub” will build on the historic investments Schumer delivered that have spurred a boom in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation across Upstate NY and with today’s designation, will now be in an exclusive group of only 31 regions in America to compete for potentially billions in federal funding to transform Upstate NY as a global hub for workforce training, innovation, and manufacturing of semiconductor technology, complimenting efforts to make Albany a major hub for the NSTC. Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Micron has announced an historic $100 billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York, GlobalFoundries is considering an expansion in the Capital Region, and Wolfspeed recently opened the first, largest, and only 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility in the world in the Mohawk Valley. Menlo Micro, who also does research out of Albany Nanotech, recently announced an over $50 million investment to build their first domestic microelectronics fab facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York also is home to suppliers like Corning Incorporated, which manufacturers glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants, and Edwards Vacuum, recently announced a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility to support the chip industry in the Western New York. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-ryan-call-on-the-department-of-defense-to-expedite-clean-up-at-stewart-air-national-guard-base-push-for-new-measures-to-mitigate-pfas-contamination_doubling-down-on-years-long-push-to-clean-up-pollution-in-newburgh-and-new-windsor,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, RYAN CALL ON THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO EXPEDITE CLEAN-UP AT STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, PUSH FOR NEW MEASURES TO MITIGATE PFAS CONTAMINATION – DOUBLING DOWN ON YEARS-LONG...",2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Has Led Charge For Years To Clean Up Stewart ANGB, Where Toxic PFAS Pollution Forced Municipalities Serving Tens Of Thousands Of Newburgh And New Windsor Families To Tap Different Sources For Reliable Access To Safe, Clean Drinking Water Working Alongside Riverkeeper, Reps, In New Letter To DoD Push To Advance The Much Needed Clean Up Of PFAS Schumer, Gillibrand, Ryan: Cleaning Up PFAS At Stewart Air National Guard Base Needs To Be A Top Priority For The DoD Doubling down on years of advocacy to address PFAS pollution in Newburgh and New Windsor, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Representative Pat Ryan today launched a new push to get the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to expedite the environmental remediation and full cleanup of toxic PFAS at Stewart Air National Guard Base (Stewart ANGB). The lawmakers, alongside Riverkeeper and local organizations, are pushing the DoD to prioritize the cleanup at Stewart and explore new measures to stop the ongoing pollution of downstream waters by PFAS from the base – while DOD works to fully implement a comprehensive clean-up plan as part of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) process. ""Our call to the Department of Defense is clear: expedite the PFAS cleanup and implement new measures to help protect our waterways from the ongoing threat of this pollution spreading,” said Senator Schumer. “From day one, I’ve pushed DoD’s top brass to clean up the Air National Guard’s mess at Stewart and we need more meaningful action to restore health, safety, and peace of mind to nearby Orange County residents in Newburgh and New Windsor. I want to thank the Riverkeeper and my federal partners, Sen. Gillibrand and Rep. Ryan for their commitment to the restoration and protection of our waters in the Hudson Valley and beyond, and I promise to keep fighting to protect the public health and our environment from PFAS pollution.” “The residents of Newburgh, New Windsor, and surrounding Orange County communities deserve to have access to clean waterways, free of the toxic PFAS pollution originating from Stewart ANGB,” said Senator Gillibrand. “For years, I’ve fought alongside the residents of the impacted Orange County communities to ensure there is accountability in the remediation of PFAS at Stewart ANGB, but there is still work to be done. Now, alongside Sen. Schumer, Rep. Ryan and Riverkeeper, we are calling on DoD to expedite cleanup efforts and implement measures to mitigate contamination and protect the health of nearby residents. I will continue to fight to make sure that all New Yorkers have access to clean, safe drinking water.” “PFAS contamination is a grave threat to the health of our service members, our drinking water supply, and the entire Hudson Valley. Alongside the people of Newburgh and New Windsor, I’m calling on the Department of Defense to expedite the removal of these toxic chemicals immediately,” said Congressman Ryan. “I’m proud to work with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, as well as Riverkeeper to make our community more safe. We can’t wait for DoD bureaucracy to eliminate PFAS contamination at Stewart, we need action now.” A copy of the Representatives’ letter to National Guard Bureau can be found here. Schumer, Gillibrand, and Ryan are working alongside Riverkeeper to urge the DoD to implement two steps recommended by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) to address the ongoing PFAS contamination in Newburgh and New Windsor. First, the Reps said the DoD should consider increasing the capacity of the Interim Storm Water Treatment System, which has the potential to reduce the number of weather-related bypasses, mitigating further PFAS contamination in the area. Second, the Reps said the DoD should evaluate slip-lining the stormwater pipes, which could both prevent PFAS contaminated groundwater from entering stormwater pipes and reduce the overall volume of water treated by the stormwater treatment system. The Reps said they are urging the DoD to work expeditiously and thoroughly to evaluate both these potential interim measures, while pushing for DOD to continue working at full speed on cleaning up the PFAS through the CERCLA process as this is the best way to truly ensure the people of Newburgh and the surrounding communities—including military personnel and their families—can recover. Since the City of Newburgh and Town of New Windsor drinking water sources were affected by PFAS contamination, temporary measures have been put in place: Both communities have relied primarily on drinking water from New York City’s reservoir system. New York State has also installed filters to remove regulated PFAS chemicals at both public treatment plants and private wells in the region. Cleaning up the source of the pollution remains essential to any long-term solution. “Riverkeeper and our partners in Newburgh want to see the source of pollution eliminated, so local drinking water supplies can be fully restored,” said Dan Shapley, Riverkeeper’s Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy and Planning. “Riverkeeper is grateful to Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressional Representative Pat Ryan for supporting the call to ‘Speed Up the Cleanup’ of toxic PFAS chemicals at Stewart Air National Guard Base. Our thanks to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as well for starting the process to update key permits."" “I wholeheartedly supports the accelerated efforts to address PFAS contamination, as championed by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman Ryan, and echoed by vital community advocates like Riverkeeper, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, and the Newburgh Clean Water Project,” said Edward Lawson, Community Co-Chair of Stewart Air National Guard Base’s Restoration Advisory Board. “Understanding the profound impact this has had on Newburgh and New Windsor, we are deeply committed to a swift and comprehensive cleanup. The urgency of these groups in advocating for environmental health strengthens our resolve. We aim to implement robust and effective solutions, ensuring the restoration of safe and clean water resources for our communities and regaining their trust through our dedicated efforts."" “Members of the SANG Restoration Advisory Board have been urging the site managers overseeing the cleanup at Stewart Air National Guard Base to initiate several recommended interim measures with little response and even a lesser sense of urgency,” said Jennifer Rawlison, Newburgh Clean Water Project Steering Member and RAB member. “We thank Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, and Representative Pat Ryan for their signing on in support of the “Speed Up the Clean Up” campaign to hold accountable the DoD in seeking timely and effective measures to reduce ongoing contaminated PFAS discharges and further protect the health and wellbeing of Newburgh & New Windsor families and our environment.” “It’s been 7 years since PFAS contamination from Stewart Air National Guard Base was running off into the City of Newburgh’s drinking water supply. It’s more than time for PFAS discharges from the base to be stopped for good,” said Jen Benson, Environmental Action Director for Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. “Clearwater values Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressional Representative Pat Ryan joining the call for an expedited cleanup of toxic PFAS chemicals at the Stewart Air National Guard Base.” Over the past several years, Senator Schumer has fought relentlessly to advance PFAS cleanup activities at Stewart ANGB. In May 2017, during a one-on-one meeting with then-Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, Schumer called on the Air Force to pledge that they would prioritize the prompt remediation of the PFAS contamination at Stewart ANGB. In a June 2017 meeting with then-Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Schumer called on the DoD to participate in the remediation of toxic PFAS contamination. Just a few months later, DoD immediately began their Site Investigation sampling, including Recreation Pond, which yielded the highest concentration of PFOS according to the NYS DEC’s original testing. In July of 2018, after Schumer’s push, a report concerning the health effects of PFAS was finally released to the public, after the release was seemingly delayed because of political considerations. In the fall of 2018, Schumer met with then-Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson to urge the Air Force to rev up the pace of PFAS contamination investigations efforts. Schumer also successfully worked to include his amendment to provide funding for the Air National Guard to reimburse local New York water authorities for their ongoing remediation efforts and cleanup of PFAS in the Fiscal Year 2019 Senate Defense Appropriations bill. In 2019, after the delegation secured over $2.4 million for the project, the USAF finally installed an interim filtration device on Recreation Pond, marking the first concrete step in stopping the PFAS from flowing off base and restoring safe, clean drinking water for residents. In February 2021, Schumer brought the community’s concerns directly to then-DoD Secretary nominee, Lloyd Austin, urging him to make this clean-up a top priority. In November of 2020, Schumer also wrote to then-Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett calling for Stewart ANGB to move forward with this remedial investigation. More recently, Schumer and Gillibrand announced in May 2021 that they secured the next critical step in the PFAS clean-up process, getting Stewart Air National Guard Base accepted into the well-funded and robust Defense Environmental Restoration Program, which the base was previously excluded from accessing. Today, the reps continue to meet with DoD representatives on a regular basis, pressuring the agency to continue the cleanup effort as expeditiously and thoroughly as possible. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of manufactured chemicals, and are persistent in the environment and resist degradation. These toxic chemicals are often used to manufacture products like fabric protectors, firefighting foam, and stain repellents. They are common primary ingredients in the firefighting foam that was used at Air National Guard bases for training and fire-suppression exercises, according to state regulators. Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to certain cancers and other serious adverse health effects. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-ryan-announce-nearly-39-million-for-riverkeeper-for-removal-of-holden-dam-on-quassaick-creek_boosting-ongoing-efforts-to-protect-hudson-river-watershed,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, RYAN ANNOUNCE NEARLY $3.9 MILLION FOR RIVERKEEPER FOR REMOVAL OF HOLDEN DAM ON QUASSAICK CREEK – BOOSTING ONGOING EFFORTS TO PROTECT HUDSON RIVER WATERSHED",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Fed $$$ From NFWF Will Fund Removal Of Aging Nearly 100 Year Old Holden Dam on Quassaick Creek In Newburgh – Protecting Local Infrastructure, Enhancing Flood Resilience, And Restoring Critical Habitat For Fish And Wildlife Reps Say This Major Federal Investment For Riverkeeper Was Made Possible Thanks To The Historic Increases They Secured In The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Schumer, Gillibrand, Ryan: Major Fed Investment To Remove Obsolete Holden Dam on Quassaick Creek In Newburgh Helping Turn The Tide On Protecting & Restoring The Hudson River Watershed U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressman Pat Ryan today announced $3,879,000 in federal funding from the National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) for Riverkeeper to remove the aging Holden Dam on the Quassaick Creek, bordering Newburgh and New Windsor, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect the Hudson River Watershed. Schumer personally wrote the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in support of Riverkeeper, with funding made possible thanks to the historic increases secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law. The lawmakers said this project will enhance flood resilience from climate change to the surrounding Hudson Valley communities and will protect, enhance and restore critical habitat for local fish and wildlife. ""I am proud to announce nearly $3.9 million in federal funding for Riverkeeper to remove the aging Holden Dam on Quassaick Creek – protecting residents from flooding and restoring both local infrastructure as well as critical habitat for local fish and wildlife. When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage, it was long overdue investments in protecting the Hudson River Watershed and enhancing flood resilience that I had in mind. Now an aging dam in Newburgh will be transformed to help restore our environments and safeguard our communities from future flooding ,” said Senator Schumer. “This project is a testament to the transformative impact we can make when we secure historic funding increases for critical environmental initiatives, which is why I was proud to write a letter of support for it. Together, we are turning the tide on safeguarding the Hudson River and its surrounding communities for generations to come."" “The removal of the obsolete Holden Dam is a crucial step in the process of protecting and restoring the Hudson Valley Watershed,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This important funding to remove the dam will help enhance flood resiliency for area residents and will benefit local fish and wildlife. I am proud to have written a letter of support to help secure this important funding and I’ll continue to fight to protect and restore the Hudson River Watershed.” “This past summer, we saw how catastrophic flooding events can sweep away the livelihoods of Hudson Valley families in an instant. As these once-in-a-lifetime events become more severe and frequent, our families and communities deserve immediate action and protection,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “I’m proud to have secured this monumental funding of nearly $3.9 million that will both safeguard Newburgh families from tragic flooding and deliver high-paying local jobs. I will keep fighting to strengthen climate resilience and protect the ecosystem of our cherished Hudson River for our children’s futures.” “Taking down the obsolete Holden Dam will be transformative for the City of Newburgh and its residents, and will restore two miles of critical spawning habitat for iconic Hudson River fish species that are rapidly declining. The project will also strengthen resilience around infrastructure and keep an underserved community safe by preventing a catastrophic dam failure,” said Riverkeeper Science Director Shannon Roback. “Riverkeeper is grateful to Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Pat Ryan for the increases in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law, which paved the way for this critical funding through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).” Specifically, the Reps said that Riverkeeper’s project, titled “Protecting Infrastructure and Restoring Fish Habitat in the Hudson River Estuary,” aims to remove Holden Dam on Quassaick Creek to protect local infrastructure and restore two miles of critical freshwater habitat for Hudson River migratory species that are in decline. According to Riverkeeper, Holden Dam is an obsolete and failing dam, and frequent flooding due to climate and coastal impacts at the dam is causing stream bank erosion and threatens the City of Newburgh and Town of New Windsor’s surrounding infrastructure and communities. The Reps explained that Quassaick Creek is highly susceptible to flash flooding during rain events causing erosion of the stream bank, which destabilizes the City of Newburgh’s main sewer line. A sewer main break at Holden Dam would be catastrophic, undoing $10 million in investment and upgrades by the City. This federal funding will produce a long-term solution that not only stabilizes the channel and banks of the Quassaick Creek and protects the adjacent West Trunk Sewer Line from future exposure and possible failure, but also prevents a failure of the dam that would mobilize large amounts of toxic sediment downstream and ultimately into the Hudson River. The project will engage 400 local residents, strengthen resilience around infrastructure, and restore habitat for iconic Hudson River species. The NCRF is primarily funded by, and coordinated with, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). This year’s awards come in large part thanks to historic increases in funding Schumer and Gillibrand were able to secure as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law that enabled the NCRF to increase the number of awards and the size of awards granted for natural infrastructure projects benefiting local communities. A copy of Schumer’s letter of support to NFWF appears below: Dear Ms. Grannis: I write in support of the application submitted by Riverkeeper to the 2023 National Coastal Resilience Fund through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for funding to remove the Holden Dam on the Quassaick Creek in Newburgh, New York, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect the Hudson River Watershed. It has become clear in recent years that the Holden Dam, built nearly 100 years ago, no longer serves any functional purpose and exists at a detriment to the health of the Quassaick Creek and the Newburgh community that cares for it. Not only is the dam a culprit for poor water quality, but it has caused great damage to infrastructure in Newburgh. In July of 2012 and again in October of the same year, the accelerated flow velocity of the creek caused by the dam caused the sewer line in Newburgh to collapse, releasing approximately 5 million gallons of untreated wastewater and stormwater into the creek each time and costing the City of Newburgh $1.7 million in repairs. A breach has been made to mitigate future damage, but engineers and environmentalists alike recommend removal as soon as possible to facilitate a swift restoration to the creek's ecology. The Holden Dam Removal project will provide immense societal, physical, and ecological benefits to the Quassaick Creek tributary in line with the National Coastal Resilience Fund's mission to minimize the impacts of natural disasters and restore the natural features of floodplains and coastal rivers. Additionally, removal of the dam would help to reinstate natural sediment transport and hydrology, moderate stream temperature, restore connectivity of river reaches both upstream, downstream, and laterally, to floodplains while creating diverse habitats to encourage colonization by fish and wildlife. I strongly urge the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support Riverkeeper's request and applaud the organization for its foresight. Thank you for your consideration of this important ecological restoration project. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/statements-from-the-eighth-bipartisan-senate-forum-on-artificial-intelligence,Statements From The Eighth Bipartisan Senate Forum On Artificial Intelligence,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Todd Young (R-IN) hosted an eighth AI Insight Forum focused on the risks associated with AI and how we can mitigate them to maximize the benefits of this powerful technology. Below are the statements made at the forum: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Opening Statement Closing Statement Vijay Balasubramaniyan – Pindrop, CEO & Co-Founder Okezue Bell – Fidutam, President Yoshua Bengio – University of Montreal, Professor Malo Bourgon – Machine Intelligence Research Institute, CEO Martin Casado – Andreessen Horowitz, General Partner Rocco Casagrande – Gryphon Scientific, Executive Chairman Renée Cummings – University of Virginia, Assistant Professor of the Practice in Data Science Huey-Meei Chang – Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Senior China Science & Technology Specialist Janet Haven – Data & Society, Executive Director Jared Kaplan – Anthropic, Co-Founder Aleksander Madry – OpenAI, Head of Preparedness Andrew Ng – AI Fund, Managing General Partner Hodan Omaar – ITIF, Senior Policy Analyst Robert Playter – Boston Dynamics, CEO Stuart Russell – UC Berkley, Professor",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/statements-from-the-ninth-bipartisan-senate-forum-on-artificial-intelligence,Statements From The Ninth Bipartisan Senate Forum On Artificial Intelligence,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Todd Young (R-IN) hosted a ninth AI Insight Forum focused on the intersection of AI and national security, including maximizing AI development to bolster America’s military capabilities. Below are the statements made at the forum: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Opening Statement Closing Statement Greg Allen – Center for Strategic and International Studies, Director of Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies John Antal – Author, Colonel (ret.) Matthew Biggs – International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, President Teresa Carlson – General Catalyst, Advisor & Investor Bill Chappell – Microsoft, Vice President and CTO, Strategic Missions and Technologies Eric Fanning – Aerospace Industries Association, President & CEO Michele Flournoy – Center for a New American Security, CEO & Co-Founder Alex Karp – Palantir, CEO Charlie McMillan – Los Alamos National Laboratory, Director (ret.) Faiza Patel – Brennan Center for Justice, Senior Director of the Liberty and National Security Program Scott Philips – Vannevar Labs, CTO Rob Portman – Former Senator & Co-Founder of AI Caucus Anna Puglisi – Georgetown University Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Senior Fellow Devaki Raj – CrowdAI, Co-Founder Horacio Rozanski – Booz Allen Hamilton, CEO Eric Schmidt – Special Competitive Studies Project, Chair Jack Shanahan – CNAS Technology & National Security Program, Lieutenant General (USAF, Ret.) Brian Schimpf – Anduril, CEO Patrick Toomey – American Civil Liberties Union, Deputy Director of the National Security Project Brandon Tseng – Shield AI, President & Co-Founder",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-13-million-for-syracuse-university-and-mohawk-valley-community-college-through-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-and-jobs-law-to-expand-clean-energy-workforce-training-programs-to-help-students-access-good-paying-jobs-in-hvac-advanced-engineering-and-other-in-demand-industries,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $1.3+ MILLION FOR SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY AND MOHAWK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE THROUGH THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE & JOBS LAW TO EXPAND CLEAN ENERGY WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAMS TO HELP...,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Says Syracuse University Was Selected As One Of Only 10 Inaugural Building Training and Assessment Centers In The Country, Along With Mohawk Valley Community College, As The Latest Addition To The New Industrial Assessment Centers To Receive Funding To Boost Training For Local Workforce Development New Federal $$$ Made Possible By The Historic Investments Schumer Secured In The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law Will Help Students Get Hands-On Skills They Need For Good-Paying Union Jobs In The Clean Energy Industry Schumer: My Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law Is Training The Next Generation Of Clean Energy Workers Right Here In Upstate NY! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced today announced $1.3+ million from the Department of Energy (DOE) for Syracuse University and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) to expand workforce training programs for students entering the clean energy workforce. Schumer explained that this federal investment, powered by the historic levels of funding he secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, will bring Syracuse University into an exclusive cohort of only 10 Building Training and Assessment Center (BTAC) in America with $900,000 in funding to grow their clean energy jobs programs, as well as $440,000 for MVCC as the newest addition to the Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) program to help expand their HVAC and advanced manufacturing programs. “Syracuse University and MVCC are being recognized and rewarded as leaders for their growing clean energy workforce training programs, and now new fed funding through our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law will help power the next generation of students to get the skills they need to secure these highly in-demand careers in Upstate NY,” said Senator Schumer. “This $1.3 million will help our students get the hands-on, real-world training they need to succeed in careers from HVAC to advanced engineering. When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to passage, it was game-changing investments like these – that not only advance environmental goals, but also create pathways for good-paying, union jobs that can help young people build their lives here in CNY and the Mohawk Valley – that I had in mind. I am proud to see these funds supporting Syracuse University and Mohawk Valley Community College in leading the charge toward a cleaner, more prosperous future."" “I am grateful that Senate Majority Leader Schumer recognizes the value in programs that leverage Syracuse University’s intellectual capacity to address societal needs and global challenges. We at Syracuse University are going well beyond the traditional classroom education to provide our students with relevant experiences and training that can solve some of the most important environmental problems of our day. This kind of federal funding is an investment in the future, and the education and training it supports will pay back dividends in terms of a healthier community and climate,” said Syracuse University Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Mike Haynie. ""We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Schumer for championing investment in both physical and human infrastructure. Through the Mohawk Valley Industrial Assessment Center, we are confident this funding will drive Upstate NY towards a sustainable future, generating clean energy jobs and tackling workforce challenges. This initiative underscores our dedication to innovation and community collaboration, promising a transformative influence on our students and the entire region,” said Mohawk Valley Community College President Randall VanWagoner. Schumer explained that the Syracuse University Building Training and Assessment Center (SU-BTAC) will utilize the $900,000 federal investment to educate and provide hands-on training for up to 15 engineering students and 20-30 building personnel while performing 10-15 building assessments focused on reducing the energy burden and carbon emission each year. Specifically, the SU-BATC will train both undergraduate and graduate students in heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC), building energy management systems, Internet of Things-based monitoring and innovative assessments, machine learning-based smart controls, and more. The SU-BTAC will work with several regional entities, companies, and labor unions to identify and assist potential commercial and institutional building clients and provide a variety of high-quality job training pathways. Schumer said Mohawk Valley Community College will use the $440,000 in federal funding to work with their regional Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and other community and industry partners to provide assessments to local manufacturers while training students for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) and advanced manufacturing technician roles. The college will also develop and disseminate training modules to manufacturing workers in clean energy techniques and work with local partners to expand pre-college training programs, with a focus on serving Utica’s low-income communities. Over the three-year span of the initiative, MVCC envisions the creation of 60 new jobs, the reconfiguration of 90 existing positions, the development of 15 courses, and the enrollment of at least 100 trainees. The DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) manages the IAC Program, and the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) manages the BTAC Program. MESC focuses on accelerating America’s transition to a resilient, equitable energy future through $20 billion of direct investments in manufacturing and workforce development. SCEP works with state and local organizations to accelerate clean energy technologies, catalyze local economic development and create jobs, reduce energy costs, and avoid pollution. Schumer has an extensive record of championing workforce development efforts at both Syracuse University and Mohawk Valley Community College. In September, Schumer delivered $5M in DoD funding for Syracuse University and partners to expand microelectronics workforce training and connect job seekers with defense manufacturing and tech employers, as well as $2M in DOL funding for the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties and Mohawk Valley Community College to develop Fast Track Plus, a compressed-time training program covering the basic employment skills that students need before starting technical training. In July, Schumer secured $2.5M in NSF funding to help increase access for underserved populations and diversify the New York State STEM workforce. In May, Schumer brought NSF Director Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan and Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra to Syracuse University to unveil the Northeast University Semiconductor Network of 20+ universities focused on semiconductor workforce training and meet with key workforce development stakeholders from across Central New York. In January, Schumer secured $2 million in CDS funding for Mohawk Valley Community College to create a new state-of-the-art semiconductor-and-advanced-manufacturing training center. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-new-fed-effort-to-address-rural-doctor-shortage-and-help-bring-more-physicians-to-upstate-ny-with-expanded-j-1-visa-waiver-program-through-the-northern-border-regional-comission-helping-address-ongoing-healthcare-worker-shortage-and-increasing-access-to-affordable-high-quality-health-care,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEW FED EFFORT TO ADDRESS RURAL DOCTOR SHORTAGE & HELP BRING MORE PHYSICIANS TO UPSTATE NY WITH EXPANDED J-1 VISA WAIVER PROGRAM THROUGH THE NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMISSION,...",2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer, Who Delivered Historic Funding Through The Infrastructure Law For The NBRC, Is Leading The Charge In The Senate To Reauthorize And Expand This Vital Agency, Says New Program Is Major Step To Help Recruit Doctors To Upstate New York Communities Like Those In The North Country, CNY, WNY, And Finger Lakes NBRC’s New J-1 Visa Waiver Program Aims To Boost Healthcare By Easing The Visa Requirements For Doctors Who Agree To Practice In Underserved Areas Of The Northern Border Region Like Upstate NY Schumer: New NBRC Visa Program Is Just What The Doctor Ordered To Help Bring More Physicians And Better Healthcare To Upstate NY U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the launch of the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) new J-1 Visa Waiver Program, an initiative the senator has long pushed for which can help recruit and bring more highly needed physicians to rural Upstate New York. Schumer said the new program will help address the healthcare provider shortage in New York and beyond by easing the visa requirements for physicians who are trained in the U.S. and agree to practice in underserved areas of the Northern Border Region. He said NBRC will recommend the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) waive their “two-year home-country physical presence requirement” for eligible physicians seeking to work at healthcare institutions and practices in New York and other states within the NBRC territory. ""This is just what the doctor ordered to help recruit more highly qualified physicians and a major step to helping address the national healthcare worker shortage we are seeing in rural communities across America and in Upstate NY. Rural communities from Penn Yan to Plattsburgh, know the struggles of healthcare worker shortages all too well. This long awaited initiative will help provide rural and underserved areas across Upstate New York with quality, affordable healthcare by working to address ongoing physician staffing shortages,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to have advocated for this program, and to be leading the charge to help the NBRC get the increased support it needs to continue vital programs like this. I will never stop fighting to ensure that every New York community, regardless of its size, has access to the quality medical care it needs.” The NBRC will consider recommending a waiver on behalf of eligible J-1 physicians who will work in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs). Eligible physicians will work in primary or mental health care for at least three years and 40 hours per week within a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated HPSA or MUA of the Northern Border Region. The program is modeled, in part, after the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) successful J-1 Visa waiver program. Schumer has a long history of championing the Northern Border Regional Commission and its positive economic impacts on the North Country and broader Upstate New York regions. Earlier this year, Schumer announced nearly $11 million in federal funding for twelve projects across the North Country and Upstate New York through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) – the largest annual investment for Upstate NY in the program’s history. The historic increase in funding for the NBRC is a direct result of the funding Schumer was able to deliver in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law. In 2021, the senator secured $150 million for the NBRC in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, over triple its funding from previous years. For context on how large the historic nearly $11 million dollar investment in Upstate NY is this year, from 2010-2022, the NBRC invested in over 60 projects totaling over $28 million in investment for Upstate New York. Last year, the NBRC awarded $5.8 million for projects in Upstate NY. The NBRC’s 2023 Catalyst Program is designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire partnerships that improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. The Commission made a historic level of funding available through the program this year, with up to $45 million in grants, including up to $20 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that communities across Upstate NY were able to tap. Schumer is currently leading the charge in the Senate to renew the Northern Border Regional Commission’s economic development programs. Schumer introduced the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Reauthorization Act of 2023 this past February, which would reauthorize the NBRC for another ten years, increase annual authorized funding levels, and target funds to addressing childcare and healthcare needs, supporting housing projects, building climate resilient infrastructure, and combatting the opioid crisis, in addition to the agency’s focus of creating new jobs, promoting business retention and expansion, making critical investment in public infrastructure, and boosting tourism across Upstate New York counties. Established in 2008, the NBRC is a federal-state partnership focused on the economic revitalization of communities across the Northern Border region, which includes New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Commission is composed of the governors of the four Northern Border states and a federal co-chair, and provides financial and technical assistance to communities in the region to support entrepreneurs, improve water, broadband, and transportation infrastructure, and promote other initiatives to improve the region’s economy. The northern border region of New York State includes 28 counties: Cayuga, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Washington, Warren, Wayne, and Yates. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-pushes-feds-for-swift-implementation-of-inflation-reduction-acts-advanced-manufacturing-production-tax-credit-provisions-to-boost-america-made-aluminum-from-companies-like-alcoa-senator-says-updated-guidance-critical-to-leveling-the-playing-field-with-competitors-overseas-and-boosting-aluminum-manufacturing-here-in-america,SCHUMER PUSHES FEDS FOR SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION OF INFLATION REDUCTION ACT’S “ADVANCED MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT” PROVISIONS TO BOOST AMERICA-MADE ALUMINUM FROM COMPANIES LIKE ALCOA; SENATOR...,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Led The Inflation Reduction Act To Passage With NY Manufacturers Like Alcoa In Mind; Now He Is Fighting To Ensure They Can Utilize The Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit To Invest In Industrial Production & Strengthen American Operations Following Meeting with Alcoa Top Execs Earlier This Year, Schumer Wrote To Treasury Secretary Yellen Requesting Guidance Be Finalized For Aluminum Tax Credit Schumer: America’s Future For Industry’s Like Aluminum Should Be In The North Country Not Overseas! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed his push calling on the U.S. Department of Treasury to finalize guidance and swiftly implement on the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit (AMPTC), a critical provision in the Inflation Reduction Act designed to boost primary aluminum production here in America and protect manufacturers, like the North Country’s Alcoa. Schumer explained that with clear and final guidance, the AMPTC would not only strengthen American supply chains, but also allow aluminum manufacturers like Alcoa to invest in domestic industrial production, strengthen American-based operations, and help level the playing field with competitors overseas. “I championed including the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit in the Inflation Reduction Act domestic aluminum manufacturers like the North Country’s Alcoa in mind to boost American manufacturing. This vital tax credit has the potential to empower American manufacturers like Alcoa and boost job growth, and advance clean energy innovations throughout New York. Now, I am determined to ensure that companies like Alcoa, boasting the world's longest-operating aluminum smelter right here in NY, can fully leverage the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit to bolster production and create good-paying jobs,” said Senator Schumer. “This will help leveling the playing field with competitors overseas and strengthen our aluminum manufacturing industry right here in America in places like the North Country. That’s why, after meeting with Alcoa Executives, I personally wrote to Treasury Secretary Yellen requesting clear, finalized guidance on the tax credit to ensure our hardworking aluminum producers can access these vital benefits, and I will keep fighting until they see the benefits they deserve.” “Alcoa appreciates the intent of the Section 45X tax credit for advanced manufacturing and the ongoing work to provide guidance related to aluminum as an eligible critical mineral ,” said Alcoa President and CEO William Oplinger. “The commitments made in the Inflation Reduction Act to re-shoring domestic manufacturing through sound industrial policy will have positive benefits for the production of primary aluminum in the U.S., including at our facility in Massena, NY. This policy can demonstrate the important role that primary aluminum plays in the American economy. We thank Senator Schumer for his leadership on this issue and longtime support of Alcoa’s Massena operations.” The AMPTC provides a production tax credit for the domestic manufacturing of components for solar and wind energy, inverters, battery components, and critical minerals. The credit applies to both equipment and minerals produced and sold in the United States. In doing so, it notably incentivizes the domestic manufacturing of key energy components, including battery production for electric vehicles, blades for wind turbines, and wafers for solar panels, among other inputs, expected to be used by clean energy organizations and facilities seeking to qualify for other tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act. Schumer said that the AMPTC is a catalyst that will ultimately bolster the domestic supply chain for vital energy components nationwide. Specifically, Schumer urged the Treasury Department to clearly define aluminum and asked for prompt and clear regulatory guidance on key tax provisions in the IRA so that manufacturers can confidently use the AMPTC. Schumer said, “The intent of including aluminum in the tax credit was to bring aluminum production home and bolster domestic aluminum smelters, which is why it is imperative that aluminum manufacturers are able to effectively utilize the AMPTC.” Earlier this year, Schumer met with Alcoa executives to discuss how aluminum is defined under the AMPTC and committed to ensuring that domestic aluminum manufacturers, like Alcoa, can benefit from the AMPTC. Following the meeting, Schumer personally wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Yellen requesting that she provide clear guidance with respect to aluminum so domestic aluminum manufacturers can utilize the AMPTC, reshore aluminum production and bolster the current base of domestic aluminum smelters. According to Schumer, clarifying that Congress intended for primary aluminum to be included in the AMPTC is critical for American aluminum companies like Alcoa. Specifically, the clarification will strengthen Alcoa’s operations in Massena to help ensure its future in the North Country by boosting American production of primary Aluminum and leveling the playing field with competitors overseas. Schumer has a long history of fighting to protect Alcoa’s Massena facility and the hundreds of good-paying it provides to North Country labor. In 2015, Schumer fought for and successfully preserved jobs and benefits for 487 employees at Alcoa’s Massena facility. In 2016, Schumer urged the U.S. Trade Representative and Department of Commerce to press China on subsidies for aluminum and steel and enforce current trade laws to protect American manufactures like Alcoa. In 2019, Schumer brokered a deal between Alcoa and the New York State Power Authority, safeguarding Alcoa’s future in the region and hundreds of jobs in Massena. Schumer said that Alcoa’s Massena smelter is both the longest-operating aluminum smelter in the world and the greenest aluminum smelter in the United States thanks to its use of hydropower. As of today, Alcoa produces 130,000 metric tons of capacity at its Massena facility. A copy of Senator Schumer’s letter to Secretary Yellen appears below: Dear Secretary Yellen: I write to express my concerns regarding the prompt implementation and design of guidance for the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit (AMPTC), a critical part of the Inflation Reduction Act that I fought hard to enact last Congress. The AMPTC will strengthen American supply chains and secure U.S. manufacturing jobs like those in my home state of New York. Timely regulatory guidance on this and other key tax provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act is critical so companies can make confident decisions to invest in industrial production, grow jobs, and advance clean energy innovations here at home. As you develop guidance the AMPTC, it is vital to provide clear guidance with respect to aluminum, one of the eligible critical minerals. The statute requires that aluminum meet one of two conditions of eligibility: either conversion from bauxite to a minimum purity of 99 percent alumina by mass or be purified to 99.9 percent aluminum by mass. The intent of the inclusion of aluminum in the AMPTC was to incentivize both the reshoring of alumina production and to bolster the current base of domestic aluminum smelters. As such, domestically produced aluminum should qualify for this credit, provided it is either high purity (99.9 percent pure, on a pre-alloyed basis), or is of commercial grade (99.7 percent pure, on a pre-alloyed basis) and made from alumina measured at a purity of 99 percent prior to smelting. Aluminum produced to a high purity (99.9 percent pure on a pre-alloy basis) from recycled product (i.e., scrap) should also qualify. I am hopeful that Treasury can, through timely and clear guidance, provide our domestic aluminum manufacturers confidence they can use this credit to strengthen U.S. production. This is of particular importance to New York, as we have the longest-operating aluminum smelter in the world in Massena. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-delivers-over-700000-in-fed-funding-for-buffalos-freshfix-to-expand-operations-and-connect-local-farmers-with-more-western-ny-buyers-helping-build-a-robust-and-resilient-local-food-economy-to-reduce-food-insecurity-across-the-region,"SCHUMER DELIVERS OVER $700,000 IN FED FUNDING FOR BUFFALO’S FRESHFIX TO EXPAND OPERATIONS AND CONNECT LOCAL FARMERS WITH MORE WESTERN NY BUYERS— HELPING BUILD A ROBUST AND RESILIENT LOCAL FOOD ECONOMY...",2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Says Fed Funding Will Help Buffalo-Based FreshFix Expand Regional Food Hub To Support Small Farmers, Local Food Businesses, And Nonprofits In WNY FreshFix Has Been Supporting Local And Regional Farmers Since 2016 – Now, Fed $$$ Will Fuel Expansion To Serve New Wholesale Markets, Such As Restaurants, Small Retailers, Nonprofits And Other Small Food Businesses Schumer: Fed $$$ Will Plant The Seeds For FreshFix To Supply The Food Future Of Buffalo! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $732,597 in federal funding for Buffalo’s FreshFix through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service to expand operations and help connect more local farmers, producers with Western New York buyers, such as restaurants, small retailers, nonprofits and other small food businesses working to address food insecurity in Western New York. “People deserve easy access to fresh, healthy locally grown affordable food from here in Western New York. That’s why I’m proud to deliver this USDA investment to help Buffalo’s FreshFix expand their operations – a win-win supporting farmers and producers, and bolstering local food businesses and nonprofits working to address food insecurity in the region,” said Senator Schumer. “Buffalo’s FreshFix has been growing their operations since 2016, helping integrate locally grown produce for home delivery to retail customers, nonprofits, and small food businesses. These federal dollars will help the organization create an even more robust and resilient local food economy that keeps local farmers and producers connected to Western NY buyers, ensuring a fresh and sustainable food future for Buffalo families.” “We work with over 40 small local farmers throughout the year for our retail operation,” said Joshua Bowen, FreshFix Co-Founder. “In talking to these farmers every week, we were seeing a gap in local food aggregation and marketing for small farmers and felt that we could help fill it.” “The project was originally driven by our nonprofit partners, specifically mobile markets who face significant challenges procuring smaller quantities of local food at wholesale prices,” said Dr. Lucia Leone, Associate Professor of Community Health and Health Behavior at the University at Buffalo and FreshFix Co-Founder. “Being recognized as a 2023 Local Food Promotion Program awardee by the USDA is an honor and validation to our team’s commitment to supporting local agriculture and cultivating a stronger, more equitable food system.” Schumer explained that FreshFix has been supporting local and regional farmers since 2016 through aggregating, distributing, and marketing of local food to retail customers in WNY. Currently, the organization partners with local farmers to deliver farm fresh foods to customers, but the expanded food hub will be aimed at improving access to healthy and affordable foods to underserved communities in Western New York. The FreshFix Food Hub is currently located in the Niagara Frontier Food Terminal building, which was originally built in the 1930s and used as a food distribution hub for Buffalo residents. The federal investment will be used to subsidize the cost of wholesale aggregation, allowing new buyers access to the locally grown food from small farmers and help small farmers increase their capacity for selling wholesale. Schumer said that currently, many food distributors in Western New York only work with a handful of local farmers but feel that the overall market is somewhat disjointed and sporadic. In many cases, smaller farms do not have the experience and capability to properly handle invoicing, and they do not have the time for more flexible deliveries throughout the week. Other larger distributors can’t accept the smaller volumes of food that local farms offer and often have minimum order requirements. Schumer said with this federal investment, FreshFix will help fix these issues by giving local distributors access to a centralized food hub that specifically focuses on local farm purchases and manages the logistics of working with multiple sellers – ultimately allowing buyers to access to more farms throughout Western NY and addressing a need for streamlined food aggregation and distribution for small farmers and buyers. To ensure success, FreshFix will train and provide supplies to farmers and coordinate a campaign to promote locally grown food to consumers. This federal funding is in partnership with the University at Buffalo’s Veggie Van Training Center (VVTC) and the Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP). The VVTC will work with FreshFix to provide technical assistance to nonprofits on developing food insecurity programming. FreshFix will also work with partners including the University at Buffalo to provide evaluation, partnership development, campaign tracking, and technical assistance to nonprofits on developing food insecurity programming, as well as recruiting entrepreneurs to create value-added products using excess produce, thereby reducing farm waste. Schumer has been a strong advocate for addressing food insecurity in Western New York. Last year, Schumer secured $2 million to expand FeedMore WNY’s facility in the omnibus end-of-year spending package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. This funding covered a large-scale expansion to more than double the current capacity and office space, allowing for FeedMore WNY to significantly bolster their operations, boost productivity, and improve logistics, all with a focus on helping to better combat hunger in Western NY. Additionally, just last week, Schumer announced over $40 million for food organizations across the state through the USDA funded New York Food for New York Families program with Governor Hochul, including $2 million for FeedMore and millions more for other Western NY food organizations and school districts. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/statements-from-the-seventh-bipartisan-senate-forum-on-artificial-intelligence,Statements From The Seventh Bipartisan Senate Forum On Artificial Intelligence,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Todd Young (R-IN) hosted a seventh AI Insight Forum focused transparency, explainability, intellectual property, and copyright. Below are the statements made at the forum: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Opening Statement Closing Statement Rick Beato, Musician Ben Brooks, Stability AI Mike Capps, Howso Danielle Coffey, News Media Alliance Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA Ali Farhadi, Allen Institute for AI Zach Graves, Foundation for American Innovation Vanessa Holtgrewe, IATSE Mounir Ibrahim, Truepic Dennis Kooker, Sony Music Entertainment Curtis LeGeyt, National Association of Broadcasters Riley McCormack, DigiMarc Cynthia Rudin, Duke University Jon Schleuss, NewsGuild Ben Sheffner, Motion Picture Association Navrina Singh, Credo AI Ziad Sultan, Spotify Andrew Trask, OpenMined",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-after-launching-push-in-jamestown-earlier-this-year-epa-has-heeded-his-calls-to-demolish-and-clean-up-jamestowns-old-contaminated-crawford-furniture-factory-following-fire_removing-an-eyesore-and-helping-return-the-site-to-productive-use-for-the-community,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES, AFTER LAUNCHING PUSH IN JAMESTOWN EARLIER THIS YEAR, EPA HAS HEEDED HIS CALLS TO DEMOLISH AND CLEAN UP JAMESTOWN’S OLD CONTAMINATED CRAWFORD FURNITURE FACTORY FOLLOWING FIRE —...",2023-11-27,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Jamestown’s Old Crawford Furniture Factory, A Site With Known Hazardous Contamination, Went Up In Flames Late Last Year; Schumer Immediately Came To Jamestown To Lead Charge To Bolster Fed’s Presence At Site, Calling On EPA To Take Action And Help Remove Toxic Debris Now Feds Are Heeding Schumer’s Calls And Will Remove What Remains Of The Structures Destroyed By The Fire and Remove Toxic Asbestos-Containing Debris Ensuring Site Does Not Remain Hazard To The Community And Helping Crumbling Property Become Potential Site Of New Opportunity Schumer: EPA Has Heeded My Calls, Clean Up Starts TODAY For Jamestown’s Old Crawford Furniture Factory After standing in Jamestown earlier this year to launch push to get feds to help clean up the old Crawford Furniture Factory, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has heeded his calls and is officially beginning clean up the hazardous site. After a dangerous fire late last year, that potentially put public health at risk for the community, Schumer came to Jamestown to launch his push for feds to help take financial burden off local taxpayers and help remove hazardous materials at the site and demolish the eyesore so it could potentially become a site for new opportunity. The senator said that following his continued advocacy the EPA is now beginning demolition of the former manufacturing facility at the Allen Street Development Site – knocking down, cleaning up damaged buildings and disposing of toxic asbestos from the deteriorating facility. “The old Crawford Furniture Factory was once a beating heart for Jamestown’s economy, but for too long, this crumbling building sat as an eyesore, and as last year’s fire showed, its continued presence would only put our public health and environment at risk. That is why I personally came to Jamestown to push the EPA to demolish this dangerous site, and why I am proud to announce that cleanup begins today for Jamestown” said Senator Schumer. “This federal cleanup is a win-win-win: knocking down the crumbling walls which were devastated by the fire, removing toxic contaminants like asbestos from our community, all while taking the burden off our local taxpayers in Jamestown. The EPA has been a tremendous partner and I thank them for their dedicated work to knock down this deteriorating building so that it can be transformed into a place of new opportunity. It is critical to return these marred sites of the past into productive workplaces that will shape the economic future, and I will continue to fight to deliver the resources needed to breathe new life into Jamestown’s manufacturing legacy for the next generation.” Schumer explained the importance of the EPA’s presence at the site, which will help clean up the toxic debris swiftly without burdening the local taxpayers. The necessary cleanup at the Allen Street site was projected to be a significant financial burden to the City of Jamestown, and beyond their current resources, making it imperative to secure EPA aid to help clean up this site and protect neighboring businesses and homes. Schumer first visited the site this past January and outlined his plan, which called for the EPA to bolster their presence at the site and coordinate with Jamestown to bring all resources to bare to ensure the continued safety of the community, now demolition is finally beginning. With EPA involvement, clean up can finally proceed knocking down damaged buildings, disposing asbestos and asbestos-containing debris, and decontaminating materials from the site that can be set aside for recycling. The former Crawford Furniture Factory property located at 1061 Allen Street in Jamestown was once part of the areas rich historical legacy as the “Furniture Capital of the World.” Historical records indicate the site had been developed and used for industrial uses since 1883, and based on the age and industrial processes uses at the building it was possible asbestos and other chemicals were present at the site. The current owner had abandoned the facility, and according Jamestown, the property has been tax delinquent since 2018. In November of 2022, the building went up in flames, risking the releases of possibly hazardous substances posing a potential threat to public health and safety. The local fire department extinguished the fire, but it had destroyed the majority of the facility as fire crews worked to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring businesses. While Jamestown followed every precaution necessary to mitigate any potential threat after the fire, EPA attention was necessary as they pursued efforts to clean up the site. Schumer said that the cleanup of these legacy industrial sites is especially important to maximize the economic and environmental recovery of our most vulnerable communities like those in Western NY. Schumer said during the demolition activities expected to begin this week, the EPA will evaluate and properly dispose of hazardous substances and have them shipped to regulated landfill and disposal facilities. The EPA will also monitor the air quality at the site and surrounding neighborhood during demolition to ensure that the public and workers are safe during all demolition activities. A copy of Schumer’s original letter to the EPA appears below: Dear Administrator Regan: I write to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to bolster its presence at Jamestown’s former Crawford Furniture Factory site in order to conduct a thorough investigation and expeditiously provide federal resources for removal action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Over the course of its history the former Crawford Furniture Factory site has been used for various industrial and manufacturing uses. Due to the site’s history, it has a known presence of hazardous substances such acetone, toluene, chromium and asbestos. On November 16, 2022, the situation was made even worse when a fire destroyed the property, likely releasing volatile materials including asbestos into the environment. Not only did the initial release of these substances endanger first responders and the nearby community, but each day the debris continues to sit poses an even greater threat to the community. While the City of Jamestown has done great work in the containment of this site, following every precaution necessary to mitigate any potential threat, the recent fire necessitates federal action. The removal of the contaminated debris is a technical and financial challenge better suited for the EPA. I urge you to expeditiously conduct an investigation of this site in order for it to be added to the Superfund Site list and receive necessary federal aid. This federal aid will be crucial to ensuring the safety of the neighboring community. Thank you for your attention to this important request. Please feel free to contact my staff with any questions. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-alice-hyde-medical-center-receives-critical-access-hospital-designation-from-centers-for-medicare-and-medicaid-services-to-maintain-essential-care-for-franklin-county-communities,SCHUMER: ALICE HYDE MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVES CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITAL DESIGNATION FROM CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES TO MAINTAIN ESSENTIAL CARE FOR FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMUNITIES,2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Says Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Status Provides Rural Hospitals Like Alice Hyde With Enhanced Reimbursement Rates To Keep Healthcare Services In Underserved Communities Like Those In Malone Schumer Has Been A Champion Of THE CAH Program For Years And Successfully Saved Several Upstate New York Hospitals At Risk Of Losing Their CAH Status Last Year; As A Result, Schumer Says CAH Status Is Now Heading To Another North Country Hospital, Helping Alice Hyde To Continue Lifesaving Care And Essential Medical Procedures Schumer: CAH Designation Will Be a Game Changer For Alice Hyde And The Franklin County Communities It Serves! Following his advocacy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that Alice Hyde Medical Center has been designated as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Schumer said that Alice Hyde’s new status will reduce the community hospital’s financial vulnerability amid financial and operational challenges for rural health care organizations in New York and across the country. Schumer has been a champion of the CAH program for years and successfully saved several Upstate New York hospitals at risk of losing their CAH status last year. ""I am thrilled to announce that Alice Hyde Medical Center has received Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation, the result of relentless advocacy to secure essential healthcare services for communities across Franklin County. This designation is a game-changer for Alice Hyde, providing enhanced reimbursement rates that will fortify its financial resilience amid the current challenges facing rural health care organizations,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I fought so hard last year to reverse CMS's ill-fated rules change and fought tooth and nail for the CAH program – safeguarding the lifeline of critical medical procedures and lifesaving care for Malone residents. This victory for Alice Hyde underscores the importance of advocating for our rural hospitals in Franklin County and across New York State, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive for generations to come.” “Critical Access Hospital status is essential to Alice Hyde’s future and directly supports our commitment to caring for communities across Franklin County. We are fortunate to have strong legislative partners like Senator Schumer, and grateful for his commitment to working with rural hospitals like ours, to ensure our communities continue to have access to high-quality, compassionate care as close to home as possible,” said Alice Hyde Medical Center President Michelle LeBeau. Schumer explained that the CAH program specifically allows smaller rural providers, like those in the North Country, with the designation to receive greater federal reimbursements for care to keep these otherwise financially vulnerable rural hospitals in the communities that need them most. Schumer’s office advocated directly to CMS on behalf of Alice Hyde to receive this vital designation. Prior the receiving this designation, Alice Hyde was considered a Sole Community Hospital by CMS, meaning it received lower reimbursement for services for patients on federally-funded health insurance plans such as Medicare, which make up a significant portion of the population served by the hospital. CAH hospitals are reimbursed 101 percent of “reasonable costs” for services, while the federal reimbursement rate for non-CAH hospitals is much lower. Alice Hyde estimates that it will receive between $3 million and $4.5 million more per year in service reimbursements with its new status as a CAH. In 2015, the CMS issued a new policy change without going through the proper notice and rulemaking required by law that would enact more restrictive eligibility definitions for the CAH program, costing rural hospitals millions. Schumer immediately began leading the fight to maintain CAH status for Upstate’s rural hospitals, sending multiple letters highlighting the issue and the impact it would have on rural residents, and personally called HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra to fix this bureaucratic mistake that could cost thousands of rural family’s critical healthcare services. As a result of Schumer’s advocacy, CMS announced last year that it would propose to reverse this disastrous policy and clarify the language that would have caused New York’s CAH’s to lose their status, which was finalized in November 2022. The decision to undo the previous ruling that changed the guidelines was finalized and went into effect on January 1, 2023, allowing current hospitals to maintain their CAH status, and other hospitals, which were previously denied, to reapply for this designation to potentially receive millions in critical reimbursements. The CAH designation was created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to give small rural healthcare providers greater financial reimbursement for servicing Medicare and Medicaid patients, as well as provide other resources, in order to keep vulnerable rural hospitals financially stable. One factor for CAH eligibility requires that a hospital be a certain distance from another hospital by either a primary or secondary road and provide around-the-clock emergency services. Previously, CMS regulations stated that a CAH hospital must be at least 35 miles from the nearest hospital by “primary road”, defined as any road in an interstate system or a US-numbered highway, or at least 15 miles in areas with mountainous terrain or only “secondary roads”, defined to include single lane state routes. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-reveals-as-new-yorkers-prepare-for-busy-thanksgiving-travel-week-airlines-are-charging-parents-junk-fees-just-to-sit-with-their-kids-schumer-saying-this-deceptive-practice-that-splits-up-families-needs-to-end-now-and-is-launching-new-push-for-legislation-to-keep-families-flying-together,"SCHUMER REVEALS: AS NEW YORKERS PREPARE FOR BUSY THANKSGIVING TRAVEL WEEK, AIRLINES ARE CHARGING PARENTS JUNK FEES JUST TO SIT WITH THEIR KIDS; SCHUMER SAYING THIS DECEPTIVE PRACTICE THAT SPLITS UP...",2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"With Record Thanksgiving Travel Expected This Year Across America, Schumer Says It Is Unacceptable That Airlines Would Charge Extra $$$ Just To Sit With Their Kids Schumer Has Led This Fight For Years And Says Legislation Is How We Can Finally Land Solution To Getting Rid Of These Junk Fees That Split Up Families Once And For All Schumer: It’s Time To Make Traveling Less Turbulent For Families And Create Fee-Free Family Seating! Standing with New York families as airports prepare for one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel weeks on record, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed that many airlines are charging parents deceptive junk fees just to sit with their kids when they travel that can lead to families getting split up on flights. Schumer, who has led the fight against fees like these for years, is now pushing for legislation, the Families Fly Together Act, to prohibit these deceptive fees on parents that 6/10 of the major airlines haven’t committed to removing and finally create fee-free family seating to keep parents and kids together when they fly. “This Thanksgiving travel week is going to be one of the busiest on record, and airlines are making a stressful travel time even more turbulent by charging junk fees to parents who want to sit with their kids on flights. Plain and simple, parents should not be the ones to pay the price for wanting to care for and keep their kids safe while traveling,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m pushing for legislation that protects families and lowers travel costs by eliminating junk fees for parents in New York and across the country. The Families Fly Together Act is the ticket to stopping airlines - which already make billions of dollars in profits - from charging families deceptive unaffordable and unnecessary fees, and I won’t stop fighting until we’ve ended this ridiculous practice.” ""As a mom of three young children, I know that air travel as a family is already a complex dance of logistics, expenses, and inevitable chaos. I want to commend to Senator Schumer for co-sponsoring the Families Fly Together Act,” said Angela Marinucci, Amherst Town Councilmember-elect. “This crucial legislation is a significant step in prioritizing the cohesion of families while simultaneously addressing unreasonable junk fees that make air travel unnecessarily arduous for parents. It's time to ensure that flying with our loved ones remains a practical reality for families, and I appreciate Senator Schumer’s efforts in making this possible."" Schumer said that it should be common sense that charging families junk fees or enabling practices that can lead to parents and kids being split up is bad policy, and beyond creating a headache, can be dangerous and add undue stress to the travel process. Especially as holiday travel rush begins, and airports are inundated with record numbers of travelers, Schumer said it is important that traveling as a family is as stress-free and affordable as possible. While airlines often say that they will try to keep families together or make efforts to move people once on board, the senator said this is not a solution to this problem and often results in families still paying extra or having to beg patrons on the flight to move so that they can be with their kids. Schumer added, “Right now families are either getting charged junk fees that they should never face in the first place or the airlines policies are to have them go through a game of musical chairs that is neither fun nor fair to passengers. Airlines have to get their heads out of the clouds and do right by families traveling with children.” The Families Fly Together Act that Schumer is pushing to become law would ensure that a child can sit next to a family member on a flight at no additional cost to the base fare and prohibit airlines from charging extra fees for an adjacent seat next to an adult accompanying the child. Schumer said the Biden Administration’s actions to protect consumers have already helped make significant progress on eliminating junk fees and holding airlines accountable. Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation made it easier for parents to avoid paying junk fees to sit with their children when they fly by rolling out a new family seating dashboard that highlights the airlines that guarantee fee-free family seating, and those that do not. Up until March of this year, no U.S. airline guaranteed fee-free seating for children 13 or under and an accompanying adult at no additional cost, but following pressure from the USDOT and years of the senator’s advocacy, 4 major airlines agreed to these requirements. Schumer said that while this represents significant progress, given that many major airlines are dragging their feet or putting profit over families, the U.S. needs laws to enforce fee-free family seating, which is why he is pushing the Families Fly Together Act and ramping up pressure on the airlines to ensure families are no longer burdened by unnecessary fees that pinch Americans’ pocketbooks. Text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-with-rochester-families-preparing-for-thanksgiving-vital-fed-nutrition-program-used-by-21000-finger-lakes-kids-moms-and-babies-is-in-limbo-senator-launches-push-to-support-rochesters-foodlink-and-help-ny-families-keep-food-on-the-tables-beyond-the-holiday-season,"SCHUMER: WITH ROCHESTER FAMILIES PREPARING FOR THANKSGIVING, VITAL FED NUTRITION PROGRAM USED BY 21,000+ FINGER LAKES KIDS, MOMS, & BABIES IS IN LIMBO; SENATOR LAUNCHES PUSH TO SUPPORT ROCHESTER’S...",2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Rochester’s Foodlink Is The Nation’s First And Only Mobile Curbside Grocery Store Eligible For WIC, But With Food Bank Already Spread Thin For Busy Holiday Season If Program Were To Run Out Of Funds It Could Put Major Strain On Local Families And Operations Senator Says Fed Nutrition Program Has Long Enjoyed Bipartisan Support, But Says The House Can’t Keep Kicking The Can Down The Road Schumer: We Can’t Let Tables Go Empty After The Holiday Season For Rochester Women And Children Standing at Foodlink, the regional food bank based in Rochester, NY as families prepare for Thanksgiving, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed how the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) which supports 21,000+ kids, moms, and babies in the Finger Lakes region alone is in limbo and how without action many could see empty tables after the holiday season. Schumer explained that this program is especially vital for Rochester’s Foodlink as the operator of the nation’s first and only WIC-eligible mobile curbside grocery store, and if this program were to not receive additional funds by mid-January it could have many families struggling to keep food on the table after the holiday season. “Every Finger Lakes family deserves access to nutritious and affordable food to put on their dinner tables. As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaches, it is more important, now than ever before, that Rochester and Foodlink can serve struggling families in our communities,” said Senator Schumer. “We must not leave the vital funding for this program off the dinner plate for the over 21,000 kids, babies and moms who need fresh and healthy food most. The recipe to successfully help families access the healthy food they deserve without the fear of funding running out is clear. Making this investment is the key ingredient needed, which is why I’m pushing to safeguard our Rochester families and the vital foodbanks like Foodlink that families here rely on to afford the nutritious food they need.” Schumer explained that with funding for WIC set to run low in two months, he is pushing Congress to fund this critical program to ensure that Rochester kids and mothers continue to have the resources to purchase healthy foods at Foodlink’s mobile curbside grocery during and beyond the holiday season. Schumer said that without additional federal funding, states may start to cut enrollments by creating waitlists and halting outreach, which would be devastating for the Finger Lakes families who rely on WIC and food banks like Foodlink to put healthy, affordable, and fresh food on the table. A breakdown by county of the 21,000+ mothers, children and infants who use the WIC program in the Finger Lakes can be found below: County Number of Residents Using WIC Program Yates 305 Wyoming 576 Wayne 1437 Seneca 452 Orleans 808 Ontario 1218 Monroe 15047 Livingston 842 Genesee 908 Total 21,593 In 2021, Foodlink’s curbside Market program became the first mobile WIC vendor in the country providing milk, fresh produce, and other healthy foods important for kids and mothers. Over the past few years, Foodlink has been able to grow its mobile Curbside Market program in Rochester to expand healthy food options for families that use WIC. The food bank is especially important to the Rochester community because access to healthy food options is extremely limited for the families that use WIC, and their mobile Curbside Market is the only mobile market in the nation that is approved to accept WIC payments. ""We stand with Senator Schumer in calling on Congress to increase WIC funding due to the recent rise in enrollment and higher food prices,"" said Julia Tedesco, President & CEO of Foodlink, which launched the nation's first mobile WIC market in 2021. ""This critical nutrition program has historically received bipartisan support. A lack of funding could have an adverse effect on the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of children, which is why policymakers should act swiftly to meet this urgent need."" ""WIC has helped me focus on my family's nutrition since 2015."" said Whitley Hasty, Foodlink's Benefits Navigation Coordinator. “WIC has been the most life-saving program for American families since 1972 when we began to approach poverty with the principle that food is also medicine. With so much uncertainty today, my hope is that families like mine can once again count on our government to provide this vital program with the resources and funding it needs. Otherwise, we are actively choosing to give up on the health of our most vulnerable group of citizens."" Currently, Foodlink’s six mobile curbside markets park at 65 mobile sites per week across the region, and the food bank’s mobile sites serve over 1,000 people a week. In total over the last year Foodlink has sold over 288,000 pounds and distributed over 6.6 million pounds of produce, provided 1.9 million healthy meals to children, and served 1,212 SNAP households. Senator Schumer has been a long-time advocate for Foodlink. In 2022, Schumer secured $750,000 for Foodlink to build a new freezer and cold storage facility to increase capacity to safely store and distribute more fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy and lean protein to hunger relief partners. In 2016, Schumer secured $125,000 in federal funding for Foodlink to expand their Curbside Market and Lexington Avenue Urban Farm program to provide fresh and affordable food to individuals in low-income communities throughout the Greater Rochester area. Foodlink is a Rochester-based nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and building healthier communities by addressing both the symptoms and root causes of food insecurity. They serve as the hub of the emergency food system across a 10-county service area. As a regional food bank, Foodlink is responsible for the aggregation, storage and distribution of millions of pounds of purchased and donated food to nonprofit organizations that serve food-insecure individuals throughout a 10-county service area. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) serves to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. A wide variety of state and local organizations cooperate in providing food and health care benefits, and 46,000 merchants nationwide accept WIC vouchers. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-new-agreement-with-china-on-fentanyl-could-be-major-step-forward-to-curb-opioid-crisis-in-new-york-but-now-we-need-to-hold-china-accountable-and-make-sure-there-is-compliance-senator-details-new-deal-with-china-to-crack-down-on-illicit-fentanyl-and-vows-to-watch-like-a-hawk-for-progress,"SCHUMER: NEW AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON FENTANYL COULD BE MAJOR STEP FORWARD TO CURB OPIOID CRISIS IN NEW YORK, BUT NOW WE NEED TO HOLD CHINA ACCOUNTABLE AND MAKE SURE THERE IS COMPLIANCE; SENATOR...",2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Led Bipartisan Delegation And Personally Met With China’s President Xi Last Month To Demand Immediate Action To Stop Fentanyl Coming To America Yesterday, President Biden — Citing Schumer’s Diplomacy — Announced New Deal To Crack Down On Chinese Companies Selling Fentanyl Precursor Chemicals, Increase Law Enforcement Cooperation With U.S., And Work At Senior Level To Directly Address Crisis Schumer: We Still Have To Watch China Like A Hawk As Part Of New Deal To Cut Flow Of Deadly Fentanyl In NY And Nation Following his personal meeting in China with President Xi Jinping last month, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today detailed how the new deal President Biden has struck with China to crack down on the scourge of fentanyl could be a major step forward to curb the opioid crisis in New York, but said now more than ever it is imperative to hold China accountable and ensure there is compliance with their commitments. “The agreement President Biden has announced with China is a long overdue step which has the potential to help cut off the supply of fentanyl at its source and stop this drug before it ever enters our country and hits the streets of New York, but now it is more vital than ever to hold China accountable for the commitments they have made,” said Senator Schumer. “Fentanyl has wreaked havoc in New York and across America, with this crisis stemming in large part in China, where large chemical companies openly and illicitly sell precursor chemicals to buyers in places like Mexico, where it is manufactured and illegally shipped to our most vulnerable communities here in NY. During my visit to China last month we were pointed and direct with President Xi, I told him the devastating impact I have seen the opioid crisis have on New York families. I am pleased to see China take what could be a major step forward to cut off the flow of fentanyl and I am going to be watching like a hawk for progress.” Specifically, Schumer explained China’s has said it will take new action to enforce its own regulations against the companies which make precursor drugs in a major step to potentially cut off the flow of this deadly drug. A similar notice to industry in 2019 led to a drastic reduction in seizures of fentanyl shipments to the United States from China. Schumer said the U.S. also has information that that PRC police have taken law enforcement action against Chinese synthetic drug and chemical precursor suppliers. As a result, certain China-based pharmaceutical companies ceased operations and have had some international payment accounts blocked. This probably represents the first law enforcement action against synthetic drug-related chemical sellers by Chinese authorities since 2017. In addition, China and the United States will be launching a counter narcotics working group to bolster law enforcement and information sharing to cut off the flow or precursor drugs and illicit fentanyl. The U.S. and China have both said they will also start working and on an ongoing basis at the senior level to directly address this crisis and start working closely together to carry this initiative forward. In conjunction, Schumer said these long overdue steps have real potential to reduce the flow of these drugs into the United States and places like New York, and ultimately save lives. Schumer added, “Too many lives have been lost, and too many others are at stake, especially here in New York. Today is a pivotal step forwards in a decades long battle and I will be fighting to hold China’s feet to the fire and keep them accountable for their commitments to cut off the flow of fentanyl to America. I told President Xi that China taking steps to crack down on the sale of precursor chemicals would be a long overdue step to strengthening the relationship between our two nations and hope to see continued results from China in the near future.” Illicit fentanyl is trafficked into the United States primarily from China and Mexico, and is responsible for the ongoing fentanyl epidemic in New York and across the country. China is the world’s largest producer of illicit fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and their immediate precursors. Some officials estimate that China is responsible for over 90 percent of the illicit fentanyl found in the U.S. From China, those substances are shipped primarily through express consignment carriers or international mail directly to the United States, or, alternatively, shipped directly to transnational criminal organizations in other countries like Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean where the drug is then manufactured. In New York in 2020, 87.9 percent of all overdose deaths involving any opioid involved synthetic opioids, predominantly illicitly manufactured fentanyl like described above. In 2022, New York City saw overdose deaths reach record numbers at over 3,000, predominantly driven by illicit fentanyl. Most recent county by county data on the impact of the opioid crisis in New York can be found here. The additional enforcement and actions announced today will help tackle the spread of fentanyl directly by ensuring the chemicals used to make the illicit drug never reaches its targets, cutting off the manufacturing of the drug before it can reach streets in communities across America. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-reveals-syracuses-ppc-broadband-experiencing-major-growth-bringing-production-back-from-overseas-with-nearly-200-jobs-expected-by-the-end-of-2024-thanks-to-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-law_building-americas-high-speed-internet-future-here-in-central-ny,"SCHUMER REVEALS: SYRACUSE’S PPC BROADBAND EXPERIENCING MAJOR GROWTH, BRINGING PRODUCTION BACK FROM OVERSEAS WITH NEARLY 200 JOBS EXPECTED BY THE END OF 2024 THANKS TO THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW...",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Secured Billions To Grow Broadband And Included Critical “Buy American” Provisions To Boost Upstate NY Manufacturers, And Now Thanks To His Efforts PPC Broadband Is Growing In Central NY Bringing Production Back From Overseas Senator Says, Since President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Was Enacted, PPC Has Seen Major Growth And Is Now Investing In New Production Lines – Already Adding Nearly 120 Good-Paying Jobs, With 70+ New Jobs By End Of 2024 Schumer: Our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law Is Boosting Good-Paying Jobs For Syracuse & Helping Cement CNY As Home To America’s Broadband Future! After visiting last year to highlight how the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs law would be a boon for the region’s growing broadband industry, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed how Belden’s Broadband Solutions Business, PPC Broadband in East Syracuse, is already experiencing major job growth and now is bringing production back from overseas to Central NY. Schumer explained that PPC, which makes components critical to broadband connections, is expecting to have nearly 200 jobs in Central New York with more than half already hired and applications open now directly, because of the “Buy America” requirements and billions in federal investment he secured to build out high-speed internet across New York and the nation. Schumer said this will take the business from nearly 350 employees in 2021 prior to the law to about 550 by the end of 2024. ""When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage, I made sure it super-charged high-speed internet build out and that it would do so with companies and components right here in the USA. And that has turned into job, jobs, jobs in Syracuse. PPC Broadband is bringing production back from overseas to Central NY, adding hundreds of new good-paying jobs, as they ramp up production of key components to supply the boom in broadband buildout sparked by my federal infrastructure law,” said Senator Schumer. “If we are building it in America we should be making it in America, and there is no place more suited for America’s high-speed internet future than Syracuse. Investing in tomorrow’s workforce today is how we can breathe new life into Central New York’s manufacturing legacy, and PPC Broadband is at the forefront of this effort – ensuring New Yorkers can get the good-paying jobs to build a good life for them and their families.” ""Senator Schumer, we heard you, President Biden, and other Administration officials who made it a priority for U.S. taxpayer dollars to be used in U.S. factories,"" said Cary Mullin, Vice President and General Manager at Belden's PPC Broadband Solutions. ""That emphasis stimulated capital investments and job creation that will cement our future in Central New York."" “Over the past two years, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - passed by Congress under Majority Leader Schumer’s leadership - has driven a manufacturing boom, created good-paying jobs, and delivered transformative projects that are expanding opportunity for communities across the country.” said Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to President Biden and White House Infrastructure Coordinator. “PPC Broadband’s great announcement is even further proof that the President’s historic high-speed internet investments and Made in America policies are driving unprecedented private sector commitments in manufacturing right here at home.” “The Internet for All initiative is not just a connectivity program, it’s a jobs program—for the people who will build the networks and for the people who are making the equipment these networks need,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “If fiber optic cable can be made in America, it should be made in America. Companies like PPC are stepping up and answering that call. I thank Majority Leader Schumer - a true Congressional champion for delivering affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service to all Americans - for inviting me to celebrate PPC’s exciting announcement today.” Schumer explained that PPC Broadband is currently experiencing historic levels of growth – thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law – and is using this significant support to bring back hundreds of good-paying jobs from overseas. PPC has added 117 jobs since 2021 when the law was enacted and anticipates adding another 70+ jobs by the end of 2024 – overall adding nearly 200 employees to its Syracuse workforce by the close of next year and bringing its workforce to nearly 550 in East Syracuse. In addition to the jobs mentioned above, PPC also is onshoring production from Mexico and the UK to support both new construction and improvements to existing PPC enclosures. Schumer said PPC has spent and plans to spend over $9 million in capital for fiber cable extrusion, termination, and testing, as well as automated assembly for connectivity, all needed for rural broadband projects and projects to meet the demand from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s (IIJA)Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Schumer has delivered record funding to expand rural and affordable broadband access in Upstate New York. Today’s announcement is on top of the historic federal funding secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law which included a record $65 billion for the expansion of high-speed internet to connect the unserved and underserved, as well as make internet affordable and provide resources for digital literacy. In June, Schumer announced New York state will receive a historic nearly $670 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, the largest single federal investment for broadband in New York State’s history. This is in addition to the major federal funding the senator delivered in the American Rescue Plan to help state and local governments make long-term infrastructure investments in communities like expanding broadband access, and the $100 million award also through the American Rescue Plan for New York State from the Treasury Department’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund announced by Schumer to expand high-speed internet. PPC Broadband, which has been in East Syracuse since 1942, designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes systems and components that facilitate broadband connectivity, expansion, and deployment. Through the decades, PPC has delivered products from its New York location into nearly every connected home in the United States, and the company continues that legacy as broadband access is delivered to more and more Americans. PPC is committed to developing a locally grown workforce and enabling its workers to increase information availability across the world. PPC prioritizes the creation of jobs that will attract and keep those who grew up in Central New York close to home – investing heavily in R&D and adding high-skilled jobs, while recruiting at Syracuse University, Onondaga Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Clarkson University, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute, among other New York educational institutions. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-statement-on-planned-resignation-of-congressman-brian-higgins,SCHUMER STATEMENT ON PLANNED RESIGNATION OF CONGRESSMAN BRIAN HIGGINS,2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"New York, N.Y. – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today released the following statement on Congressman Brian Higgins’ planned resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives: “After over three decades of dedicated public service and steadfast commitment to his constituents, Brian Higgins has left an indelible mark on the Buffalo Niagara region. Brian has been a devoted leader, who fought every day to bring Western NY’s voice to Washington,” said Senator Schumer. “Brian has left an impressive legacy in his wake, and I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished over the past 19 years and wish him the best in this next chapter.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-national-milk-carton-shortage-hitting-ny-dairy-farmers-and-schools-schumer-calls-on-usda-to-investigate-work-with-industry-leaders-to-address-shortage_and-make-sure-upstate-nys-dairy-farmers-have-support-they-need-to-continue-providing-essential-milk-to-schools-across-ny-and-america,"WITH NATIONAL MILK CARTON SHORTAGE HITTING NY DAIRY FARMERS AND SCHOOLS, SCHUMER CALLS ON USDA TO INVESTIGATE, WORK WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS TO ADDRESS SHORTAGE – AND MAKE SURE UPSTATE NY’S DAIRY FARMERS...",2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"If Not Addressed, Current Milk Carton Shortage Could Have Negative Impacts On Our Farmers Or Create Challenges in Getting Milk To Schools – Senator Says USDA Is Uniquely Positioned To Investigate Problem From A National Level and Propose Solutions Schumer Wants USDA To Ensure Dairy Farmers Have Technical Support Needed To Get Through Shortage, Work With Industry Leaders To Find Any & All Creative Solutions To Get Milk To Our Schools, And Investigate Shortage To Stop Disruptions Like This From Happening In The Future And Minimize Downstream Impacts Schumer To USDA: Feds Can’t Skim This Problem, We Need Not 1%, Not 2% Of Their Help . . . But The WHOLE Agency’s Efforts To Investigate And Make Sure NY Dairy Farms And Schools Have Support They Need U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take action on the national milk carton shortage hitting dairy farmers and schools in New York and states across the country. Schumer urged the USDA to not only ensure NY dairy farmers have the technical support they need to get through the shortage, but also to work with industry leaders to devise creative solutions to get milk to our school lunchrooms and to investigate the shortage to stop disruptions like this from happening in the future and minimize downstream impacts. “Milk is an essential part of our students’ school lunches and the lifeblood of our Upstate NY agricultural economy, but with a national milk carton shortage looming over our schools, now is the time for the USDA to step up to ensure our farmers get more support to continue their essential work. That is why I am calling on the USDA to start to work with industry leaders to address this shortage we are seeing nationwide, and provide all the leadership and technical support needed to help our New York dairy farmers,” said Senator Schumer. “The USDA is uniquely positioned to investigate this problem from a national level and work with the dairy industry, our farmers, and schools to mitigate the impacts of shortages and propose solutions.” John T. Gould, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. President and Chairman of the Board of Directors said, “Our 260 dairy farm families are encouraged by our team’s efforts to continue to supply our milk to our school customers. It has required hard work, coordination and cooperation to meet their needs. We thank Senator Schumer for his support in recognizing the critical importance of milk in the nutritional needs of children and adults. We appreciate his efforts and concern in solving this packaging dilemma in a timely fashion.” Amy Thomas, Executive Director of the Monroe County School Boards Association said, “We want to thank Senator Schumer for his advocacy on behalf of our schools and students. Our districts are working diligently along with our dairy suppliers to find solutions to this shortage, and we are grateful for Senator Schumer’s efforts to ensure these disruptions are addressed.” Schumer explained that there is currently a nationwide shortage of half-pint milk cartons impacting New York’s dairy industry. He said that while there is not a shortage of milk, there is a supply chain problem with the cardboard cartons, consequently inhibiting suppliers’ ability to provide milk to schools and other customers in NYS and across the country. In school lunchrooms, milk is required to be served with every meal according to USDA nutrition standards. While schools are currently working with suppliers to figure out temporary solutions to ensure schools are receiving enough milk and student’s nutritional needs are being met, Schumer says now is the time for the USDA to work with industry and our dairy farmers to find solutions. It is currently unclear how long the shortage could last, which is why Schumer says it’s imperative the USDA take immediate action and proactively work on the problem to ensure that farmers and dairy suppliers across New York have the support and technical assistance needed to minimize the impacts of the shortage on their business and ensure milk can continue to be provided to schools across America. Schumer added, “Given the potential downstream impacts of disruptions to the milk packaging supply chain we also need the USDA to investigate the causes of this carton shortage to determine how we can avoid further disruptions to our dairy farmers and any further steps we can be taking to mitigate problems of this nature in the future.” Schumer emphasized that New York State is home to more than 3,200 dairy farms and is the country’s fifth largest dairy state, producing 15.66 billion pounds of milk in 2022. The dairy industry is a driver of significant economic impact in New York and is also a large part of the state’s culture. He said it is vital that we protect this critical industry and ensure it has the support it needs to weather these disruptions until the supply chain recalibrates. Schumer explained that dairy producers across New York are also feeling the impact of the national shortage and are deeply concerned about getting their milk to consumers. The Upstate Niagara Cooperative, a significant industry supplier of half-pint milk carton packaging, is experiencing operational challenges that are negatively impacting their ability to supply schools with milk packaging orders. The shortage is forcing them to seek alternative, creative solutions, like switching other institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, from half-pints to larger sizes of milk containers, in order to meet schools’ demand. The Co-op is also offering half-gallons of milk to schools as an alternative. Schumer said that New York’s dairy industry is the cream of the crop, as the largest single segment of the state’s agricultural industry. The state has more than 3,200 dairy farms, is the fifth-largest producer of milk, and is the largest producer of yogurt and cottage cheese in the nation. A copy of Schumer’s letter to the USDA appears below: Dear Secretary Vilsack, I write to urge United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) leadership to address and rectify the looming disruptions to the milk packaging supply chain, specifically related to milk carton shortages. While our dairy farmers are working hard to produce milk and our coops are striving to honor contracts with schools, nursing homes, and other important institutions, I’m concerned this disruption, if it is not swiftly addressed, could have negative impacts on our farmers, school and child nutrition programs, and children, seniors, and others who depend on milk for nutrition. I have heard from schools across New York state that have been forced to alter their milk deliveries, reduce milk varieties served, purchase bulk milk to serve in plastic cups with lids, or purchase drink dispensers to continue meeting students’ nutritional needs. While there is still plenty of milk for kids to drink, the milk carton shortage is expected to last several months and will continue disrupting schools’ ability to adhere to federal nutrition standards. New York State is home to more than 3,200 dairy farms and is the country’s fifth largest dairy state, producing 15.66 billion pounds of milk in 2022. The dairy industry is a driver of significant economic impact in New York and is also a large part of the state’s culture. It is vital that we protect this critical industry and ensure it has the support it needs to weather these disruptions until the supply chain recalibrates. Milk is an essential part of nutrition for our children and it is imperative we take every action possible to ensure they are able to continue to receive milk despite any potential disruptions. The USDA is uniquely positioned to work with the dairy industry, our farmers, and schools to be able to address these shortages we are seeing nationwide and in New York. I strongly urge the USDA to work with dairy farmers and coops in New York, and the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, to find packaging alternatives, bring together industry partners to determine what immediate actions can be taken to mitigate the impacts of a shortage and find creative solutions so farmers have a market for their product and milk doesn’t go to waste. I also urge the USDA to afford maximum flexibility to our dairy farmers and coops and conduct outreach to ensure our farmers have all the technical assistance needed to ensure they can continue to provide milk to customers during this challenging time. In addition, given the potential downstream impacts of disruptions to the milk packaging supply chain I ask the USDA to investigate the causes of this carton shortage to determine how we can avoid further disruptions to our dairy farmers and any further steps we can be taking to mitigate problems of this nature in the future. I applaud USDA’s efforts thus far to provide schools with the guidance’s to accommodate shifts in milk packaging availability. This issue demands swift attention and action and I stand ready to help USDA however possible in ensuring these shortages in the supply chain have a minimal impact on our schools, students and dairy farmers. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/statements-from-the-fifth-bipartisan-senate-forum-on-artificial-intelligence,Statements From The Fifth Bipartisan Senate Forum On Artificial Intelligence,2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Todd Young (R-IN) hosted a fifth AI Insight Forum focused on AI and its impact on elections and democracy. Below are the statements made at the forum: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Opening Statement Closing Statement Alex Stamos, Director, Stanford Internet Observatory, Stanford University Amy Cohen, Executive Director, National Association of State Election Directors Ari Cohn, Free Speech Counsel, TechFreedom Ben Ginsberg, Volker Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Hoover Institution Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Andy Parsons, Senior Director of the Content Authenticity Initiative, Adobe Jennifer Huddleston, Tech Policy Research Fellow, CATO Institute Jessica Brandt, Policy Director - Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Initiative and Foreign Policy Fellow, Brookings Institution Melanie Campbell, President and CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Matt Masterson, Director of Information Integrity, Microsoft Michael Chertoff, Executive Chairman, Chertoff Group (Former Secretary of Department of Homeland Security) Lawrence Norden, Senior Director - Elections and Government, Brennan Center for Justice Neil Potts, Vice President of Public Policy within Trust and Safety, Facebook/META Dave Vorhaus, Director, Global Elections Integrity, Google Yael Eisenstat, Vice President of the Center for Technology & Society, Anti-Defamation League Kara Frederick, Director of the Tech Policy Center, The Heritage Foundation Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State, State of Michigan",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/statements-from-the-sixth-bipartisan-senate-forum-on-artificial-intelligence,Statements From The Sixth Bipartisan Senate Forum On Artificial Intelligence,2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Todd Young (R-IN) hosted a sixth AI Insight Forum focused on the intersection of two key issues in AI policy: privacy and liability. Below are the statements made at the forum: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Opening Statement Arthur Evans Jr, CEO, American Psychological Association Chris Lewis, CEO, Public Knowledge Mackenzie Arnold, Head of Strategy and liability specialist, Legal Priorities Project Daniel Castro, Vice President, ITIF Ganesh Sitaraman, New York Alumni Chancellor's Chair in Law, Vanderbilt Law Tracy Pizzo Frey, Advisor, Common Sense Media Samir Jain, Vice President of Policy, Center for Democracy and Technology Mutale Nkonde, CEO, AI For the People Rashad Robinson, President, Color of Change Stuart Ingis, Chairman, Venable Stuart Appelbaum, President, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Bernard Kim, CEO, Match Group Zachary Lipton, Chief Science Officer, Abridge Gary Shapiro, CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Mark Surman, President and Executive Director, Mozilla",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-after-helping-land-breeze-airways-in-plattsburgh-earlier-this-year-applauds-new-expanded-service-with-seasonal-flights-to-tampa,"SCHUMER, AFTER HELPING LAND BREEZE AIRWAYS IN PLATTSBURGH EARLIER THIS YEAR, APPLAUDS NEW EXPANDED SERVICE WITH SEASONAL FLIGHTS TO TAMPA",2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After his continued advocacy helped land Breeze Airways in Plattsburgh earlier this year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today applauded Breeze’s announcement of new expanded service out of Plattsburgh International Airport with seasonal flights to Tampa, Florida. ""I am thrilled that Breeze Airways is spreading its wings and expanding its service in the North Country with additional seasonal flights to sunny Tampa, Florida,” said Senator Schumer. “Breeze Airways continued expansion in Upstate New York is blowing a gust of fresh air into new affordable air service for Plattsburgh and families across the North Country. The federal funds I have worked hard to deliver will keep Plattsburgh International in stellar shape, and I am glad that Breeze has decided to further expand its North Country service.” “The addition of Tampa service points to the strength of the Plattsburgh-Montreal market and continued opportunities for expanding air service in the region,” saidChristopher Krieg, Airport Director, Plattsburgh International Airport. “We appreciate Breeze Airway’s continued partnership with Clinton County and the ongoing support and advocacy our elected officials provide to the North Country.” Schumer has been a longtime advocate of Plattsburgh International Airport. Over the past few years alone, he’s secured over $9.8 million in federal funding for the regional hub, delivering $7.6 million in his Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, as well as $2.2 million in the American Rescue Plan. Schumer has long fought long and hard to bring affordable air services like Breeze Airways to Upstate New York. Last year, Schumer brought Breeze Airways to Upstate New York for the first time after launching a major push for the airline to establish service out of Syracuse Hancock International Airport to unserved, high demand areas. Additionally, Schumer helped Breeze land at its second Upstate NY airport earlier this year, launching the airline’s service at Plattsburgh International Airport. But Senator Schumer’s first major victory on that front came in 1999 when he successfully advocated for Southwest to start flights from Albany. Southwest’s decision led many other carriers to begin servicing airports across the state that previously were not considered viable. Since then, Schumer has fought to bring new airlines and routes to Upstate New York cities, including JetBlue to Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse and Rochester. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-ryan-prepare-for-takeoff_breeze-airways-will-launch-new-service-at-orange-countys-stewart-international-airport-with-direct-flights-to-orlando-and-charleston,"SCHUMER, RYAN: “PREPARE FOR TAKEOFF”- BREEZE AIRWAYS WILL LAUNCH NEW SERVICE AT ORANGE COUNTY’S STEWART INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH DIRECT FLIGHTS TO ORLANDO AND CHARLESTON",2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After Schumer Helped Land Breeze’s First Service In New York In 2022, Reps Say Breeze Is Continuing To Expand Their Air Service Across New York, Adding Stewart International Airport To Its National Network With New Direct Flights To Orlando And Charleston Schumer, Ryan: Get Ready Orange County…Breeze Airways Has Landed In The Hudson Valley! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Congressman Pat Ryan today announced that Breeze Airways has agreed to expand and enhance its operations by launching new service out of Orange County’s Stewart International Airport with the addition of new round trip flights from Orange County to Orlando, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina starting in February. Schumer and Ryan said Breeze Airways has officially landed at its fifth NY airport, adding flights for Hudson Valley families to highly desired vacation destinations. “Hudson Valley: prepare for takeoff because new air service is coming to Orange County. For years I have fought to increase service at Stewart Airport and I am proud Breeze Airways has decided to take flight in Orange County. Their new service will help the local Hudson Valley economy soar and better connect the region with the key destinations for our families,” said Senator Schumer. “Breeze Airways’ continued expansion in New York is blowing a gust of fresh air into new affordable air service for Orange County and families across the Hudson Valley. The federal funds I have worked hard to deliver will keep Stewart International in stellar shape, and I am glad that Breeze has heeded my call to continue expansion within New York; the sky is the limit for Stewart International and I will keep fighting to help the airport grow and reach new heights.” “This is a huge win for not just Orange County, but the entire Hudson Valley,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “This exciting investment will stimulate tourism, bolster economic development and bring new jobs to the region. We worked hard to add these new routes, and I look forward to Hudson Valley families taking full advantage!” “The Port Authority has a steadfast commitment to investing in the future growth of New York Stewart. That includes bringing in more airlines, such as Breeze, which in turn helps to spur regional economic activity,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “New York Stewart offers unique, competitive choices for both domestic and international travelers, and we look forward to this partnership.” Senator Schumer has long fought to deliver funding to the Stewart airport received $12.8 million in funding across three COVID-19 relief bills that passed Congress during the height of the pandemic. He also fought for formula FAA dollars in the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law, with an estimated $12 million for Stewart over the 5-year life of the law. Schumer has long fought long and hard to bring affordable air services like Breeze Airways to airports across New York. Last year, Schumer brought Breeze Airways to Upstate New York for the first time after launching a major push for the airline to establish service out of Syracuse Hancock International Airport to unserved, high demand areas. Additionally, Schumer helped Breeze land at Plattsburgh International Airport, launching the airline’s service there earlier this year. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-a-decade-of-relentless-advocacy-schumer-announces-launch-of-the-capital-district-transportation-authoritys-new-busplus-purple-line_connecting-ualbany-the-downtown-and-beyond---boosting-fast-accessible-and-affordable-transportation-across-the-capital-region,"AFTER A DECADE OF RELENTLESS ADVOCACY, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF THE CAPITAL DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY’S NEW BUSPLUS PURPLE LINE – CONNECTING UALBANY, THE DOWNTOWN, AND BEYOND - BOOSTING...",2023-11-06,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Says After A Decade Of Delivering Historic Federal $$$, CDTA Is Rolling Out Its Third Bus Rapid Transit Line – Allowing Riders Fast And Affordable Access To Downtown, College of St. Rose, UAlbany, Crossgates Mall And Other Destinations Across Capital Region In October 2013, Schumer Urged Feds To Support CDTA’s Application To Join The FTA Capital Investment Grant Program & Become Eligible For Federal Dollars; Since Then The Senator Has Delivered Tens of Millions For CDTA – Making Today’s Launch Of New BusPlus Purple Line Possible Schumer: New BusPlus Purple Line Will Keep CDTA And Capital Region Riders Rolling Into The Future! After launching his push almost exactly a decade ago to transform Capital Region bus transit with new service, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the launch of the Capital District Transportation Authority’s (CDTA) new BusPlus Purple Line, which will run from Downtown Albany along the Washington and Western Avenue corridors to Crossgates Mall. Schumer, who delivered the $60+ million to make the Purple line possible and tens of millions of additional funding, said CDTA’s third Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line will provide limited stop service along the busiest corridors in the Capital Region, offering faster and more frequency than traditional bus operations. “Ten years ago, I stood with Carm Basile at the College of St. Rose and committed to building on the success of the BusPlus Red Line, with a vision for a 40-mile network of bus rapid transit in the Capital Region. After years of relentless advocacy, the BusPlus Purple Line has finally arrived for Capital Region commuters, and completes that vision! I’m thrilled to see that after delivering nearly $115 million in federal investment to help CDTA realize this dream, Albany riders will now have fast, accessible, and affordable access to destinations across the Capital Region,” said Senator Schumer. “Reliable transportation connecting key areas of the city will help to revitalize the local economy in an environmentally friendly way. I am proud to have helped the Purple Line become a reality for Capital Region commuters, and to complete 40 miles of a Bus Rapid Transit system that is the model for cities across upstate New York” “It’s a proud day for CDTA as we launch our third Bus Rapid Transit Line,” said CDTA CEO Carm Basile. “The Purple Line completes a network of Bus Rapid Transit lines that connect people along some of the most densely populated and heavily traveled corridors in the Capital Region. Thank you to our CDTA family and Board of Directors who remained committed to this effort and got the work done to make three BRT’s a reality. Senator Schumer has been a tremendous partner and advocate for us in Washington, helping us to secure funding for the construction of these lines and the purchase of buses and other equipment needed to operate BRT. He helped us build a reputation with our partners at the Federal Transit Administration as a can-do organization with the people and the know how to build and operate advanced transit services.” “UAlbany students, faculty and staff are already the largest users of CDTA, and the launch of the Purple Line is another major milestone in improving the accessibility and sustainability of our campuses,” said University at Albany President Havidán Rodríguez. “The Purple Line is not only our favorite color but seamlessly connects our Downtown Campus, ETEC building, Uptown Campus and the Albany NanoTech Complex with faster and more convenient service. Better service makes public transit even more appealing and helps reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions. I’m also thrilled that the newly completed CDTA Busway along Alumni Drive adds to the pedestrian infrastructure that already makes our Uptown Campus a beacon for walkers and cyclists. We are truly grateful to Sen. Schumer for being such a forceful advocate for high-quality public transit, and to Carm Basile and CDTA for their leadership and 10 years of partnership in realizing this ambitious vision.” Schumer said that the new BusPlus Purple Line will provide, affordable, dependable, express transit service for residents and students to employment and entertainment centers across the route, connecting riders with downtown Albany, the College of St. Rose, the Harriman State Office Campus, the University at Albany, the Albany Nanotech campus and Crossgates Mall in Guilderland. The new line will also provide an ideal transportation option to travel from local college campuses, where students are less likely to own a car. Schumer pointed out that along the new BRT route, parking is limited, the cost of building parking garages is high, and land for surface lots is nonexistent, making this extension of public transportation in high demand. With larger stations, more frequent and expanded hours of operation, the new Purple Line will relieve congestion along highly-traveled roadways, and the Washington/Western Corridor line will get a return on this investment in a variety of ways through increased economic activity generated by connecting travelers to their destinations, such as local businesses and shopping. As an introduction to CDTA’s newest service, the Purple Line will run fare free for the first two weeks of operation, from Sunday, November 5 through Sunday, November 19. The Purple Line will also connect to the existing Red and Blue Lines, allowing riders fast, accessible, and affordable access to destinations in Schenectady, Watervliet, Troy and Cohoes. Schumer said that the CDTA’s second busiest transit services operate along the Washington and Western Avenue corridors, reducing traffic congestion along major roadways in and adjacent to the corridor. Furthermore, he said that by increasing the access to local businesses and shopping centers, the new service will stimulate economic development and, specifically, act as a catalyst for revitalization of the urban neighborhoods that surround its stations. In 2020, Schumer secured $60.89 million (which ultimately grew to $63.5 million) in federal funding for the CDTA to implement the Purple Line, its third bus rapid transit (BRT) line. The funding came from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant Program which Schumer began his push for in 2013. Schumer said that the project cost $81.18 million in total. The $63.5 million from the FTA funded 75 percent of the total cost to implement the new line. The New York State Department of Transportation contributed an additional $10.99 million, or 13.5 percent of the total cost, and the CDTA contributed $9.3 million, or 11.5 percent of the total cost. In addition to helping secure the $63.5 million for the new Purple Line, Schumer also previously helped secure $18.5 million in federal funding for the Red Line connecting Albany and Schenectady, And, in 2019 Schumer helped CDTA to secure $32M from the FTA program for the Blue Line which connects Albany to Watervliet, Troy, Cohoes and Waterford. Schumer has been a relentless advocate for the CDTA and the expansion of Capital Region transportation through recent legislation. Since the start of the pandemic Schumer has fought hard to prioritize relief for Upstate New York transit systems so that they could not only make up for tremendous revenue losses during the height of COVID, but invest in their services to better service the community, like through indicatives like the new transit center. The senator secured over $42.7 million for CDTA through the CARES Act, $28 million for transit in the Albany region through the FY21 COVID Omnibus (Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021), and an additional $51 million through the American Rescue Plan. Finally, in his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, Schumer was able to deliver an estimated $113.9 million for the CDTA over the next 5 years. In addition, Schumer has helped create new opportunities for competitive grants which have allowed the CDTA to purchase 12 new electric buses and expand their charging infrastructure to reduce emissions, fight climate change, and give Capital Region residents a cleaner commute. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/statements-from-the-fourth-bipartisan-senate-forum-on-artificial-intelligence,Statements From The Fourth Bipartisan Senate Forum On Artificial Intelligence,2023-11-06,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Todd Young (R-IN) hosted a fourth AI Insight Forum focused on highest impact areas, including important topics like AI in the financial sector and health industry, and how AI developers and deployers can best mitigate potential harms. Below are the statements made at the forum: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Opening Statement Closing Statement Arvind Narayanan, Princeton University Alvin Velazquez, Service Employees International Union Cathy O’Neil, ORCAA Dave Girouard, Upstart Dominique Harrison, Brookings Institution Hoan Ton-That, Clearview AI Jason Oxman, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) Julia Stoyanovich, New York University Margaret Mitchell, Hugging Face Lisa Rice, National Fair Housing Alliance Prem Natarajan, Capital One Reggie Townsend, SAS Seth Hain, Epic Surya Mattu, Princeton University Tulsee Doshi, Google",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/statements-from-the-third-bipartisan-senate-forum-on-artificial-intelligence,Statements From The Third Bipartisan Senate Forum On Artificial Intelligence,2023-11-06,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Todd Young (R-IN) hosted a third AI Insight Forum focused on the intersection of AI and the workforce. Below are the statements made at the forum: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Opening Statement Closing Statement Allyson Knox, Microsoft Ameenah Salaam, Communications Workers of America (CWA) Anton Korinek, University of Virginia Arnab Chakraborty, Accenture Austin Keyser, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Bonnie Castillo, National Nurses United Chris Hyams, Indeed Daron Acemoglu, Massachusetts Institute of Technology José-Marie Griffiths, Dakota State University Michael Fraccaro, Mastercard Michael R. Strain, American Enterprise Institute Patrick Gaspard, Center for American Progress Paul Schwalb, UNITE HERE Rachel Lyons, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/governor-hochul-and-majority-leader-schumer-unveil-ttm-technologies-plans-to-invest-up-to-130-million-for-manufacturing-plant-in-the-town-of-dewitt-boosting-upstate-new-yorks-transformation-into-global-chipmaking-hub,"GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND MAJORITY LEADER SCHUMER UNVEIL TTM TECHNOLOGIES’ PLANS TO INVEST UP TO $130 MILLION FOR MANUFACTURING PLANT IN THE TOWN OF DEWITT, BOOSTING UPSTATE NEW YORK’S TRANSFORMATION INTO...",2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Proposed Manufacturing Facility Will Produce High-Tech Printed Circuit Boards to Enhance National Security, Creating an Estimated 400 Good-Paying Jobs in Central New York – Just One Week After Region Landed Prestigious Federal Tech Hub Designation for Semiconductors TTM Selects New York State Following Extensive Yearlong Site Assessment and Selection Process Involving 16 Other States Builds on Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Schumer’s Continued Progress Toward Growing New York’s Semiconductor Ecosystem and Attracting 21st Century Businesses and Jobs Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer today announced that TTM Technologies, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of technology solutions, intends to invest up to $130 million to build a greenfield high-tech manufacturing facility in the Town of DeWitt, Onondaga County, creating an estimated 400 good-paying jobs. TTM will produce ultra-high density interconnect (HDI) PCBs, TTM’s most advanced PCBs that will be primarily used for U.S. military applications and crucial to the U.S. semiconductor industry, at its new facility, which will be co-located on 24 acres adjacent to TTM’s existing production facility in DeWitt. TTM’s new plant will be one of the first in the nation to specialize in manufacturing PCBs and advanced packaging. TTM will also invest in research and development that will further integrated-circuit substrate and HDI PCB technologies across the United States. “From Micron’s historic investment in the Town of Clay to TTM’s plans to invest up to $130 million for a new plant in the Town of DeWitt, a global chipmaking hub is rising in Central New York,” Governor Hochul said, “TTM’s printed circuit boards sit at the cutting edge of chip technology, and thanks to New York’s robust chips ecosystem, partnerships with the Majority Leader and other stakeholders, and a bold commitment from the state, TTM is ready to join our thriving chips sector and bring 400 good-paying jobs upstate. Companies like TTM are helping to strengthen New York’s reputation as a leader for growth, innovation, and national security, and I look forward to welcoming even more 21st century businesses to our state as we continue to build the economy of tomorrow.” “Syracuse will be the heart of America’s semiconductor superhighway, and just one week after winning an exclusive federal Tech Hub designation, I am thrilled TTM now plans to supercharge Onondaga County with nearly 400 new good-paying jobs! With each week it becomes clearer the future of semiconductor manufacturing will be in Syracuse and Upstate NY,” Majority Leader Schumer said. “When I wrote my CHIPS & Science Act I did so with the vision that all the components of the supply chain for this revolutionary technology would be stamped 'Made in New York' and with TTM planning to make their East Syracuse expansion one of the first in the nation to manufacture these advanced circuit boards, that vision is one step closer to becoming a reality. Earlier this year, I personally called TTM’s CEO to make the case that Upstate New York is the next frontier for tech manufacturing and the perfect place to grow their business, and I’m glad they heeded my call. I applaud TTM for this major investment and thank Governor Hochul and local leaders for their partnership in helping secure this investment and further positioning Upstate NY as a leader for America’s critical microelectronics supply chains that power everything from data centers to the power grid to aerospace engineering.” “We expect the investment and standup of this capability to be another step toward creating a secure, trusted, and resilient national microelectronic supply chain,” Catherine Gridley, Executive Vice President and President of TTM’s Aerospace & Defense Sector, said. “Selecting Central New York for this proposed high-tech site further demonstrates TTM’s support for New York State and the NY SMART I-Corridor, and continues to solidify TTM and Central New York’s place as a leader in microelectronics.” The planned Central New York facility is expected to bring disruptive capability for the ultra-HDI PCBs. It is expected to be one of the largest PCB manufacturing sites in North America with an advanced, highly optimized process to allow for shorter lead times, faster delivery, and a significant increase in domestic capacity for ultra-HDI PCBs, which are smaller and lighter than other PCBs and offer more reliable signals at higher speeds. In addition, this facility will be TTM’s most sustainable site in North America. These circuit boards are a vital component of the microelectronics industry, supporting the growth of the domestic semiconductor industry that is being driven statewide by Governor Hochul and nationally by Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Act. To support the construction of TTM Technologies proposed facility, Empire State Development (ESD) will provide up to $17 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits in exchange for the creation of 400 new jobs and the retention of over 600 existing jobs in Central New York. As with all Excelsior Jobs projects, TTM Technologies will receive the credits after demonstrating that they have met their job and investment commitments. Additionally, ESD has awarded TTM Technologies a capital grant from the Upstate Revitalization Initiative for reimbursement for machinery and equipment. Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act and Governor Hochul’s efforts, including New York’s transformative Green CHIPS legislation, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in advanced manufacturing and TTM’s planned investment in Central New York builds on their continued push to establish New York State as a global chipmaking hub. Last year, Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Schumer announced an historic $100 billion investment from Micron Technologies to build a semiconductor manufacturing campus in the Town of Clay and create 50,000 new jobs. Additionally, the Governor announced the $40 million Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO-SEMI) as part of her 2023 State of the State address to oversee the Micron project and help continue the growth of the state’s semiconductor industry. Since launching their efforts to grow this industry, Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Schumer have announced several more semiconductor projects in New York State, including: Menlo Micro’s $50 million investment to build its first domestic microelectronics fabrication facility in Tompkins County, creating more than 100 new jobs; Semiconductor supply chain manufacturer Edwards Vacuum’s $319 million investment for a new facility in Genesee County, creating up to 165 new jobs; California-based designer AMD’s selection of New York State for its new research and design facilities, which will create up to 165 new jobs in Monroe and Dutchess counties; Corning Inc.’s $139 million investment in Monroe County, creating over 270 new, good-paying jobs in the Finger Lakes region; and Wolfspeed’s $1 billion, state-of-the-art, first-in-the-world silicon carbide fabrication facility in Oneida County – creating more than 600 new jobs in the next eight years. The growth of New York’s semiconductor industry has also attracted federal and international recognition. Last month, Majority Leader Schumer announced that the Buffalo-Syracuse-Rochester region won a prestigious designation he created through the Chips and Science Act as one of 31 federal Tech Hubs – beating out hundreds of regions across the country. The TTM project supports the reshoring of semiconductor manufacturing, a critical industry cluster, to New York and serves as the missing linkage between Micron and finished microelectronics manufacturers. Empire State Development, Senator Schumer’s office, CenterState CEO and Onondaga County partnered together on this successful attraction effort. Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Schumer also recently announced a $40 million federal Department of Defense grant, secured through the Majority Leader’s federal CHIPS and Science Act, to bolster New York’s semiconductor industry. The Majority Leader also announced a partnership with the Korea Institution for Advancement of Technology to advance semiconductor research and development at NY CREATES’ Albany Nanotech Complex. State Senator John W. Mannion said, ""Investing in innovation, creating jobs, and bolstering national security – TTM Technologies' $130 million commitment to build a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility in DeWitt shows the Semiconductor Superhighway is open for business. Green Chips, the Chips and Science Act, and the new federal Tech Hub designation are quickly delivering the jobs and investments that will transform Central New York into a global technology hub. Together with Governor Hochul, Senator Schumer, and local leaders, we are united and unwavering in our commitment to building a brighter future for our communities.” Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said, “Today, Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer proudly announced TTM Technologies, Inc.'s groundbreaking decision to invest up to $130 million in building a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in DeWitt, Onondaga County. This strategic move by TTM, a global technology solutions leader, marks a significant leap towards making Upstate New York a global hub for chipmaking. The new facility, set to create 400 high-paying jobs, will produce ultra-high density interconnect (HDI) printed circuit boards vital for U.S. military applications and the semiconductor industry. I am thrilled by this news, which comes hot on the heels of our region's prestigious federal Tech Hub designation. I wholeheartedly appreciate the dedication and hard work of Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Schumer, whose relentless efforts have transformed our state into a beacon of innovation. This investment not only strengthens our national security but also ushers in a new era of economic prosperity for Central New York. Together, we look forward to the countless opportunities this venture will bring, cementing New York's position at the forefront of 21st-century technology.” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, ""New York State is poised to lead the nation in reshoring semiconductor manufacturing and companies within the chipmaking ecosystem, thanks to the strategic bonds we have forged with our local and federal partners. The planned expansion of TTM Technologies will bring good jobs and significant private investment to Central New York, and will further support the growth of Upstate New York’s dynamic semiconductor corridor."" CenterState CEO President and CEO Robert Simpson said, “TTM's investment is another critical validation of this region’s leadership in the smart systems sector. Manufacturing substrates and HDI printed circuit boards in Central New York adds to a growing and robust supply chain ecosystem that includes everything from semiconductor chips to finished microelectronics. This investment is also a successful example of reshoring critical national security supply chain elements right here in Central New York. This community has demonstrated that by working together, we can continue to realize a greater level of economic competitiveness and prosperity and recapture our position as a globally relevant research and manufacturing center.” About TTM TTM Technologies, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of technology solutions including mission systems, RF components/RF microwave/microelectronic assemblies, quick-turn and technologically advanced PCBs. TTM stands for time-to-market, representing how TTM's time-critical, one-stop manufacturing services enable customers to shorten the time required to develop new products and bring them to market. Additional information can be found at www.ttm.com. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-nearly-983000-for-jamestown-through-the-inflation-reduction-act-to-help-lower-utility-costs-for-families-modernize-homes-in-underserved-neighborhoods-and-boost_affordable-clean-energy-in-wny,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEARLY $983,000 FOR JAMESTOWN THROUGH THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT TO HELP LOWER UTILITY COSTS FOR FAMILIES, MODERNIZE HOMES IN UNDERSERVED NEIGHBORHOODS, AND BOOST AFFORDABLE CLEAN...",2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Says Fed $$$ Will Allow City of Jamestown To Increase Number Of Energy-Efficient Homes In Underserved WNY Communities – Lowering Energy Costs With Ecofriendly Upgrades Like Heat Pumps And Improved Weatherization Schumer Secured Historic Investments For Environmental Justice In The Inflation Reduction Act – The Largest Climate Investment In U.S. History – With Communities Like Jamestown In Mind; Now, Nearly $983K Is Heading To WNY To Help Tackle Climate Change And Lower Costs For Homeowners Schumer: The Inflation Reduction Act Is Building A Cleaner, More Affordable Future For Jamestown! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced nearly $983,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Justice Government-to-Government program to support the City of Jamestown’s efforts to increase energy-efficient housing in underserved neighborhoods. Schumer said this funding was made possible thanks to the historic investments he secured for environmental justice in the Inflation Reduction Act. This funding will help Jamestown ensure underserved communities have access to energy-efficient, upgraded housing to lower energy costs and help fight climate change. “More energy efficient housing and lower utility costs will soon be heading to homes across Jamestown thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. When I led the Inflation Reduction Act to passage, promoting clean energy for communities in Jamestown and across Western NY were at the top of my mind. I am proud to help deliver this major federal investment to power Upstate NY’s clean energy future,” said Senator Schumer. “Investments like these are a blueprint for how we can lower costs for families, all while fighting climate change, and making our neighborhoods cleaner for all. Jamestown, you’ll be saying home sweet home soon, with more modern energy efficient homes in neighborhoods that need it most.” “The alternative energy upgrades provided to the selected homes through this initiative will serve as a valuable starting point in the City’s ongoing efforts to achieve environmental justice for our most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents,” said City of Jamestown, Mayor Eddie Sundquist. “These upgraded, weatherized homes will be offered through a non-traditional home buyers’ program that will not only lead to increased neighborhood renewal efforts, but also provide measurable results from both a public health and environmental perspective.” Specifically, funding will go towards Jamestown’s “Retooling Homes for Improved Air Quality” initiative. The City will work collaboratively with community-based nonprofit organizations to improve the air quality of homes by reducing indoor toxins and pollutants, energy burden, and energy loss in homes in underserved neighborhoods. These partnerships will allow the City to perform energy efficiency audits in underserved communities and develop plans to make energy efficient upgrades to help lower costs for residents. The project partners include Jamestown’s Department of Development, Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency, Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation (CHRIC), and Healthy at Home CHQ. Schumer explained that when he led the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the largest climate investment in U.S. history, through Congress, he made sure historic funding would go towards environmental justice initiatives to uplift community-based organizations focused on public health and environmental impacts, promote environmental equity, and make sure communities across the country could live in a cleaner and healthier environment. As part of the IRA, the EPA awarded over $128 million for environmental justice projects in communities across the country. Additionally, Schumer recently secured over $17 million in DOE funding through his Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Jamestown Board Of Public Utilities (JBPU) to create a new microgrid system, helping Jamestown improve their electric infrastructure to alleviate power outages and provide electricity for public services, schools, hospitals, and more during emergency situations like snowstorms. The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) program provides funding at the state, local, territorial, and tribal level to support government activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health impacts in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms. The EJG2G program will strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency’s relationships with state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to maximize federal investments in their local communities and be better prepared to address future environmental challenges. You can learn more about the program here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-secures-5-million_through-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-and-jobs-law--to-complete-the-long-awaited-port-of-ogdensburgs-terminal-expansion-project,SCHUMER SECURES $5+ MILLION – THROUGH THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE & JOBS LAW – TO COMPLETE THE LONG-AWAITED PORT OF OGDENSBURG’S TERMINAL EXPANSION PROJECT,2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Since 2017, Schumer Fought To Deliver Funding To Port Of Ogdensburg To Deepen And Expand This Vital Trade Artery For The North Country; Now Schumer Has Delivered The Final Piece Of The Puzzle To Complete The Expansion Schumer Says Major Fed Investment Will Allow Port To Expand Its Main Dock Terminal –Increasing Export Capacity, Dredging The Harbor, Improving Access To Global Markets For Local Businesses, And Boosting Resiliency Of The North Country Economy Schumer: With Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law Investment, Port Of Ogdensburg Can Now Go Full Steam Ahead On Expansion – Strengthening Its Presence In The North Country For Decades To Come U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $5,107,649 in federal funding from the U.S Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for the Port of Ogdensburg Terminal Expansion Project. Schumer said the major investment was made possible by the historic investments in his Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law and will fund an expansion of the Port of Ogdensburg’s main dock terminal, deepening the harbor, increasing export capacity, improving quality of the port’s infrastructure, and boosting economic activity at the Port for decades to come. “The Port of Ogdensburg is moving full speed ahead with expanding their vital operations as the economic engine of the North Country thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs law. This over $5 million federal boost will help complete the much needed expansion of the Port’s main dock terminal – increasing export capacity and enhancing its ability to serve the Upstate NY businesses,” said Senator Schumer. “The Port of Ogdensburg Harbor is seeing more hustle and bustle than ever before, and now with the expansion more business can boost our harbor and uplift communities across the North Country. I’m proud to deliver the federal dollars to complete the final phase of this long awaited project, so the Port of Ogdensburg can continue to play a vital role in the region’s economy for generations to come.” “The Port of Ogdensburg is a vital part of the North Country’s economy, serving as a gateway to global markets,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This vital funding will boost economic activity at the port and open new doors for local businesses. I am proud to have worked to secure the funding for this project and will continue to fight to bring federal dollars home to New York.” “We are very appreciative of the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration for seeing the value of this project, and for Senator Schumer’s unwavering support of transportation infrastructure in New York State. Securing this grant will allow us to vastly improve the safety and efficiency at the Port of Ogdensburg and allow us to play a greater role in supply chain resiliency for our region,” said Steven Lawrence, Executive Director, Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. Schumer explained this over $5 million federal investment will fund both phases within the Port of Ogdensburg expansion project. Phase one of the project, which Senator Schumer secured funding to kick start in 2021, will deepen the Ogdensburg Harbor to ease congestion, reduce shipping costs and unlock new business opportunities. At the time, sediment backlog and shallow waters at the harbor made the port’s main dock inaccessible for larger vessels and added tens of thousands of dollars to shipping costs. With this new federal funding, the port will add 500 feet to the west side dock wall to create a second vessel berth at seaway depth and expand storage facilities for increased cargo. Additionally, the improvements will boost the overall resilience of the Port by equipping it to transport larger quantities of cargo in significantly less steps, reducing the likelihood of errors and supply chain disruptions. Taken together, the deepening, dock upgrades and storage expansion are expected to enable two or more ships to come to port and unload their cargo. Currently, the port can handle only one ship at a time. Schumer secured $450 million in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), and an additional $212,203,512 was made available to the program under the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, resulting in a total of $662,203,512 in FY 2023 PIDP grant funding that enabled this award. Schumer has also fought hard to support a range of other OBPA projects. In 2015, Schumer visited the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority to urge the Federal Aviation Administration to approve a long awaited runway expansion. In 2022, Schumer secured $3,000,000 for construction and repairs to the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge. Over the last two years, Schumer has secured awards of $2,100,000 and $1,000,000 for the OBPA’s new 15,000 square foot childcare center. With approximately $150 million dollars’ worth of goods traveling annually through the Port of Ogdensburg, Schumer emphasized that it is only U.S. port on the St. Lawrence River. The Port is strategically located to serve markets in southern Ontario and northern New York State, and it is proximate to Ontario Highway 401—a major Canadian Highway with access to 60% of Canada’s population—and connected by State Route 37 to Interstate 81, a major highway that crosses much of the Eastern United States. Schumer said that the need to accommodate vessels with Seaway maximum drafts is expected to rise over the next 50 years, and with the Port’s prime location and facilities, the terminal expansion will increase the Port’s attractiveness to shippers. The PIDP is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. Funds for the PIDP are awarded on a competitive basis to projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port. PIDP grants support efforts by ports and industry stakeholders to improve port and related freight infrastructure to meet the nation’s freight transportation needs and ensure our port infrastructure can meet anticipated growth in freight volumes. The PIDP provides funding to ports in both urban and rural areas for planning and capital projects. It also includes a statutory set-aside for small ports to continue to improve and expand their capacity to move freight reliably and efficiently and support local and regional economies. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-secures-400k-for-new-delaware-county-line-worker-training-program-senator-says-fed_will-power-workforce-training-for-hundreds-of-good-paying-jobs-across-the-southern-tier-and-upstate-ny,SCHUMER SECURES $400K FOR NEW DELAWARE COUNTY LINE-WORKER TRAINING PROGRAM; SENATOR SAYS FED $$$ WILL POWER WORKFORCE TRAINING FOR HUNDREDS OF GOOD-PAYING JOBS ACROSS THE SOUTHERN TIER AND UPSTATE NY,2023-10-27,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Delaware County Electric Cooperative Provides Electricity To Thousands Of Rural Families & Small Businesses – Schumer Says This Critical Fed Investment Will Support Co-Op Efforts To Provide Affordable Utilities To Rural Communities Schumer Visited Delaware County Earlier This Year To Launch Push To Secure Fed $$$ For DCEC’s Advanced Line-Worker Training Program – With $400K From Appalachian Regional Commission’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Coming To Delaware County, DCEC Can Now Expand Training And Improve Access To Hundreds Of Good-Paying Jobs Maintaining And Modernizing Infrastructure Across The Southern Tier Schumer: Fed $$$ For DCEC Will Supercharge Good-Paying Jobs, Upgrade Infrastructure, And Bring Reliable Electricity To Rural Communities Across The Southern Tier! After visiting Delaware County earlier this year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $400,000 through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for the Delaware County Electric Cooperative (DCEC) to develop training curriculum and acquire supplies for its advanced line-worker training program. Earlier this year, Schumer visited Delaware County to launch an all-out push for DCEC’s new line-worker training program, projected to help train hundreds of workers for good-paying, jobs in the Southern Tier. The senator said this critical funding will create and support high-quality American jobs improving electricity service in rural areas, expanding access to affordable clean energy, and upgrading telecommunications infrastructure needed to power the local economy. “Delaware County Electric Cooperative has long helped provide affordable electricity to our farms, families, and businesses in rural communities like here in Delaware County and across the Southern Tier. That is why after standing with our Delaware County linemen earlier this year I promised to fight to deliver resources to help grow their line-worker training program – not only helping to connect workers to good-paying jobs, but also supporting DCEC’s services to lower utility costs for our rural NY families,” said Senator Schumer. “This $400,000 federal investment will supercharge the tremendous work of DCEC in partnership with SUNY Delhi to create a training program that will provide line workers with the skills necessary for jobs maintaining and modernizing electric infrastructure in rural communities across the Southern Tier. I will continue to fight to deliver the funding to help our rural electric co-ops get the support they need to power this vital resource for rural communities across the Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley.” “Delaware County Electric Cooperative (DCEC) is appreciative of this federal investment from the Appalachian Regional Commission and Senator Schumer’s strong support of our efforts to provide training to critical infrastructure workers, in partnership with SUNY Delhi. Not only will this training help new and existing electrical line workers be better prepared to meet New York’s nation leading climate goals, it will help prepare broadband line workers to continue to make high speed internet available to communities in rural parts of our state. As beneficial electrification and broadband goals are reached across New York state, there will be an increased dependency on our electrical grid and critical infrastructure, requiring that highly trained, skilled workers are well prepared to get the job done,” said John Gasstrom, CEO/General Manager of the Delaware County Electric Cooperative. “Senator Schumer has delivered significant federal investment for the Southern Tier, including millions to upgrade our energy infrastructure and deploy high-speed broadband to unserved households. The line-worker training program by DCEC and SUNY Delhi is an example of an innovative workforce development solution that will help our region take full advantage of the opportunity made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As an Appalachian Regional Commission Local Development District, Southern Tier 8 is proud to support this federal investment to help improve workforce readiness and prepare workers for high-quality jobs in New York’s rural communities,” said Jen Gregory, Executive Director of the Southern Tier 8 Regional Board. “This grant is an exciting next step to expand the partnership between DCEC and SUNY Delhi. Together we strive to become the education and training leader for New York’s utility and electrical operations workforce. We are grateful to Senator Schumer for his commitment to economic growth in our region,” said Dr. Mary Bonderoff, Acting President of SUNY Delhi. “Thank you to Senator Schumer, DCEC, and SUNY Delhi for their efforts. I look forward to the training and working with the college and the co-op to prepare the line-workers of the future,” said Dan Addy, Business Manager for IBEW Local 10. Schumer explained that the DCEC is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving more than 4,800 member-owners in the rural counties of Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, and Chenango in Upstate New York. An electric cooperative is a not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric power provider. Rural electric cooperatives were created to address service gaps in rural communities after it became evident that investor-owned utilities were unlikely to extend electrification to rural areas. There are approximately 900 rural electric co-ops in the U.S., with several rural electric cooperatives in New York including Delaware, Oneida-Madison, Otsego, and Steuben. DCEC’s program, officially titled “Building a Skilled Workforce to Construct and Maintain Core Critical Electric and Broadband Infrastructure,” will utilize this federal funding to provide structured training needed to maintain core critical infrastructure in rural communities. The program will offer in-demand workforce training opportunities for both new and existing line-workers, and support outreach events in collaboration with workforce development organizations to showcase jobs opportunities. The proposal will also help to address workforce needs in both the electric and telecommunications industries, building on other efforts in the region intended to help meet current and future workforce demands, such as the two-year electrical construction and utility operations degree program administered by SUNY Delhi. SUNY Delhi's AAS and AOS programs in Electrical Construction and Utility Operations focus on hands-on skills training in both residential and commercial wiring systems, overhead and underground utility installations, pole-climbing techniques, current construction standards and practices, as well as critical safety standards and risk aversion. Graduates of the program have 100% job placement in the industry with higher than average entry-level salaries. Schumer added that the successful completion of this project will result in the creation of 4 to 5 full-time equivalent training positions, as well as 1 to 2 full-time equivalent administrative positions, to provide continuing training to industry and support the SUNY Delhi programs. As the need for utility line-workers continues to grow throughout the nation, DCEC expects that more educational institutions will want to use the program as a model and that the results of this project will be transferrable to other communities across Upstate New York. In addition, the co-op expects hundreds of students and workers to have skills improved through this program. During the project period, it is estimated that more than 200 students and workers will be served, putting hundreds of workers on a path to good-paying jobs in this industry. New workers trained through this program would potentially qualify to join the IBEW union, securing high-quality jobs locally, while current industry professionals would be able to advance to higher scales within the line-worker progression. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, utility workers have an average salary of over $65,000 per year with opportunities for quick advancement. In 2021, Schumer negotiated and secured $1 billion for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to be dispersed over the next five years. This significant boost in funding will be used to support economic development, infrastructure, workforce, and other community development projects as well as programs intended to improve the quality of life, stimulate business growth, and create good-paying job opportunities in local communities like those in Delaware County and across the Southern Tier. Schumer also secured nearly $11 billion in grants and loan opportunities in the Inflation Reduction Act to help rural energy and utility providers bring affordable, reliable clean energy to their communities across the country. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments, focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community, capacity, and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. New York State receives an allocation of resources from the ARC each year to fund area development in NYS’s 14-county Appalachian Region. The New York counties are represented by one of three Local Development Districts: Southern Tier West (STW) based in Salamanca, NY and comprised of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties; Southern Tier Central (STC) based in Corning, NY and comprised of Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties; and Southern Tier 8 in Binghamton, NY and comprised of Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Tioga and Tompkins counties. A copy of Schumer’s letter of support to the Appalachian Regional Commission appears below: Dear Co-Chair Connelly Manchin: I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the Delaware County Electric Cooperative (DCEC) to the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. DCEC is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving more than 4,800 member-owners in the rural counties of Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, and Chenango in Upstate New York. The Delaware County Electric Cooperative has submitted two applications for your consideration. The first, a planning grant, requests $50,000 to conduct a comprehensive study about the requirements to develop a line-worker training center in Delaware County. The second, an implementation grant, requests $400,000 to develop training curriculum and acquire supplies for an advanced line-worker training program. Federal investment from ARC would allow DCEC to train hundreds of workers for good-paying, union jobs in Appalachian communities. I am proud to have secured billions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law to strengthen and modernize America’s power grid. This historic investment will create and support high-quality American jobs building energy transmission lines, upgrading telecommunications infrastructure, and manufacturing clean energy technologies needed to power the economy. Therefore, it is crucial that targeted federal investments are made to support collaborative, cross-sector workforce development solutions like that proposed by DCEC. I applaud the Delaware County Electric Cooperative and their local partners for their foresight and sincerely hope the application is met with your approval. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my grants coordinator at (202) 224-6542. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/statements-from-the-second-bipartisan-senate-forum-on-artificial-intelligence,Statements From The Second Bipartisan Senate Forum On Artificial Intelligence,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Todd Young (R-IN) hosted a second AI Insight Forum with a diverse group of experts on AI Innovation. Below are the statements made at the forum: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Opening Statement Closing Statement Marc Andreessen – Andreessen Horowitz, Co-founder & General Partner Ylli Bajraktari – SCSP, President & CEO Amanda Ballantyne – AFL-CIO Technology Institute, Director Manish Bhatia – Micron, Executive Vice President Stella Biderman – EleutherAI, Executive Director Austin Carson – SeedAI, Founder & President Steve Case – Revolution, Chairman & CEO Patrick Collison – Stripe, Co-founder & CEO John Doerr – Kleiner Perkins, Chairman Jodi Forlizzi – Carnegie Mellon University, Professor Aidan Gomez – Cohere, Co-founder & CEO Derrick Johnson – NAACP, President & CEO Sean McClain – AbSci, Founder & CEO Alondra Nelson – Institute for Advanced Study, Professor Kofi Nyarko – Morgan State University, Professor Alexandra Reeve Givens – Center for Democracy and Technology, President & CEO Rafael Reif – MIT, Former President Evan Smith – Altana Technologies, Co-founder & CEO Max Tegmark – Future of Life Institute, President",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-that-following-his-all-out-effort-binghamton-wins-prestigious-federal-tech-hub-designation_from-his-chips-and-science-bill--to-become-the-nations-next-hub-for-battery-innovation-research--manufacturing,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES THAT FOLLOWING HIS ALL-OUT EFFORT, BINGHAMTON WINS PRESTIGIOUS FEDERAL TECH HUB DESIGNATION — FROM HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE BILL — TO BECOME THE NATION’S NEXT HUB FOR BATTERY INNOVATION,...",2023-10-24,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Championed Binghamton’s Proposal, Helping It To Become 1 Of Only 31 Regions Across Nation To Receive Highly Competitive Tech Hub Designation After Schumer’s Relentless Advocacy, Binghamton University Secured A Historic $113+M Last Year To Establish A Battery Technology & Manufacturing Hub In The Southern Tier; Now, Because Of Tech Hubs Competition Schumer Created In His CHIPS & Science Bill, Binghamton Has Been Officially Recognized As The Region To Lead the Nation in Battery Innovation Schumer: With Tech Hub Designation, Binghamton Has Been Officially Recognized As The Core Of Innovation For America’s Battery Belt After delivering an unprecedented federal investment to jumpstart Binghamton’s growing battery hub last year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced Binghamton University’s New Energy New York (NENY) project has just won the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation, which he created in the CHIPS & Science Act, accelerating the Southern Tier’s emergence as America’s next battery tech hub. Binghamton will now be part of an exclusive group, comprised of only 31 regions in America, with the opportunity to compete for significant federal funding to transform Upstate NY into the core of America’s battery belt. “For months you could feel the electricity and excitement in Binghamton over the growing battery industry, but today lightning has struck and I am proud to announce the region has officially won the prestigious federal designation as America’s next battery Tech Hub. Binghamton University, its partners, and I have worked hand-in-hand to bring this idea to life, and now the ultimate recognition of the Southern Tier as the home to the future of our nation’s battery innovation has become a reality,” said Senator Schumer. “I created the Tech Hubs program in my CHIPS & Science Bill, always with Upstate NY in mind, because I knew with federal investment we could write a new chapter for Upstate NY. With Tech Hubs we can breathe new life into our cities with the industries of the future. And nowhere is that more true than in Binghamton.” Schumer added, “Binghamton’s growing battery hub continues to show they can compete with the best of the best in the country and come out on top, and now the federal government has said so officially for the entire world to see, with the Tech Hubs designation highlighting the region as one of only a few in the country primed to be the next Silicon Valley in critical technology. America must lead in developing the future of battery technology, and today the federal government has said Binghamton is how we can get there.” “Thank you Senator Schumer for all that you have done to get New Energy New York (NENY) to become America's Battery Tech Hub. We would not be here today without you,"" said Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger. ""NENY's designation as an EDA Tech Hub is a momentous day in the history of the University, the coalition, as well across the Southern Tier of New York. With his designation, Binghamton and the region will only grow as global leaders in energy storage solutions and will continue to be a driving force working towards a sustainable and secure energy future."" ""I am so heartened to see how our University's and region's focus on batteries and energy storage solutions--something I've dedicated my entire professional life to-- has achieved this level of attention and support from our federal government,"" said Distinguished Professor and Nobel Laureate Stan Whittingham. ""Thank you Senator Schumer for your vision and unwavering advocacy. This Tech Hub designation is just what is needed to take our coalition's work to the next level and beyond. I am confident we will become the clean energy hub for the United States.” Schumer said that following his advocacy efforts to the Commerce Department, Binghamton University beat out hundreds of applications from 48 states and was one of only 31 regions chosen for the Tech Hub designation. Schumer originally proposed the Tech Hubs program years ago as part of his bipartisan Endless Frontier Act with Upstate NY in mind to help bring critical industries back from overseas to communities that have great potential to lead in new technologies and finally was able to create the Regional Tech Hubs competition in his CHIPS & Science Bill. The program, which Schumer designed to strengthen a region’s capacity to commercialize, manufacture, and grow technology in key focus areas like batteries, will now bolster Binghamton’s efforts to spur innovation and bring the manufacturing of batteries back to America, all while supporting the economic resurgence of the Southern Tier. The NENY proposal will now be able to compete for tens of millions of dollars in federal funding in Phase 2 for an Implementation Grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Schumer secured an initial infusion of $500 million in last year’s spending bill to jumpstart the Tech Hubs competition, from which Phase 2 awards will be made. EDA expects to make at least 5 implementation awards with the remaining available funding to designated Tech Hubs. The CHIPS & Science Bill included a $10 billion authorization for the Tech Hubs program – meaning that designated Tech Hubs will be able to compete for significantly more investment based off future funding levels. Schumer said this designation will supercharge the Southern Tier’s momentum by boosting NENY’s efforts. ""The Tech Hub designation will allow NENY to strengthen its efforts focused on U.S. supply chains, attracting startups and companies to the region, creating good-paying jobs, and expanding workforce training programs. These efforts are made possible with the expansion of the NENY's coalition to a 68-member private-public consortium including Binghamton University, Cornell University, SUNY Broome Community College, Broome County, NY-BEST, iM3NY, The Raymond Corporation, The Agency, The Community Foundation of SCNY and the Southern Tier 8 Regional Board, among other supporting partners and external mission-aligned organizations"" says NENY Tech Hub Consortium Lead and Associate Vice President of Innovation and Economic Development Per Stromhaug. According to Binghamton University, the effort is projected to have billions of dollars in regional economic impact and create thousands of good-paying jobs. Schumer has long been fighting to secure federal investment to boost Binghamton’s battery manufacturing and R&D. One of Schumer’s first major acts as majority leader was leading the American Rescue Plan to passage to both bolster America’s response to the pandemic, and boost the long-term economic recovery of regions that needed it most through programs like the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge. As the Regional Challenge program was stood up and Binghamton University developed its battery hub proposal for federal funding, Schumer began personally advocating to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo for the selection of the Southern Tier for major federal investment. In December 2021, following Schumer’s advocacy, Binghamton’s project was selected as a Phase 1 awardee out of over 500 applications from around the country to compete for a final award. In April 2022, Schumer personally visited the Southern Tier to double down on his advocacy, standing with Dr. Whittingham, to reiterate his support and urge federal leaders to select Binghamton as a final Regional Challenge awardee. In June 2022, Schumer, Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger, and Dr. Whittingham, all joined forces and penned a joint op-ed on the importance of bolstering battery technology for America’s future to again try to elevate the profile of the project. Finally in September 2022, Schumer secured Binghamton’s spot as a final awardee, with a $63.7 million federal investment, one of the largest grants made in the competition, which was matched by $50 million in funding from New York State, to help make the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes a national hub for battery research and manufacturing. Schumer also brought U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Alejandra Castillo, to Binghamton, to show the Biden administration firsthand the potential the Southern Tier has to be a national leader as a hub for battery innovation. Additionally, Schumer brought Dr. Whittingham as his guest to this year’s State of the Union to highlight Binghamton’s national leadership in battery technology. Most recently, Schumer also revealed that Binghamton University’s NENY project advanced to the next round of consideration for up to a $160 million grant award through in the National Science Foundation’s Regional “Innovation Engines” Competition (NSF Engines), which was created by his CHIPS & Science Bill. Schumer has launched an all-out effort advocating to the NSF that they select NENY for this final investment. The NSF recently conducted a site visit to Binghamton’s campus and awards are expected within the coming months. A copy of Schumer’s letter of support to the Department of Commerce Secretary Raimondo advocating for their designation as a Tech Hub can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-following-his-all-out-effort-buffalo-rochester-syracuse-region-wins-prestigious-federal-tech-hub-designation-from-his-chips-and-science-bill-to-become-americas-semiconductor-superhighway,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FOLLOWING HIS ALL OUT EFFORT, BUFFALO-ROCHESTER-SYRACUSE REGION WINS PRESTIGIOUS FEDERAL TECH HUB DESIGNATION FROM HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE BILL TO BECOME AMERICA’S SEMICONDUCTOR...",2023-10-23,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Created Regional Tech Hubs Competition And Championed Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse To Help Them Become 1 Of Only 31 Regions Across Nation To Receive Tech Hub Designation Out Of Hundreds Of Applications– Opening Up Exclusive Opportunity For Significant Federal $$$ To Boost Semiconductor Workforce And Critical Supply Chains In Upstate NY Schumer Pulled Out All The Stops To Land Tech Hub Designation For Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse To Help Attract New Companies From Across America With National Spotlight On Upstate NY, Train Future Tech Workforce, And Advance Next Frontier Of R&D Schumer: With Official Tech Hub Designation, Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse Region Is Primed To Become America’s Next Semiconductor Superhighway! After years of relentless advocacy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region has just won the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation he created in the CHIPS & Science Act, putting Upstate NY further on the road to becoming America’s semiconductor superhighway. Schumer pulled out all the stops to bolster the tri-city region to beat out hundreds of other applications in the nationwide competition. The proposal called the “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub” will build on the historic investments Schumer delivered that have spurred a boom in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation across Upstate NY and with today’s designation, will now be in an exclusive group of only 31 regions in America to compete for potentially billions in federal funding to transform Upstate NY as a global hub for workforce training, innovation, and manufacturing of semiconductor technology. “Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse are officially on the road to becoming America’s semiconductor superhighway. I created this program with Upstate NY in mind, and now three of our own cities that helped build America, have not only won the exclusive federal Tech Hub designation for semiconductors, but also won a once in a generation opportunity to write a new chapter for Upstate NY building our nation’s future. This 3 region Tech Hub will hit the gas on NY’s booming chips industry by attracting new companies, training our workforce for tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and bringing manufacturing in this critical industry back from overseas to right here in Upstate NY,” said Senator Schumer. “I pulled out all the stops to land this Tech Hub Designation for my great home state – making the case that bringing together these three cities and giving them the resources to combine forces would create an unstoppable engine that will rev the region’s industries to life and make Upstate NY a global center for semiconductors. With this Tech Hubs Designation highlighting the region as one of only a few in the country primed to be the next Silicon Valley in critical technology, combined with federal funding now flooding this triple threat region, America’s semiconductor manufacturing industry truly couldn’t be in better hands.” Schumer originally proposed the Tech Hubs program years ago as part of the bipartisan Endless Frontier Act with Upstate NY in mind to help bring critical industries back from overseas in communities that have great potential to lead in new technologies and finally was able to create the Regional Tech Hubs competition in his CHIPS & Science Bill. Schumer has been a tireless advocate for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region proposal, personally writing and calling Commerce Secretary Raimondo multiple times to make the case that Upstate NY is best suited to help drive forward the nation’s semiconductor and broader microelectronics industries. Schumer said that the three-region consortium beat out hundreds of applications and was one of only 31 regions chosen for the Tech Hub designation. The NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub proposal will now be able to compete for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $50 and $75 million in each of 5 to 10 Designated Hubs. Schumer secured an initial infusion of $500 million in last year’s spending bill to jumpstart the Tech Hubs competition, from which Phase 2 awards will be made. The CHIPS & Science Bill included a $10 billion authorization for the Tech Hubs program – meaning that designated Tech Hubs will be able to compete for significantly more investment based off future funding levels. Schumer said that with this designation, the NY SMART I-Corridor will bring together the combined assets of Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse to help the region become a globally-recognized semiconductor manufacturing hub in the next decade, with innovation focused on improving the quality and quantity of semiconductor manufacturing and, along with it, amplifying the region’s microelectronics and microchip supply chain ecosystem. The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse consortium includes over 80 members from across the public sector, industry, higher-ed, economic and workforce development, and labor. This includes over 22 industry groups and firms, 20 economic development organizations, 8 labor & workforce training organizations, and 10 institutions of higher learning. This application development process was led by three designated conveners, one from each region: The John R. Oishei Foundation in Buffalo, ROC2025 in Rochester, and CenterState CEO in Syracuse. Specifically, the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub proposal seeks to propel the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor by attracting new suppliers to the region, including onshoring companies from overseas, advancing research & development programs for the semiconductor industry, training the next generation of Upstate New York’s manufacturing workforce, and specifically helping ensure that underserved populations are connected to the tens thousands of good-paying jobs expected to be created in this growing industry in the region. Schumer has been preparing Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse for this opportunity, working relentlessly to boost Upstate New York as a global tech leader. Schumer’s tireless advocacy has resulted in billions in proposed investments from the semiconductor industry spurred by his Chips & Science Bill. In the Syracuse region alone, Micron has announced plans to invest an historic $100 billion to build a cutting-edge memory fab expected to create nearly 50,000 jobs. In Western NY, Edwards Vacuum will invest $300+ million to build a 600 job U.S. dry pump manufacturing facility to supply the semiconductor industry. With Schumer’s direct advocacy, Buffalo has already received $25 million for its growing tech industry through the American Recue Plan’s Build Back Better Challenge, laying the foundation for the Tech Hub designation they have now secured. In the Rochester region, Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry, has already invested $139 million in Monroe County – creating over 270 new, good-paying jobs in the Finger Lakes region. Members of the consortium include semiconductor manufacturers and supply chain business like Micron, INFICON, Corning, Optimax, AMD, TTM Technologies, Saab, Akoustis, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, Edwards Vacuum, Linde, Lifatec and SRC; business organizations like NY Photonics with 120-member companies, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) with 85-member companies, Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance (BNMA), and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce; education and research institutions like University of Buffalo, University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Monroe Community College, Syracuse University, Cornell , SUNY Oswego, SUNY ESF, SUNY EOC, and Onondaga Community College; workforce development partners like Centerstate CEO, Northland Workforce Training Center, RochesterWorks, RMAPI, UNiCON, WNY Area Labor Federation, Central-Northern New York Building and Construction Trades Council, IBEW Local 43, and many more. A copy of Schumer’s letter of support to the Department of Commerce Secretary Raimondo can be found here. Industry, workforce, and government leaders from across the Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse regions have all gathered in celebration, and applauded Schumer’s efforts in successfully pushing for the designation: ""Building on our nation-leading Green CHIPS legislation, our historic agreement to bring Micron to New York, and major investments in fast-growing sectors like advanced manufacturing, this federal designation brings our state even closer to creating a hub for growth, innovation, and prosperity upstate,"" Governor Hochul said. ""Thanks to the Biden administration, Majority Leader Schumer, and the rest of the New York delegation, these federal Tech Hubs at New Energy New York and along NY SMART's I-Corridor will allow us to continue building our thriving tech sector, protect national security, and provide good-paying, 21st century jobs for generations of New Yorkers."" ""This is an unprecendented opportunity for Western New York, Rochester and Syracuse. By joining forces to create the NY SMART I-Corridor, collectively we will enhance our existing assets and capabilities to propel our larger region into global leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, developing the broader US microelectronics industry within the next decade. We are grateful for the unparalleled leadership of Senator Chuck Schumer and Congressman Brian Higgins who have advocated tirelessly for federal support of our manufacturing sector, as well as our other elected leaders and community partners who continually support collaborative efforts,” said Henry Cialone, President & CEO of EWI. “Northland Workforce Training Center (NWTC) is excited to pursue Tech Hub designation as a member of the newly established “New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation-Corridor (NY SMART I-Corridor)”. This initiative comprised of stakeholders in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse (BRS), is singularly positioned to rapidly address vulnerabilities in US semiconductor manufacturing at the intersection of high-performance computing and advanced manufacturing technology. I’d like to thank Senator Schumer for his leadership and advocacy for all New Yorkers as he propels our region and State into global leadership in semiconductor manufacturing within the next decade.” Stephen Tucker, President & CEO, NWTC. “This is a great day for Buffalo and Western New York,” said University at Buffalo President Satish K. Tripathi. “UB looks forward to continued collaboration with our consortium partners, and we are excited to leverage our expertise in semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and supply-chain management to accelerate semi-conductor manufacturing in the U.S. and enhance national security, all while preparing our students to power the professional workforce of the 21st century. On behalf of our entire university community, I would like to thank Senate Majority Leader Schumer for his visionary leadership and Representative Higgins for his enduring support of the University at Buffalo.” Peter De Jesús Jr., President of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO stated, “The workers of Western New York–over 145,00 of them being members of our labor federation–are thrilled to move our region forward from its Rust Belt manufacturing roots to a leading innovator in semiconductor production. Our commitment to this consortium is bolstered by the far-reaching opportunities and benefits that this project will provide to working families today, and for generations to come, including jobs, living wages, and community-sustaining downstream economic effects. We are embracing this occasion’s promise to revitalize our region’s working class and advance the cause of social and racial justice in the tech sector. As always, we stand ready to work together with all our partners who seek to empower and improve the lives of working people.” Christina Orsi, President of the John R. Oishei Foundation said, “This designation as one of the top Techhub’s in the Country validates what we can accomplish when we come together from all backgrounds and sectors to unify around a shared vision for growth, innovation and economic mobility. Without Senator Schumer’s leadership in initiating this program and unwavering support of our region, this would not have happened. This is what collaboration looks like and how it pays off. This builds on incredible assets across Buffalo-Rochester & Syracuse’s SMART Corridor to accelerate our growth in a way that ensures economic prosperity for everyone.” Dottie Gallagher, President & CEO, Buffalo Niagara Partnership said, “The Department of Commerce’s designation as a federal Tech Hub offers our region one of the most defining opportunities of my lifetime. By advancing a truly regional plan across Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, we have laid the groundwork to open the NY SMART I-Corridor to significant federal investment and position our region to play a leading role in our nation’s quest to increase domestic manufacturing of semiconductors as both an economic engine and a national security imperative. We should celebrate not only this designation, but the unprecedented collaboration among the NY SMART I-Corridor consortium that made it possible. It sets the bar for how we should be approaching economic development moving forward. I want to applaud Senate Majority Leader Schumer for championing the effort of diversifying the allocation of federal technology funding from the very beginning and thank our region’s federal delegation for its strong support of this effort.” “Senator Schumer strongly championed the vision of the NY SMART I-Corridor consortium. Tech hub designation for this Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor sets our region up to be a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, creating even more pivotal pathways to technical careers that empower and uplift families and communities,” said Sarah Tanbakuchi-Ripa, TechBuffalo’s President and CEO. “This grant will go a long way to driving innovation here in upstate New York. As a result of these funds and innovation, this will means thousands of new good manufacturing jobs. Our region is grateful to Senators Schumer and the other legislators who got this over the finish line,” said Peter Ahrens, Executive Director Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance. “Home to more than 20 colleges and universities, robust workforce training programs, a vibrant STEM field, and a long history as a hardworking manufacturing community, Western New York is uniquely positioned to support the production of semiconductors in our nation,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “Thanks to the dedicated work of public and private partners in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, our region is officially designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce as one of 31 Tech Hubs across the nation. Made possible by the historic CHIPS and Science Act, this designation demonstrates the confidence in the infrastructure we have already built to support technology, innovation, and manufacturing and also recognizes the potential we already see in our growing workforce. It is yet another investment in a vibrant future for Western New York.” “Erie County is proud of the long hours and hard work put in by our own staff, as well as our partners in government, academia, industry, labor, and the non-profit sector in submitting this ultimately successful NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub application,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “I’ve said many times that Erie County can compete with anywhere in the world, but it is even more exciting when we work together with our regional partners. The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor is already linked through history, culture, and commerce, and we are excited to take that collaboration even further as we become one of the national and international leaders in semiconductor manufacturing, research, and innovation,” continued Poloncarz. “I especially want to thank Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Brian Higgins, and my county executive colleagues, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. This is a great day for Western and Central New York.” “After years of hard work, our region has been awarded Tech Hub designation, and I could not be prouder,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This historic federal commitment will power our local innovation economy, create jobs, and fortify our position as a leader in the global tech landscape. I am incredibly grateful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues from the New York delegation – together we are leveraging the unique economic strengths of our regions to pioneer the industries of tomorrow and secure our nation's technological future.” Bob Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce said, “Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to be part of the team that put together the framework necessary to advance us to this next phase of the Regional Tech Hub initiative, and we are deeply grateful for the advocacy of Senator Schumer, Congressman Morelle, and every teammate who made this success a reality. Today’s wonderful news is the culmination of a months-long effort involving dozens of partners from Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse, and we look forward to this continued collaboration as we show the Department of Commerce what Upstate New York is made of: unparalleled talent, innovation, and determination.” Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “As the lead business attraction and retention organization for the Greater Rochester, NY region, Greater Rochester Enterprise strongly supports the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub consortium's application as a strategic approach to solidify this region's role as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. Edwards, Corning, AMD, and Optimax are investing in this community because of the talent, university lead R&D assets, and unique concentration of advanced manufacturing, sensing, optics, photonics, and imaging expertise available to support their growth. This Tech Hub designation will also further accelerate Greater Rochester Enterprise's strong track record for attracting new businesses and cultivating the expansion of existing businesses that strengthen our region's robust semiconductor supply chain ecosystem.” Sarah Mangelsdorf, University of Rochester President said, “The University of Rochester is proud to partner with key stakeholders in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse to leverage our collective strengths and assets to be a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. No region is better positioned to become an innovation center, and this collaboration is made possible through the vision and leadership of Senator Schumer and with the critical support of Rep. Morelle. I want to thank them both for their incredible efforts as well as the other members of our delegation for their support. The University is excited to roll up our sleeves to advance the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse Tech Hub application to the next phase so that we can build a more prosperous, inclusive and equitable future for upstate New York that strengthens U.S. national security and global competitiveness.” Wendell P. Weeks, Chairman and CEO, Corning Incorporated said, “As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hyper-pure polysilicon and advanced optics components, Corning is vital to nearly every step of the chip manufacturing process. We're grateful for Majority Leader Schumer’s leadership in implementing the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen the entire domestic semiconductor supply chain, and we are committed to making New York the nation’s leading hub for semiconductor R&D and manufacturing in the United States.” Monroe Community College President DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Ph.D. said, “Monroe Community College is proud to support the efforts of Senator Schumer and Congressman Morelle and Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO Duffy to bring the Federal Semiconductor Tech Hub to the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region. The NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hubs proposal would further advance our booming microchips industry,” said MCC President DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Ph.D. “MCC is well positioned to participate in this innovative collaboration. From our nationally recognized optics program to our extensive workforce training initiatives, we are a vibrant and vital resource for the Rochester area. We emphatically support this proposal, and look forward to partnering with others in our region to educate and train a workforce for the high-tech, high-wage jobs of the 21st century “This initiative has the potential to drive significant economic growth, technological advancement and job creation – not just for this region, but for the entire nation,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “The NY SMART I-Corridor would harness the unique strengths of each city in the consortium and propel this region into a global powerhouse for semiconductor technology. Thank you to Senator Schumer and Congressman Morelle for championing this collaboration.” Joseph Stefko, President of ROC2025 said, “Initial designation as a Regional Tech Hub validates what we have known all along — that our region is poised to lead the way in advancing a key national priority while creating transformational economic opportunity. The NY SMART I-Corridor builds on an unmatched array of assets and undeniable momentum, and offers an historic and unparalleled opportunity to impact our growth. I’m deeply grateful to Senator Schumer, Congressman Morelle, and all our partners for their determined leadership and commitment to this collaboration.” Dave Seeley, Executive Director, RochesterWorks, Inc said, “As we seek game-changing opportunities for economic development in our region, it is equally important to ensure that we are prioritizing the necessary training and workforce development investments that will open doors for thousands of job seekers, particularly those from marginalized communities that are underrepresented in our labor force. We are thrilled to see our region’s Tec Hub application advance. Our thanks to Majority Leader Schumer, Congressman Morelle and the many consortium partners for their continued hard work that will turn this bold vision into a reality.” Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said, “I want to thank Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer for his tireless advocacy for Upstate New York and commend him for his vision in recognizing the tremendous opportunities that the semiconductor industry can bring to our residents,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “The level of private sector investment in this industry that is already underway, combined with the public-sector investments that this designation is sure to generate, will be a game changer for the people of Rochester and our neighbors to the east and west. By positioning our city at the center of the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, Senator Schumer is moving us closer to our vision of creating a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by delivering hope and creating opportunity for everyone.” Mark Papermaster, AMD Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Technology and Engineering said, “We are excited to see the selection of the Rochester area as a Tech Hub. AMD opened our offices in Rochester two years ago because the region provides the necessary mix of skills to meet our future needs. We believe the state, aided by Senator Schumer’s tireless support, is making the right investments to ensure a leadership role in the semiconductor industry.” Tom Battley CEO of NY Photonics Association said, “Convening the combined technology and innovation assets of Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse with the NY SMART I-Corridor is a smart investment. For too long, other regions of the country and the globe have benefited from the innovative technologies generated within our region and established manufacturing assets overseas. Western New York optics and photonics companies are eager to play an important role in the Biden administration’s investment in American semiconductor technologies and to help the region become a globally-recognized semiconductor manufacturing hub over the next decade. There is no region in the world with better training and education resources to meet the demand. This investment will pay dividends for the nation and for Western New York.” “Through this transformative opportunity, we are planning to work alongside other educational institutions, business partners, and economic development agencies to prepare the next generation of students to lead the semiconductor industry,” said RIT President David Munson. “Thanks to the efforts of Senator Schumer and Congressman Morelle, and other legislators from the local to the federal level, we are positioned to help expand workforce training and connect underserved communities to ensure they are part of the pipeline that will drive our nation’s chip industry for years to come.” Sam Mehta L3Harris Technologies President, Communication Systems said, “L3Harris is proud to support Senator Chuck Schumer’s and Congressman Joe Morelle’s leadership to advance the CHIPS & Science Bill and applaud their efforts to increase innovation and manufacturing investments in the Rochester-Buffalo-Syracuse regions. As a long-standing employer in Rochester’s high-tech industry, L3Harris is proud to be a member of the Tech Hub Consortium and excited to see this area become a globally recognized powerhouse of semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing.” Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra: As a member of the NY SMART I-Corridor consortium, Micron welcomes the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region’s designation as a tech hub, accelerating the future of innovation in Upstate New York. When Micron selected Clay, NY as the location of the megafab that will manufacture our industry-leading memory technology in the United States, we anticipated that our transformational investment would help to inspire other technology leaders to choose New York. We see the potential for the region's semiconductor ecosystem to grow, driven by the powerful investments Micron plans to make alongside the State of New York and other local and federal partners in workforce development and R&D advancement. Micron looks forward to the continued strengthening of the nation’s semiconductor ecosystem with the support of the CHIPS and Science Act, under which we have applied for the federal funding necessary to make our $100B+ investment in Central New York possible. Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S. said, “Saab is thrilled that Upstate New York was selected as a federally designated Tech Hub. As a company headquartered in Syracuse, Saab knows first-hand that our region is well suited to lead the future of the U.S. chip industry. With a strong foundation of engineering, microelectronics, and national security related industries, our region is home to an exceptionally skilled workforce. Thanks to Senator Schumer’s leadership on this issue, Upstate New York is ready to lead the nation in this field.” Rob Simpson, President and CEO of CenterState CEO said, “the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hubs designation offers an historic, unparalleled chance to drive growth and expand economic opportunities for all of our residents from Buffalo to Syracuse and beyond. Securing this highly competitive award is an acknowledgement by the federal government of the leading-edge nature of the corridor’s combined assets and cements this region’s place within the global semiconductor industry. Building on our historic manufacturing prowess and expertise in microelectronics, sensing and optics, the NY SMART I-Corridor will make outsized contributions to national security and American competitiveness. As the federal Tech Hubs program was authorized under the Chips and Science Act, it’s important to recognize Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer for his steadfast leadership, vison and partnership that has brought yet another major opportunity to New York state. This designation is just the beginning of our work with our partners in Rochester and Buffalo and I am excited to bear witness to all that we are bound to achieve together.” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, ""Thanks to Senator Schumer's CHIPS and Sciences Act, Micron’s historic $100 Billion investment is poised to transform Onondaga County into a global powerhouse in semiconductor fabrication and memory manufacturing. Today, we celebrate another tangible milestone in this historic investment with the designation of the NY SMART I-Corridor as a federal Tech Hub."" McMahon continued ""Tech Hubs represent the most promising centers of technology in the United States and this designation validates the high tech renaissance underway from Syracuse to Buffalo and across Upstate New York. The skeptics and naysayers may continue to doubt us every step of the way; but, with an all-star roster of collaborators and the Senate Majority Leader on our team, I am confident that we will prove the doubters wrong and make Onondaga County the home of America’s tech future.” Ben Walsh, Mayor of Syracuse said, “this designation is another indicator that the Syracuse Surge, our strategy for inclusive growth in the New Economy, is working. We are making Syracuse and Upstate New York a world-leading destination for technology investment. I am proud to partner with Mayor Brown, Mayor Evans and their communities as we take the next step toward making Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo one of the top technology hubs in the nation. I thank Majority Leader Schumer for leading the charge for the CHIPS and Science Act and for advocating for our region to advance in the tech hub program.” “TTM Technologies is excited to be involved in the New York SMART I-Corridor Consortium (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation) as we believe the BRS Tech Hub will solidify Central New York’s place as a global leader in microelectronics and the microchip supply chain. Our 1,200 New York State employees (over half of which are in Syracuse) remain committed to the critical national security mission to increase the domestic supply of trusted and secure microelectronics. We’d also like to thank Senate Majority Leader Schumer for his commitment to supporting New York State’s high-tech businesses,” said Catherine Gridley, Executive Vice President & President of the Aerospace & Defense Sector, TTM Technologies. Gregory Lancette, President of the Central and Northern New York Building and Construction Trades Council said, “For generations, the American Dream was built on the backs of labor. Today, across Upstate New York, labor is hard at work casting a new dream that will generate thousands of new jobs, supercharge our nation’s microelectronics industry, and transform a post-industrial rust belt into a hub of global technology leadership. In view of this new dream, the Central New York Building and Construction Trades Council is proud to be collaborating with the exceptional Upstate New York leaders and organizations comprising the BRS Tech Hub. I am honored that the BRS Tech Hub was awarded an official designation by the United States Department of Commerce, and CNNYBCTC stands at the ready to support the NY SMART I-Corridor to the fullest extent possible. On behalf of us all, I would also like to thank Senator Schumer. None of this would be possible without the Senator’s historic CHIPS and Sciences Act, and his tireless efforts fighting for Upstate New York in Washington DC. CNNYBCTC looks forward to supporting Senator Schumer’s efforts to catalyze a high tech future for our region.” “INFICON is thrilled to learn the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse Regional Tech Hub application was successful. Working with our peers across the region during this process has been energizing and we look forward to what the future holds. INFICON is a trusted partner for the global Semiconductor industry and we understand firsthand the importance of the partnerships necessary across the value chain to accelerate Semiconductor roadmaps. The ecosystem in the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor will combine its strong foundation in high demand technologies to develop world class Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research in the region. I would also like to thank Senator Schumer for his hard work in helping to make the Tech Hub initiative a reality and look forward to the continued work ahead to bolster the economic base in this region,” said Hannah Henley, President of INFICON Intelligent Sensor Solutions. “Today’s designation is a critical first step in building out an upstate New York Innovation Corridor that spans advanced manufacturing, R&D, and workforce training and development,” said Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack. “By working together to pull all of our individual institutional and municipal assets into a coordinated EDA Technology Hub, our region is poised to be a pivotal force in the revival and growth of the U.S. semiconductor industry. Cornell is proud to be part of this effort, and looks forward to expanding our contributions in semiconductor materials and manufacturing workforce development. I applaud Senator Schumer’s vision to create the Tech Hubs in the CHIPS and Science Act as part a comprehensive strategy to enhance U.S. competitiveness through research and innovation.” “This designation represents another significant step forward for the Central New York community as partners from around the state and region work to propel our position as an economic and technology incubator,” says Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud. “I am grateful to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and all our elected officials for their relentless efforts to strengthen, transform and advance the economic prosperity and vitality of our region. Syracuse University is proud to support this Tech Hub designation and looks forward to our continued collaboration with partners throughout the state and in Central New York.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-national-grid-awarded-nearly-50-million-through-bipartisan-infrastructure-and-jobs-law-to-improve-grid-resiliency-create-good-paying-jobs-and-integrate-more-clean-energy-into-electric-infrastructure-across-upstate-ny,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NATIONAL GRID AWARDED NEARLY $50 MILLION THROUGH BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE & JOBS LAW TO IMPROVE GRID RESILIENCY, CREATE GOOD PAYING JOBS AND INTEGRATE MORE CLEAN ENERGY INTO...",2023-10-19,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Supercharged The Department Of Energy’s Resiliency Programs With Billions In New Funding In The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law So Communities Across Upstate NY Could Supercharge Electric Grid Resiliency And Reliability With New Funding, National Grid Plans To Implement New Digital Tech Across Upstate NY & Massachusetts To More Easily Integrate Clean Energy Resources While Boosting Resiliency Of Power Grid And Strengthening Workforce Training Programs Across The State Schumer: Our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law Is Powering A Cleaner, More Resilient Power Grid Across Upstate NY! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced $49,642,758 through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program for National Grid to supercharge the implementation of clean energy and boost the resiliency of Upstate NY’s power grid, as well as Massachusetts. Schumer explained that this major federal investment is powered by the historic funds he secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law and will help communities across NY implement new digital technology that improves electric system resilience, reliability, improving control over electric systems, and helping incorporate more clean energy into Upstate NY’s power grid. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law is about to supercharge National Grid’s efforts to modernize our electric infrastructure, helping integrate more clean energy, and making our power grid more resilient,” said Senator Schumer. “When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage, it was the win-win-win of life-saving investments in grid resilience, creating good paying jobs, and that promoting clean energy that I had top of mind. I am proud to help deliver this major federal investment to power Upstate NY’s clean energy future and power the future of New York’s electric infrastructure.” “We’re excited to deliver The Future Grid Project to deploy innovative technology solutions for our New York customers,” said Rudy Wynter, President of National Grid, New York. “This project will not only ensure improved reliability and resilience to our grid, it will enable the connection of more solar and battery storage resources. It will create good-paying clean energy jobs, while also helping to meet our state’s decarbonization goals. We appreciate this federal support on top of National Grid’s investment, creating a true private-public partnership that will benefit our customers.” Schumer explained that National Grid’s proposal, officially titled ‘the Future Grid Project,’ will use $140 million to implement innovative new technology to provide better grid monitoring and control, improving resiliency and allowing for new clean energy technology across the power grid in Upstate NY and in Massachusetts. The nearly $50 million federal investment will be complimented by a $90 million investment by National Grid. Specifically, the Future Grid project will improve visibility of the electric distribution system to grid operators, to help quickly rebalance the system with autonomous controls, through data analytics, software, and sensors; enhance interoperability and data architecture of the systems that support two-way flow of both electric power and localized analytics; and aggregate and integrate distributed energy resources (DER), such as solar and energy storage. These investments will promote greater integration of clean energy and grid enhancing technologies that will benefit ratepayers and disadvantaged communities across New York and Massachusetts. The project will also allow National Grid to build upon existing workforce development partnerships with $4 million dedicated for community benefit initiatives, including STEM-focused workforce development programs at places like Hudson Valley Community College, Northland Workforce Training Center, and SUNY Syracuse EOC. More information on the project can be found here. Established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office is administering a historic $10.5 billion investment via the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program to enhance grid flexibility, improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change, and ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity when and where they need it. These programs will accelerate the deployment of transformative projects that will help to ensure the reliability of the power sector’s infrastructure, so all American communities have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity anytime, anywhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-jamestown-awarded-17-million-through-bipartisan-infrastructure-and-jobs-law-to-power-up-new-microgrid-for-reliable-affordable-electricity-downtown-create-new-good-paying-union-jobs-and-improve-grid-resiliency-for-broader-jamestown-community-in-extreme-weather,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES JAMESTOWN AWARDED $17+ MILLION THROUGH BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE & JOBS LAW TO POWER UP NEW MICROGRID FOR RELIABLE AFFORDABLE ELECTRICITY DOWNTOWN, CREATE NEW GOOD PAYING UNION JOBS,...",2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Supercharged The Department Of Energy’s Resiliency Programs With Billions In New Funding In The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law So Communities Like Those In WNY Could Supercharge Their Power Grids To Better Withstand Extreme Snow And Weather With New Funding, Jamestown Plans To Build New Microgrid – Powered By Local IBEW Union Workforce – To Mitigate Power Outages, And Ensure Life Saving Electricity Can Continue To Flow In Emergencies To The Downtown, Hospitals, Schools, & More Schumer: Our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law Is Powering A More Resilient And Reliable Electric Grid In Jamestown! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced $17,377,945 through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program for the Jamestown Board Of Public Utilities (JBPU) to create a new microgrid system. Schumer explained that this major federal investment is powered by the historic investments he secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law and will help Jamestown improve their electric infrastructure to alleviate power outages and provide electricity for public services, schools, hospital and more during emergency situations like snowstorms. “Get ready Jamestown, because our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law is supercharging investment into the city’s energy resilience. Anyone in Western New York knows how snowstorms often pose a severe risk to our electric grids, knocking out power for days and putting lives at risk. This $17+ million federal boost will help Jamestown build a new microgrid so electricity can continue to flow for public services, schools, the city’s hospital and more during emergency situations,” said Senator Schumer. “When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage, it was the win-win-win of life-saving investments in grid resilience – like those Jamestown has proposed – that simultaneously create good paying jobs locally, and promote affordable electricity that I had top of mind. I am proud to help deliver this major federal investment to power Jamestown’s electric future and supercharge the infrastructure Western NY needs to keep our communities safe in extreme weather.” “For over 100 years, Jamestown’s BPU has been at the forefront of providing resilient, reliable electricity to the residents of our city – even in the most extreme weather events. With this Bipartisan Infrastructure Law announcement and the creation of the Jamestown Community Microgrid Project through a $17 million investment, we will continue that tradition and have never been more equipped to limit outages and ensure that our public services continue running smoothly in times of crisis,” said Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist. “Not only will the microgrid support our city and enable life-saving energy to be accessed during the times it’s needed most, it will be developed entirely by our local workforce. Our people are our greatest asset and with the BPU’s commitment to hire 100% unionized labor, every dollar from this grant will remain within the city. We thank the Department of Energy, the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, and Senator Schumer for their continued belief and tireless advocacy for this investment in Jamestown.” “We are extremely grateful to the Department of Energy for this remarkable award,” stated BPU General Manager David L. Leathers. “Federal funding of our microgrid project allows us the opportunity to deliver reliable and resilient electricity in the case of a widespread outage, directly impacting our customers and our community. We look forward to working with the Department of Energy to finalize this work.” Schumer explained that The Jamestown Community Microgrid Project will provide the city with the resources needed to deliver a reliable and resilient electricity grid to the downtown corridor and broader community during regional power outages. The microgrid will enable life-saving energy to be delivered during the severe snowstorms that often hit the city, boosting public and emergency services, schools, senior and assisted-living housing facilities, homeless shelters, small businesses, electric vehicle charging stations, and the regional hospital in the City of Jamestown. The JPBU aims to hire 100% unionized labor throughout the duration of the project supporting IBEW Local Unions 106 and 459, as well as the Jamestown Professional Firefighters Association Local 137. The project includes a $17,377,945 federal cost share, matched with a $5,792,648 local cost share. The senator this critical project will be vital for providing resilient electricity to critical infrastructure and public services to mitigate power outages for extreme weather including heavy lake-effect snowstorms. Established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office is administering a historic $10.5 billion investment via the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program to enhance grid flexibility, improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change, and ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity when and where they need it. These programs will accelerate the deployment of transformative projects that will help to ensure the reliability of the power sector’s infrastructure, so all American communities have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity anytime, anywhere. More specifically, the Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants support the modernization of the electric grid to reduce impacts due to extreme weather and natural disasters. This program will fund comprehensive transformational transmission and distribution technology solutions that will mitigate multiple hazards across a region or within a community, including wildfires, floods, hurricanes, extreme heat, extreme cold, storms, and any other event that can cause a disruption to the power system. The program will prioritize projects generating the greatest community benefit in reducing the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-secures-commitment-from-south-korea-president-yoon-for-korea-to-partner-with-ny-creates-albany-nanotech-complex-for-advanced-semiconductor-research-and-development,SCHUMER SECURES COMMITMENT FROM SOUTH KOREA PRESIDENT YOON FOR KOREA TO PARTNER WITH NY CREATES’ ALBANY NANOTECH COMPLEX FOR ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT,2023-10-13,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"While Leading A Bipartisan Congressional Delegation In Asia Earlier This Week, Schumer – Always With Upstate NY On His Mind – Met With The Korean President & Urged Korea To Expand Their Research At NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex – Which They Agreed To Do New Commitment Will Help Expand Advanced Chip R&D And Student & Faculty Exchanges With The Republic Of Korea; Schumer Says Global Recognition Strengthens Capital Region Even Further To Become Major Hub For The National Semiconductor Technology Center Schumer: NY CREATES’ Groundbreaking Research At The Albany NanoTech Complex Is Recognized Around The Globe, And Now Korea Will Join NY In Helping Make New Discoveries For The Future Of Chip Research U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, in a personal meeting in Seoul with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier this week, secured a commitment that the Republic of Korea will partner with the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES) on advanced semiconductor technology research & development at the Albany NanoTech Complex. This builds on the joint declaration signed earlier this year to promote collaboration and partnership between NY CREATES and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT). Schumer said this new international collaboration with the Republic of Korea will further propel NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex as a premier global center for semiconductor research, and strengthen the facility as an ideal major hub for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) that was established in the CHIPS & Science Act. “Even halfway across the globe in South Korea, I always have the Capital Region and Upstate NY on my mind. During my meeting with South Korean President Yoon, I raised how important it was for our countries to work together on advanced technologies from semiconductors to AI, so our scientists and students could learn from each other to help spur innovation and take us to the next frontier,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to say that President Yoon agreed, and personally committed to growing South Korea’s partnerships with New York on research & development for semiconductors and other advanced technologies, including a collaboration with NY CREATES at its Albany NanoTech Complex. This will help bring researchers, Korean universities and companies to the Albany NanoTech Complex’s world-renowned facilities. Governments and industry partners from around the world continue to recognize that Albany NanoTech is the place to be for cutting-edge semiconductor research. In fact, President Yoon made clear that the U.S. and Korea working together on advanced technology is key to the alliance between our two countries, and that New York is central to that effort.” “This partnership with the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology is the latest step in our mission to make New York State a chipmaking superpower,” Governor Hochul said. “Research institutions like Albany Nanotech are the engines behind our state’s drive to attract, expand, and innovate the semiconductor industry, and with steady state support and the Majority Leader’s continued advocacy, we will keep tapping the best minds from New York and abroad to build our competitive edge in this sector and plan the future of chip manufacturing in our state.” “We are grateful for Senator Schumer’s steadfast efforts and President Yoon’s commitment for Korea to partner with NY CREATES for semiconductor-based R&D. Meaningful international collaborations with our allies are important for developing critical next-gen technologies and further establishing NY CREATES and Upstate New York as an international hub for innovation-centered partnerships by leveraging our world-class resources and facilities, high-tech expertise, and workforce development initiatives,” said NY CREATES President Dave Anderson. “We are excited about the opportunities to collaborate with global tech leaders, and we look forward to finding ways to bolster domestic research and production capabilities right here in New York and the U.S., while also supporting our partners around the world.” The direct commitment Schumer was able to secure in Korea will build on months of ongoing conversations between the Republic of Korea and NY CREATES to expand R&D, academic research, and student & faculty exchanges. Earlier this year, NY CREATES and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) signed a joint declaration to promote collaboration and partnership between the two organizations in the field of technological innovation, with a primary focus on semiconductors. The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., during the official state visit of President Yoon. At the signing ceremony, NY CREATES President David Anderson and KIAT President Byung-joo Min were joined by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Republic of Korea Minister of Technology, Industry, and Energy Lee Chang Yang. The agreement between NY CREATES and KIAT promotes cooperation in innovation, education, and workforce development between companies and educational institutions from Korea and New York. NY CREATES will support the U.S. component of the collaboration by providing access to its world-leading facilities for R&D and prototyping – the Albany NanoTech Complex – as well as scientists and researchers. Since this initial agreement was struck, efforts have been underway to formalize Korean support for the partnership, including putting in place specific programs and Korean investment. President Yoon’s commitment to Schumer now solidifies a path forward to finalizing that partnership. Schumer has fought tirelessly to lift up the Capital Region and Upstate New York as a major hub to lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and research. Most recently, Schumer announced that following his push, NORDTECH, a New York-based consortium led by NY CREATES in partnership with Cornell, RPI, the University at Albany CNSE, and IBM, was one of the first major recipients of funding through his CHIPS & Science Act, securing $40 million through the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Microelectronic Commons Program. Earlier this year, Schumer also personally invited NY CREATES head Dave Anderson to President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address to highlight his push to land the NSTC in the Capital Region. Prior to the passage of the CHIPS & Science Act, Schumer not only brought the Commerce Secretary to Malta to highlight opportunities for expansion at GlobalFoundries and across Upstate New York’s semiconductor industry, but also arranged for Secretary Raimondo to meet with NY CREATES and industry leaders, including from IBM and Applied Materials, to discuss the unique assets the region has for leading the NSTC. Schumer also brought Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves to Albany to tour the Albany NanoTech Complex and see firsthand how the Capital Region is perfectly suited to stand up the NSTC and begin boosting the nation’s semiconductor industry. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-tragic-bus-crash-in-orange-county-schumer-gillibrand-ryan-push-federal-highway-administration-for-long-sought-crash-gate-for-emergency-vehicles-to-improve-safety-on-i-84,"FOLLOWING TRAGIC BUS CRASH IN ORANGE COUNTY, SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, RYAN PUSH FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION FOR LONG-SOUGHT CRASH GATE FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES TO IMPROVE SAFETY ON I-84",2023-10-12,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Following the bus crash last month on I-84 in Orange County that tragically killed two adults and injured dozens of Farmingdale High School students, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representative Pat Ryan today called on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to assist New York State and local officials with the creation of an emergency vehicles-only access road, also known as a “crash gate” on I-84. The lawmakers explained that a crash gate for I-84 was first proposed over a decade ago, but the original proposal was never finalized. Now as New York State and community officials work to resubmit proposals for a crash gate, the representatives said it is imperative that FHWA work with stakeholder to improve safety of the road and ensure first responders have the support they need to save live. “The tragic bus crash in Orange County last week that took the lives of two beloved Long Island educators and seriously injured dozens of Farmingdale High School students rightfully has residents across New York concerned about the safety of Interstate 84 and the ability of first responders to quickly reach accidents in a more expeditious manner,” said Senator Schumer. “We are urging the Federal Highway Administration to support New York State, the Slate Hill Fire District and local officials in improving emergency response times on I-84 by greenlighting this long desired safety project to create an emergency vehicles-only access road. In an emergency every minute and second counts, and it is vital that our communities have every resources available so our first responders can save lives in Orange County and beyond.” “The Orange County bus crash was a horrific tragedy, and I’m committed to doing everything in my power to help emergency personnel respond more quickly to these types of accidents in the future,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m calling on the Federal Highway Administration to help New York State and the Slate Hill Fire District establish a ‘crash gate’ on I-84, which would provide emergency access to the highway and significantly reduce response times. This new road has the potential to save lives and I urge the Federal Highway Administration to provide any and all assistance requested.” “I’m demanding the Federal Highway Administration immediately construct a crash gate, which would cut down on response time and allow our brave first responders to do their job more efficiently. I will continue working with my partners in local, state, and federal government to make sure the tragic events of last month never happen again” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Our heroic first responders have been calling for this to happen for years– I won’t stop until we get it done.” Schumer, Gillibrand, and Ryan said there are numerous motor vehicle accidents and incidents that happen on this stretch of Interstate 84, and building an emergency entrance is critical to improving response time for our first responders and ultimately, saving lives. The reps explained that this is not the first time the lack of a “crash gate” on I-84 has caused great difficulty for emergency responders to act. Years ago, Orange County was faced with another devastating crash – spurring calls for a crash gate. Although New York State submitted plans for a crash gate, the project was never finalized. Currently, the Slate Hill Fire District’s trucks can only access the highway in a roundabout way, which makes response times longer. The lawmakers said that last month’s crash demonstrates the troubling lack of access to I-84 that currently exists for first responders in the area. The Slate Hill Fire District’s closest entrance to I-84 is four miles from the firehouse, requiring its trucks to travel into another neighboring fire district just to enter the interstate. By constructing a first responders-only access road built between the eastbound and westbound highways, a crash gate would allow first responders to access I-84 faster and potentially save lives. According to the Slate Hill Fire District Chief, had such a crash gate been available last week, they would have been able to respond 5 to 10 minutes sooner. “Having served in my local volunteer Fire Department, I know the importance of fast access to dangerous areas during an emergency. Local officials have long sought crash gate access and it is obviously time for the required approvals to be granted. Millions of people travel across Orange County’s three interstate highways each year and our local firematic and emergency services should be given every opportunity to quickly access emergency sites,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus. “It shouldn’t take a crash or catastrophe to get our state and federal agencies to act, but here we are. Local officials and first responders in Wawayanda have been calling for installation of a new emergency access point along this more than 10-mile stretch of interstate for over 20 years. And while our first responders did nothing short of heroic work to tend to those involved in the recent Farmingdale bus rollover, they need our help to do their jobs even more effectively — that starts with this long-overdue crash gate,” said State Senator James Skoufis. A copy of Schumer, Gillibrand, and Ryan’s joint letter to the Federal Highway Administration appears below: We write to request that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) assist New York State and the Slate Hill Fire District with the creation of an emergency vehicles-only access road, also known as a “crash gate,” on Interstate 84 (I-84) in Orange County, New York. In an emergency every minute, and second counts and establishing a crash gate would allow first responders to access accidents on I-84 in a more expeditious manner. On September 21, 2023, a charter bus carrying marching band members from Farmingdale High School and their chaperones overturned on I-84 in Orange County, New York. This crash, which killed two adults and critically injured at least five students, demonstrates the troubling lack of access to I-84 that currently exists for first responders in the area. The Slate Hill Fire District’s closest entrance to I-84 is four miles from the firehouse, requiring its trucks to travel into another neighboring fire district just to enter the interstate. Once they do, the trucks must then circle back into their own jurisdiction to actually access the scene of an incident. It is clear that this long-standing problem must finally be resolved, which is why the local community and the New York State Department of Transportation are working together once again to submit a new request for a crash gate. It is our understanding that this is not the first time the lack of a “crash gate” on I-84 has caused great difficulty for emergency responders to act. Years ago, Orange County was faced with another devastating crash – causing public outcry for a “crash gate.” Although New York State submitted plans for a crash gate, the project was never finalized between NYSDOT and FHWA. If such a crash gate had been available last week, according to the Chief of the Slate Hill Fire District, first responders could have gotten to the bus crash “between 5 to 10 minutes sooner.” Thus, as New York State and local officials finalize their request to FHWA, we urge you to work with New York State and the Slate Hill Fire District to create a “crash gate” to improve emergency response times on I-84. Such a crash gate would be a first responders-only access road, and would greatly improve response times going forward. Thank you for your consideration of this request. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-and-higgins-announce-over-25-million-for-buffalo-river-restoration,SCHUMER AND HIGGINS ANNOUNCE OVER $2.5 MILLION FOR BUFFALO RIVER RESTORATION,2023-10-10,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Investment Continues Great Lakes Cleanup in Erie County Supported by Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced Erie County will receive $2,522,950 to support continued efforts to restore and revitalize the Buffalo River. The funding, awarded under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will build on work transforming Western New York waterways. “For years the Buffalo River, once a scenic gem of our Western NY waterways has been plagued by pollution, but thanks to the work of dedicated community leaders and the historic funding in the bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law we championed, we are turning the tide on this trend. I’m proud to help deliver this vital $2.5+ million in funding to restore critical habitat for wildlife in the Buffalo River,” said Senator Schumer. “This major investment will not only help clean up our waterways and restore wildlife habitat, it will also boost Buffalo, protect our environment and combat the impacts of climate change. Investing in the Buffalo River means investing in the future of Western New York, and I will continue fighting to ensure future generations can fully enjoy the natural beauty of Western NY’s waterways.” “The Buffalo River was once so polluted it was set ablaze,” said Congressman Higgins. “Thanks to years of work by community stewards and millions of dollars of federal investments today the Buffalo River is a destination for recreation, residential living, and private sector investment. This grant continues the progress we are making revitalizing Buffalo’s waterfront and waterways.” The Buffalo River was one of 43 locations within the Great Lakes region identified in the 1980s as an “Area of Concern.” In recent decades federal investments have been made to address industrial contamination and restore habitat and water quality. Schumer and Higgins supported a doubling of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding through increased annual budget allocations to the program combined with a $1 billion GLRI commitment under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Altogether this will deliver $3.125 billion toward Great Lakes Restoration Projects between 2022-2026. This investment will ultimately expedite the delisting of the Buffalo River and other sites as “Areas of Concern.” Erie County will use the grant to support Buffalo River Area of Concern project management; river sediment, habitat and wildlife restoration; and related public outreach. “Our blue economy is a key component of the overall health of Erie County and the Buffalo River is a big part of that. As the river has recovered from its polluted past it has become a popular site for recreation and relaxation, as well as increased business investment,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “In Erie County everyone like to get near the water, and this grant will continue the decades-long effort to clean this waterway and make it better for future generations. I thank Majority Leader Schumer and Congressman Higgins for their work in securing it.” For over twenty years Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper has served as the Buffalo River Remedial Advisory Committee Coordinator, delivering Great Lakes restoration projects that have been the catalyst for over $400 million in new economic activity in and around the Buffalo River. With this award, Erie County will also contract with Waterkeeper to continue its successful leadership role as AOC Coordinator. Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Executive Director Jill Jedlicka said, ""We are grateful to Senator Schumer and Congressman Higgins for their unwavering support of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and our community through the GLRI and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The continued financial support provided by the USEPA to Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and our regional partners has proven that a non-profit organization can play a significant leadership role in the restoration, coordination, and implementation of a globally-recognized river restoration effort. Erie County has been an excellent partner to work with to protect and steward the $100 million in restoration efforts in the Buffalo River AOC.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-10-million-to-boost-southern-tier-clean-energy-manufacturing-strengthen-existing-companies-and-attract-new-good-paying-jobs-in-clean-energy-supply-chains-in-upstate-ny,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION TO BOOST SOUTHERN TIER CLEAN ENERGY MANUFACTURING, STRENGTHEN EXISTING COMPANIES, AND ATTRACT NEW GOOD PAYING JOBS IN CLEAN ENERGY SUPPLY CHAINS IN UPSTATE NY",2023-10-10,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"While Visiting A Clean Energy Company In Southern Tier Earlier This Year, Schumer Promised To Fight For Investment To Help Clean Energy Manufacturers Expand In Region Historic Fed Investments From Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation Reduction Act Are Driving Clean Energy And Tech Manufacturing Back To Southern Tier And America – Now Senator Delivers $$$ To Help Attract More Employers And Help Upstate NY Companies Grow Schumer: Fed $$$ Will Help Upstate Manufacturers Compete In Clean Energy Economy, Bolster Domestic Supply Chains, And Create Good-Paying Jobs In Rural Communities! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $10,000,000 through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to help manufacturers access new opportunities in the clean energy economy. Earlier this year, Schumer visited Ljungström in Allegany County to highlight how investing in clean energy can help Southern Tier companies grow and said he would push for this federal investment emphasizing to further bolster the Southern Tier clean energy industry. The senator said this funding will help provide support and technical assistance to clean energy companies looking to move to and expand in the Southern Tier, boost workforce training, and help strengthen supply chains to help this booming industry grow in Upstate NY. “From wind to batteries to solar, we are seeing clean energy breathe new life into manufacturing across the Southern Tier, and with the feds investing big to help bring this critical industry back from overseas I want Upstate NY’s powerhouse workforce be primed to land these good paying jobs building America’s clean energy future,” said Senator Schumer. “That is why I am proud to deliver this $10 million federal investment to help Southern Tier manufacturers pivot to clean, renewable energy, give our workers the skills they need, and grow new opportunities building out these in demand supply chains.” “Senator Schumer has been a steadfast champion for manufacturing across the Southern Tier and Upstate New York. We are deeply appreciative of Senator Schumer’s efforts to deliver this federal investment which will allow us to provide small and mid-sized manufacturers with the resources and technical assistance services they need to access new opportunities in the clean energy economy. As the project’s lead regional NY MEP, AMT is proud to help manufacturers in New York’s fourteen Appalachian counties become more productive, profitable, and globally competitive,” said Carol Miller, Executive Director of the Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology (AMT). “Senator Schumer has delivered significant federal resources for the Southern Tier, including historic investments to transform the region into a national hub for battery research and innovation. This proposal is an important next step, complementary of those ongoing efforts, that will help grow clean energy manufacturing and strengthen domestic supply chains across Upstate New York’s Appalachian communities. Southern Tier 8 is proud to support this effort given the opportunity it presents to create even more high-quality jobs in the clean energy economy and ensure the region’s continued economic resurgence,” said Jen Gregory, Executive Director of the Southern Tier 8 Regional Board. “On behalf of Catalyst Connection and our partners, I would like to thank Senator Schumer for his support of this proposal and efforts to secure this major federal investment. Senator Schumer has led the charge to deliver historic investments in our nation’s infrastructure, clean energy, and domestic manufacturing. Now, in partnership with my colleagues in New York, we will be able to help small and medium-sized manufacturers enter new supply chains, address workforce needs, and access opportunities in the clean energy economy that will support the creation of good-paying jobs in rural areas, including local communities across the Southern Tier,” said Petra Mitchell, President and CEO of Catalyst Connection. Schumer explained that there are significant opportunities for clean energy manufacturing and supply chain expansion in areas like the Southern Tier, but that manufacturers often need help getting involved in the rapidly growing clean energy industry. The funding will be used by a coalition of Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers in New York and across Appalachia, including New York-based the Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology (AMT) and FuzeHub, to help manufacturers grow, improve their competitiveness in the global economy while fighting climate change, and access new opportunities in clean energy technology supply chains. The proposal, titled “Manufacturing the New Energy Economy in Appalachia,” is funded by the ARC’s new Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) Initiative. The proposal is focused on helping manufacturers across a five-state service area access clean energy manufacturing opportunities. The project is estimated to engage approximately 1,085 companies over the project period, including firms located in New York’s 14 Appalachian counties: Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Tompkins. In particular, the coalition will use federal funds to conduct a supply chain and regional asset mapping initiative to identify opportunities for clean energy manufacturing and supply chain expansion. It will also provide direct support of up to $10,000 per eligible company to cover pre-development costs and other expenses before a company launches or expands new production and supply lines. Finally, the core focus of the proposal is for MEP Centers to provide robust technical assistance to small- and medium-sized manufacturers looking to expand into the clean energy economy, including through workforce training strategies, factory retooling assessments, and product line launch and expansion assistance. Schumer added that this proposal will help manufacturers access new federal programs, funding opportunities, and other resources he secured in landmark legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and his CHIPS and Science Act. Schumer said that small- and mid-sized manufacturers often do not have the resources needed to harness these opportunities, requiring the assistance of partners who are able to provide robust technical assistance, which is where this $10 million federal investment, matched by over $7 million in local funding, will come in to support manufacturers. In 2021, Schumer negotiated and secured $1 billion for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to be dispersed over the next five years, starting with $200 million in FY22. This significant boost in funding will be used to support economic development, infrastructure, workforce, and other community development projects as well as programs intended to improve the quality of life, stimulate business growth, and create good-paying job opportunities in local communities like those in the Southern Tier and Western New York. Last year, in his CHIPS and Science Act, Schumer secured $188 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program; a public-private partnership with a national network of affiliated centers in all fifty states and territories that work to improve the competitiveness, productivity, and profitability of domestic manufacturers. MEP funding supports New York State’s 11 MEP Centers – including AMT and FuzeHub – that work directly with small to midsized manufacturers throughout the state to cultivate the growth of manufacturing and high-tech industries. Since 2021, New York State has added more than 13,300 new manufacturing jobs – leading the nation in manufacturing jobs brought back from overseas – in part because of Schumer’s leadership ushering historic legislation to passage, delivering crucial federal resources for communities statewide, and his staunch advocacy on behalf of Upstate New York’s manufacturing sector. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments, focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community, capacity, and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. New York State receives an allocation of resources from the ARC each year to fund area development in NYS’s 14-county Appalachian Region. The New York counties are represented by one of three Local Development Districts: Southern Tier West (STW) based in Salamanca, NY and comprised of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties; Southern Tier Central (STC) based in Corning, NY and comprised of Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties; and Southern Tier 8 in Binghamton, NY and comprised of Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Tioga and Tompkins counties. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-nearly-600000-for-the-saint-regis-mohawk-tribe-through-inflation-reduction-act-to-plant-thousands-of-new-trees-increasing-green-space-and-planting-the-seeds-for-a-brighter-cleaner-future-for-families,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $600,000 FOR THE SAINT REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE THROUGH INFLATION REDUCTION ACT TO PLANT THOUSANDS OF NEW TREES, INCREASING GREEN SPACE AND PLANTING THE SEEDS FOR A...",2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"For Years, The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Land Has Suffered From Declining Tree Canopy, With Many Lost In Recent Years Due To The Invasive Emerald Ash Borer Senators Added Historic Funding To Forestry Program In The Inflation Reduction Act – The Largest Investment In Fighting Climate Change Ever – And Now Nearly 2,500 New Trees Will Soon Line Roadways Across Region Thanks To Fed $$$ Schumer & Gillibrand Secured Schumer, Gillibrand: Inflation Reduction Act Is Planting The Seed For A Healthier, Cleaner, And Greener Future In The North Country ! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $597,248 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grants Program for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to plant thousands of new trees. The Senators said this funding was made possible thanks to the historic increases he secured in the Inflation Reduction Act, which included over $1 billion for the USDA program to help increase equitable access to trees. This funding, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe hopes to be able to plant nearly 2,500 of new trees across the territory to help breathe new life into its urban forests and address long standing disparities in tree canopy cover. “North Country tree lovers get out your shovels and get ready to dig in because nearly $600,000 in federal funding is on the way to plant 2,500 new trees across the Saint Regis Mohawk territory to seed a brighter future for all. Restoring green spaces not only improves quality of life and air quality, it decreases temperatures, reduces health disparities and so much more. It is how you grow a greener environment and healthier future for families across the North Country,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought hard to plant this funding in the Inflation Reduction Act so that more of our communities could have access to the funding for critical improvement projects. Now, a greener, healthier North Country can take root with thousands of new trees, and we can all watch it blossom together.” “Expanding access to trees and green spaces gives our communities a higher quality of life,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will help ensure that the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe can enjoy a greener, healthier environment. I am proud to announce this crucial funding and will continue to fight to create equitable access to green spaces across New York.” “We can still see the impacts of deforestation from 100 years ago,” noted SRMT Environment Division Director Tony David. “With USDA’s support, we will be able to address findings of the 2018 Akwesasne Community Forest Plan and increase the number and diversity of native tree species. This project will move us in a direction of more resilient and healthier forest stands.” “From an ecological perspective, having a diverse tree canopy and providing access to green spaces is the most crucial element of a healthy ecosystem,” noted SRMT Land Resources Program Manager Jessica Raspitha, who will assist in overseeing the project. Raspitha added, “Our team is very excited for this opportunity to put more trees into the Akwesasne landscape, and to continued collaboration with project partners. There are so many ecological and societal benefits that trees provide, and we are grateful to continue our efforts in improving the local forest canopy. ” The Saint Regis Mohawk tribe plans to use this nearly $600,000 federal investment to help plant nearly 2,500 new trees and strengthen a new forestry management plan that keep’s the territory’s tree canopy rich and abundant for generations to come. More specifically, the Akwesasne Urban Tree Canopy Assessment and Management project aims meet these goals by taking inventory of the trees across the territory, developing an updated forest management plan, planting new trees, and implementing tree planting and maintenance practices to improve the urban tree canopy across Akwesasne. A new plan will incorporate the most advanced strategies for forest management and maintenance and is expected to be developed by December 2025. In 2018, the Akwesasne Community Forest Plan reported that the coverage provided by the tree canopy in the community’s southern portion was 5.5 percent -- compared to 35 percent coverage in a healthy ecosystem. In the past few years, infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer has progressed from Akwesasne’s main travel corridor of State Route 37 to other tribal roads. As a result, an effort was made to slow the infestation by removing hundreds of ash trees along Akwesasne’s roads from 2020 to 2022. As a result, the Forest Plan called for the goal of 250,000 trees to be planted by 2037. The USDA Grant will support this effort with the inventorying of 2,500 trees that exist along Akwesasne’s roadways and the planting of an additional 500 natural species. The Akwesasne Urban Tree Canopy Assessment and Management Project is a community- based project that will be undertaken in partnership with the Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment (ATFE), USDA Forest Service (USDAFS), New York State Department of Conservation (NYSDEC), SRMT Native Plants Working Group, and Akwesasne residents. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that thanks to the historic investments they were able to secure in the Inflation Reduction Act, USDA’s Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program is making more than $1 billion available to increase equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide in disadvantaged urban communities. The Inflation Reduction Act provides $1.5 billion for urban and community forestry investments that 1) increase access in disadvantaged urban communities to trees and the associated benefits they provide to human health, the environment, and the economy, 2) broaden community engagement in local urban forest planning, tree planting, and management activities; and 3) improve community and urban forest resilience to climate change, extreme heat, forest pests and diseases, and storm events through best management and maintenance practices. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-nearly-2-million-in-federal-funding-for-workforce-development-board-of-herkimer-madison-and-oneida-counties-to-train-and-prepare-mohawk-valley-workers-for-in-demand-good-paying-jobs_growing-the-regions-workforce-and-boosting-local-economy,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, ANNOUNCE NEARLY $2 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF HERKIMER, MADISON AND ONEIDA COUNTIES TO TRAIN AND PREPARE MOHAWK VALLEY WORKERS FOR IN-DEMAND,...",2023-09-29,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Senators Say New Funding Will Supercharge Mohawk Valley’s Workforce With New Training Program In Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties – Bringing Together Employers Who Make Products Critical To The Renewable Energy Sector With An Emerging Workforce That Needs Training To Fill The Jobs That Are Being Created Schumer, Gillibrand: DOL Investment In Mohawk Valley Is A Win-Win – Boosting Workforce Training While Strengthening Local Economy U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,999,341 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program for the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties Inc. to train Mohawk Valley workers for in-demand, good-paying jobs across the region. The senators said the funding will bolster the Workforce Development Board to design, develop and grow a training program that prepares local job seekers for high-demand, high-quality career pathways. “It is critical that the Mohawk Valley’s dedicated workers have the skills and resources needed to secure high-quality, good-paying jobs in high-demand fields like electric vehicles, renewable energy, semiconductor manufacturing, and more. That’s why I am so proud to deliver this nearly $2 million federal investment to supercharge the workforce across Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties to get the hands on training they need to build America’s future right here in Upstate NY,” said Senator Schumer. “Investing in tomorrow’s workforce today is how we can breathe new life into the Mohawk Valley’s manufacturing legacy, all while ensuring people can get the good paying jobs to build a good life for them and their families.” “Investing in workforce training is vital to creating pathways to high-demand, high-quality jobs. This critical investment of nearly $2 million by the U.S. Department of Labor will help ensure that the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties has the resources to train and prepare job seekers to contribute to and grow the Central New York workforce,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will also create a much-needed pipeline for rural and underserved communities to find jobs in advanced manufacturing, information technology and professional, scientific, and technical service occupations. I am proud to announce this funding and will continue to fight to create pathways to high-quality jobs across New York State.” “We appreciate Senator Schumer’s support of our efforts to provide the workforce that our many employers need to grow a strong economic future here in our region. Employers have reached out to the Workforce Development Board with their concerns, and this project was crafted in response to their needs so that they can continue to make first-class products that allow our region to be a competitor in the global economy,” said Emily Arthur, Chair of the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties. “We recognize that not all populations have participated in the opportunities generated by our employers. This project seeks to forge enduring partnerships with community groups so that under-represented and historically marginalized populations in our region can have new opportunities to secure the training they need to embark upon careers that will provide good-paying jobs that will provide for their families.” Schumer and Gillibrand said that the WDB’s Pathways to Infrastructure Careers project brings together employers who make products that are critical to the renewable energy sector with an emerging workforce that needs training to fill the jobs that are being created. This project is expected to train 300 participants from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations, including women in nontraditional occupations, people of color and refugees, for high demand jobs working with renewable and sustainable fuels, renewable energy storage, wind and solar energy production, electric motors, hybrid engines, battery manufacturing, electric vehicle manufacturing, and semiconductor manufacturing. In collaboration with Mohawk Valley Community College, the project will develop a compressed-time training program called Fast Tack Plus, which will instruct students in the basic skills that employers want and trainees need before embarking on technical training. This project will also forge strong partnership with local community organizations, such as the Midtown Utica Community Center, Mohawk Valley Latino Center, and the NAACP. Employer partners like the Mohawk Valley Society of Human Resource Managers, MV Edge, and Indium Corp. will help create a robust pipeline connecting the region’s small employers with a diverse pool of workers so that trainees are able to launch careers with local employers, providing economic growth for the region, building stronger communities, and reducing unemployment. The Senators said that the DOL funding, specifically awarded by the Employment and Training Administration’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program, will help the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties prepare Mohawk Valley job seekers for high-quality career pathways in advanced manufacturing, information technology and professional, scientific, and technical service occupations. The training will support jobs in the renewable energy, transportation and broadband infrastructure sectors. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-delivers-nearly-12-million-for-ithaca-area-economic-developments-direct-to-work-career-readiness-program-to-help-tompkins-county-residents-secure-good-paying-jobs-in-advanced-manufacturing-and-construction-trades,SCHUMER DELIVERS NEARLY $1.2 MILLION FOR ITHACA AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT’S DIRECT-TO-WORK CAREER READINESS PROGRAM TO HELP TOMPKINS COUNTY RESIDENTS SECURE GOOD-PAYING JOBS IN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING...,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Personally Wrote to Department Of Labor Secretary To Secure Fed $$$ For IAED’s Pathways To Employment Program – A Career Readiness Initiative Aimed At Preparing, Placing, And Supporting New Yorkers In Entry-Level Positions In Advanced Manufacturing And The Construction Trades With Federal Legislation Like Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation Reduction Act Spurring New Investments By Companies Like Micron And Menlo Micro Across Upstate New York, IAED’s Direct-To-Work Initiative Will Prepare The Next Generation Of Workers To Help Meet Current and Future Workforce Needs Schumer: This Funding Will Supercharge The Southern Tier’s Workforce And Help Drive The Region’s Continued Economic Resurgence U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $1,173,278 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative for Ithaca Area Economic Development’s (IAED) Direct-To-Work (DTW) Pathways to Employment program. Specifically, the funding will help expand and establish new career readiness programs to connect workers to good-paying jobs Tompkins County and the Southern Tier in both advanced manufacturing and the construction trades. Schumer said that because of this federal investment, IAED projects to be able to engage 18 employers – 10 manufacturers and 8 in the construction trades – and expects to place at least 135 workers in entry-level jobs across the two industry partnerships. “Ithaca and other Upstate NY communities are seeing major investments in advanced manufacturing, but to keep the momentum going, we need to help residents develop the skills they need and connect them with local employers to secure good-paying jobs in growing industries. This federal funding will help propel residents into careers with local manufacturers and the construction trades, empowering them to build a better life for themselves and their families here in Tompkins County,” said Senator Schumer. “Together, we are helping lay the foundation for a stronger economy in the Southern Tier by developing a more diverse, skilled workforce to meet the needs of employers and rebuilding NY’s manufacturing sector to expand opportunity for more people to access high-quality jobs.” “One of IAED’s three strategic priorities is workforce development. The WORC grant empowers us to reinforce our successful Direct to Work (DTW) training program in advanced manufacturing and replicate it in the construction trades,” said Heather McDaniel, President of Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED). “Funding from WORC supports the billions of dollars of federal investment in these key industries, thanks in part to the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, while also improving economic mobility and wealth equity within underserved populations in Ithaca, Tompkins County, and Central New York. It's win-win for our workforce ecosystem and economy.” “Last year, AMT in partnership with Ithaca Area Economic Development launched the DTW program with great success helping to connect program graduates with local manufacturers. Now, we will be able to expand the initiative serving advanced manufacturers and establish new program services engaging with the construction trades. AMT is committed to helping manufacturers become more productive, profitable, and globally competitive, which includes helping to address the workforce needs of industry. We appreciate Senator Schumer’s support of this proposal and his efforts to strengthen manufacturing across the Southern Tier,” said Carol Miller, Executive Director of the Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology (AMT). “This will immediately create a skilled workforce in manufacturing and the construction trades for today and the future. The narrative of who works in these fields will change by further engaging people of color, women, and rural populations. Underserved and underrepresented communities will now have the option of multiple career pathways and living wage jobs. We are honored to grow our strategic partnership with IAED and model this as a blueprint of workforce success in the Southern Tier and beyond,” said Christopher Sponn, Director of Tompkins County Workforce Development. Schumer explained that this federal investment will allow IAED to accelerate and expand its existing DTW Initiative within advanced manufacturing and establish a similar program within the construction trades. The programs will engage workers across the region who often confront barriers to employment, such as women, people of color, and low-income households. Through the program, IAED, with partners like the Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology and the Tompkins County Workforce Development Board, will help to meet current and future workforce demands related to significant community projects, including in rapidly growing industries like semiconductor production and clean energy. The DTW Initiative is a comprehensive effort to link individuals to career pathways in priority industries, help businesses recruit and retain skilled workers, and foster economic mobility. Schumer personally wrote to DOL Secretary Walsh in support of the program, emphasizing its unique ability to place workers in living-wage jobs in advanced manufacturing and the construction trades. Currently, the DTW Pathways to Manufacturing Initiative includes connections with many local manufacturers including C&D Assembly, Lansing Instrument, Precision Filters, Stork H&E Blading, and more. For construction trades, IAED will work with regional partners like CenterState CEO, the Tompkins County Workforce Development Board, industry employers, and educational partners to replicate the Syracuse Build Construction Trades Industry Partnership model in Tompkins County. IAED will pilot two construction trades initiatives; one with Tompkins-Cortland Building and Construction Trades Council to build a pre-apprenticeship program that creates pathways to registered apprenticeships and a second with Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES to develop an entry-level career readiness program, linking non-traditional candidates to entry-level opportunities within the construction trades. In the Fiscal Year 2022 bipartisan spending package, Schumer secured $300,000 in federal funding for the Syracuse Build program to train youth for construction jobs and apprenticeships; a model that will now be replicated in Tompkins County to connect workers with good-paying jobs. The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities initiative is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and partners with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Delta Regional Commission (DRA), and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). The initiative, which funds grant projects within the Appalachian, Lower Mississippi Delta, and Northern Border regions, is designed to address the employment and training needs of the local and regional workforce in collaboration with community partners and aligned with existing economic and workforce development plans and strategies. IAED’s Direct-To-Work Initiative pilot was jumpstarted by $31,500 in support from the Community Foundation of Tompkins County and the Tompkins County Community Recovery Fund, the latter of which was made possible by the nearly $20 million Schumer secured for Tompkins County in the American Rescue Plan in 2021. The project will serve Tompkins County and a surrounding 8-county area of the Southern Tier within New York’s Appalachian region. A copy of Schumer’s original letter to the Department of Labor appears below: Dear Secretary Walsh: I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED) to the Department of Labor’s Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Grant program. In 2022, Ithaca Area Economic Development, with partners; Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology and the Tompkins County Workforce Development Board, piloted the Direct to Work (DTW) initiative: Pathways to Manufacturing program. This full-time, four-week career readiness program was designed to prepare, place and support under and unemployed individuals in entry-level positions in eight advanced manufacturers located in Tompkins County. IAED has since seen success with all participants starting full-time positions with living wages. With funding, IAED will accelerate and expand the DTW Initiative industry career readiness program aimed at preparing and placing entry-level workers in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades. I applaud Ithaca Area Economic Development for its foresight and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my grants coordinator at (202) 224-6542. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-government-shutdown-would-hurt-every-corner-of-new-york-state-senator-calls-on-congress-to-pass-bipartisan-agreement-to-keep-government-open-and-breaks-down-impact-a-house-republican-caused-shutdown-would-have-on-families-local-economy-and-nys-federal-workforce-throughout-the-empire-state,SCHUMER: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WOULD HURT EVERY CORNER OF NEW YORK STATE; SENATOR CALLS ON CONGRESS TO PASS BIPARTISAN AGREEMENT TO KEEP GOVERNMENT OPEN AND BREAKS DOWN IMPACT A HOUSE REPUBLICAN-CAUSED...,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Says Risking Government Shutdown Is Needlessly Playing With Fire – Not Only Hurting New York’s 50k+ Federal Civilian Employees And Military Service Members, But Also Hitting Main Streets And Families –Halting Federal Services For Small Businesses, Farmers, Longer Wait Times At Airports, Cutting Education, Housing Assistance, And More Schumer Says Public Needs To Put Pressure On House GOP And Calls On NY House Republicans To Take Charge And Work In Bipartisan Manner With Democrats And Pass Short-Term Agreement To Avert Shutdown Schumer: If House Republicans Choose To Ignore Bipartisan Solutions And Needlessly Shut Down The Government, New Yorkers Will Be Feeling The Pain With Lives And Services Disrupted With a potential and avoidable government shutdown looming, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today broke down how, if the House GOP does not set aside their differences to pass the Senate’s short-term agreement and prevent a catastrophic government shutdown, the ripple effects will be felt by families and local economies across New York. Schumer emphasized that all through the weekend, Senate Democrats and Republicans worked in bipartisan good faith to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution that will keep the government funded and avert a shutdown. He said that every single congressional Republican, but especially those serving New York, should think long and hard about the local communities and families they represent before ignoring the Senate’s bipartisan continuing resolution to keep the government open. If not, Schumer said the House Republicans will be the ones responsible for sending America down an easily avoidable and politically disastrous path that ends with New Yorkers paying the price. “We cannot afford to let the extreme fringe views of the House Republican Conference risk a government shutdown and needlessly hurt New York families. From Syracuse to the Southern Tier to Suffern, New York House Republicans have a responsibility to their constituents to stand up to House leadership and work in a bipartisan way to fund the government,” said Senator Schumer. “This is not an abstract issue – If the House GOP refuses to embrace this bridge towards cooperation and away from extremism, the government will inevitably shutdown, causing disruptions for millions of New Yorkers to services they rely on, while thousands of federal workers could be furloughed.” Schumer added, “We only have a few days left for House Republicans to come to their senses and choose to work with Democrats and Senate Republicans, as we always have, to fund the government through bipartisan cooperation. It doesn’t have to be the MAGA way or a shutdown, and if House Republicans don’t see that soon it will be New Yorkers and families across America paying the price. The bottom line is that this MAGA Republican House shutdown is avoidable, irresponsible and deeply damaging.” Schumer said according to Congressional Research Services, over 50,000 federal civilian employees currently reside in New York, on top of thousands of military servicemembers who live and work on military installations across the state. You can find a breakdown of federal civilian employees by region in New York here. These New Yorkers will feel the impacts of a shutdown immediately, with many working in departments or agencies that will close as soon as the government shuts down. The senator cited specific agencies—that because of the shutdown—would not be able to serve New Yorkers as they should. Schumer detailed the specific ways a government shutdown will hurt New York: Servicemembers On NY Military Installations Will Work Without Pay, While Civilian Employees On Bases Will Be Furloughed: If the government shuts down, the majority of DoD civilian employees working on military installations such as Form Drum, West Point, and Watervliet Arsenal will be furloughed and go on unpaid leave immediately. Additionally, 41,624 active duty and reserve personnel across New York will be expected to show up for work, serving their country without pay. No Pay For TSA Agents, Potential Delays, And Longer Wait Times For NY Travelers At Airports: If the government shuts down, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at airports across NYS – such as Buffalo Niagara International, Albany International, and Syracuse Hancock International – will be working without pay. Approximately 95% of TSA workers would continue to work without pay, including frontline Transportation Security Officers, Canine Handlers, Federal Air Marshals, Transportation Security Inspectors, Explosives Experts, Intelligence & Vetting Analysts, cybersecurity specialists and more. Schumer says many TSA workers cannot afford to go without pay because of the transportation costs to get to work, and impacts workers’ families who depend on their paycheck. Additionally, Schumer warned that a shutdown will cause significant delays and longer wait times for the 84,613 people who fly through New York airports every day, as there were during previous shutdowns, with hiring and new training freezing and exacerbating shortages. Over 418,000 NY Women, Infants, And Children Could Lose Access To Vital Nutrition Assistance: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)—a program that serves nearly half of babies born in this country—will be immediately jeopardized if the government shuts down. This includes 89,717 women, 241,198 children, and 87,169 infants across NYS who would soon start being turned away at grocery store counters, with a federal contingency fund drying up after just a few days. Nearly 2.9 Million NY Households At Risk Of Losing SNAP Benefits: Nearly 2.9 million households across New York State are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but their benefits will be jeopardized if the shutdown goes beyond October. Undermine Food And Workplace Safety: The Food and Drug Administration could be forced to delay food safety inspections for seafood, meats, fruits vegetables, and other products putting extra pressure on restaurants and grocers. Similarly, OSHA would be forced to limit workplace inspections and New Yorkers who are owed back pay for their hard work would face delays due to the majority of Department of Labor investigations being suspended. Disruption to Proposed Major NY Investments and Jobs: Implementation of key provisions from the CHIPS and Science Act that are now spurring massive historic job growth across New York will be delayed by a shutdown. These provisions were enacted last year to bolster the domestic supply chain and bring manufacturing back to the U.S. from overseas. Delays in this funding, from programs like the CHIPS semiconductor incentives, Regional Technology Hubs program, and NSF STEM training and education investments, would have dramatic consequences for the economic growth being seen in New York and across the country. Programs meant to bring funding to regions across the country focused on AI, chips, quantum computing, and more, would be halted and awards for world class manufacturers and research institutions in NY and across the nation would be delayed. NY Infrastructure Projects Could Be Delayed Awaiting Federal Review: Infrastructure projects awaiting review across New York could be delayed awaiting EPA and DOI environmental reviews along with severe disruptions to the permitting process across federal agencies. This also impacts small town infrastructure projects awaiting federal investment as no USDA loans or grants would be made for modernizing utilities infrastructure in rural New York. Extreme Lack Of Security At The Northern and Southern Border: Without a funded government, critical Border Patrol agents and CBP officer hires aimed at alleviating serious staffing shortages at our northern border and local ports of entry would not be onboarded during the month of October or longer, crippling efforts to bring increased security to the border. With this kind of major disruption, border agencies risk losing these new hires altogether from their recruitment pipelines, setting back efforts to bring order to the border. Nearly 80% of our border enforcement personnel would be working without pay for the duration of the shutdown, further demoralizing frontline personnel facing extremely difficult conditions. Additionally, deployments of our most effective technology to interdict fentanyl and contraband at ports of entry where the vast majority of drugs enter the U.S. would be delayed during shutdown, setting back our long-term efforts to combat lethal opioids. Severely Limited Childcare Services And Elective Healthcare On Military Installations: The extent to which childcare services operate during a shutdown are at the discretion of each NY military installation, but in general, critical mental health services, recreational activities, sporting events, and other services not deemed as essential do not continue during shutdowns. Additionally, elective surgery and other elective procedures in NY DoD medical and dental facilities are likely to be discontinued during a shutdown. Millions In Loans Halted For New York Small Business Owners: New York Businesses seeking loans from the Small Business Administration will have to wait for the shutdown to end, as processing for most SBA lending programs – including 7(a), 504, and the microloan program – will stop operations entirely while the agency’s employees are furloughed during a shutdown. These programs provides $1,298,267,900 in funding to small businesses in New York every single year. NY businesses looking to hire new employees during the shutdown will also run into problems, due to federal E-Verify access – an internet-based system that allows businesses to determine their employees’ eligibility to work in the United States – being suspended. During a shutdown, federal contractors across NY will face stop-work orders and delayed payments for all projects, including work that has already been completed – putting a significant financial burden on the state’s small contractors. Slashed Tourism Across New York’s National Parks and Historic Sites: Hotels and Main Street businesses will lose critical tourism dollars while national parks and historic sites are shuttered. If the government shuts down, people will be canceling reservations and leaving their rooms empty, when they would otherwise be filled with tourists. Over 16 million tourists visit national parks in New York every year and could be turned away or unable to fully access parks, monuments, and museums if the government shuts down. Significantly Limited Housing Assistance for NY Families: During a government shutdown, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) program that provides loans for families to buy homes will cease entirely, leaving New Yorkers struggling to access critical assistance for homeownership. A government shutdown would take an even harder toll on New York’s rural families, as the USDA would be forced to stop processing housing loans, which provide close to $110 million in funding to help over 950 families in rural New York communities buy homes every year. The FHA program that serves NY seniors who need to draw on their home equity to cover living expenses and medical costs will also be suspended. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which provides housing subsidies, vouchers, and multi-family assistance contracts, will stop operations completely in all 50 states. A shutdown also risks funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides heating and cooling assistance to millions of households, just as the weather starts to turn towards frigid temperatures across New York. NY Farmers Left High And Dry: New loans to NY farmers and ranchers will halt, marketing assistance loans will pause, and technical assistance will stop due to Farm Service Agency offices closures, all of which create hardship for farmers who are in the middle of their harvest season, as well as those planning for next year’s. Schumer said these farm loans provide $53,347,000 in funding for farmers in New York every year. Critical payments that our farmers depend on, through initiatives like the Conservation Reserve Program, Dairy Margin Coverage and the Agriculture Risk and Price Loss Coverage (ARC/PLC) programs, will also not be made, nor will post-disaster payments. These USDA services and post-disaster payments are especially vital to the NY farmers that were severely impacted by this past May’s deep freeze, which hit vineyards, orchards, and farms across Upstate New York. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-morelle-announce-over-5-million-from-the-department-of-defense-to-bolster-monroe-community-college-as-one-of-the-only-community-colllege-optics-and-photonics-training-centers-in-the-nation-and-give-finger-lakes-workers-the-skills-they-need-for-good-paying-tech-careers-vital-to-national-security,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, MORELLE ANNOUNCE OVER $5 MILLION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO BOLSTER MONROE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AS ONE OF THE ONLY COMMUNITY COLLLEGE OPTICS & PHOTONICS TRAINING CENTERS IN...",2023-09-27,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Monroe Community College, One Of The Only Community Colleges In The Nation Offering An Optics and Photonics Associates Degree, Needed Federal Funds To Strengthen Facilities, Meet Regional Need For Trained Photonics Workers Schumer Fought To Secure Critical Fed Boosts in the FY 23 Omnibus Appropriations Bill To Allow MCC To Strengthen Its World Class Optics & Photonics Degree Programs – Helping To Give Workers The Skills They Need For Major Local Employers And Build Up Workforce Vital To America’s Nation Security Schumer, Gillibrand, Morelle: MCC And The Rochester-Finger Lakes Region Are Catching Eye Of DoD With Major Fed Investment In Optics & Photonics Training U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressman Joe Morelle today announced a $5.1 million 3-year grant award for Monroe Community College’s (MCC) optics program from the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Manufacturing Engineering Education Program (MEEP). Schumer, Gillibrand, and Morelle secured a critical increase for this program allowing MCC to tap this funding to help grow their program as previous funding was set to expire this month. The representatives explained this major multi-year grant will provide the critical resources to fund MCC’s optics and photonics associate degree programs, providing Rochester optics and photonics companies the skilled workforce to fill good paying jobs in the region that are vital to our national security. “Rochester has long been known for eye catching industries, and now after years of advocating for the growth of the vital optics and photonics industry, I was proud to secure the funding needed for the Department of Defense to double down on Monroe Community College as a major focus for training the optics workforce vital to our national security. The Rochester optics industry, which boasts well over 100 optics companies that employ 18,000 workers, relies on MCC to train the next generation of skilled optical workers it needs to grow. MCC is a proven leader in optics and photonics training with one of the first and only associate degrees in optics training and today we are building on that success by connecting local Rochester and Upstate New York students to good-paying Rochester jobs in this cutting edge field,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to deliver this major $5+ million federal grant, made possible by the critical increase I was able to secure in the FY23 Omnibus Bill, so that Monroe Community College can continue to train the next generation of optics technicians that are crafting the vision of our technological future.” “For years, Monroe Community College has been training workers for careers in optics and photonics, jobs that are vital to our national security,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will provide MCC with the crucial resources needed to prepare Finger Lakes workers for good-paying jobs and boost the local economy. I am proud to announce this funding and will continue to fight to provide resources to train workers for jobs that support our national defense.” “Congratulations to Monroe Community College on receiving this prestigious and well-deserved Manufacturing Engineering Education Program award,” said Congressman Morelle. “This investment in our burgeoning optics workforce is not only key to our national defense, but also a conduit to enhancing our local economy and cementing our place as a regional tech hub. I’m grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for sharing this vision and appreciate their support for this funding.” DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Ph.D., President of Monroe Community College said, “Monroe Community College continues building on its efforts to strengthen the talent pipeline across the Finger Lakes region to ensure a robust optics technician workforce. In 2023, MCC graduated the most students in the optical systems technology program’s history and has seen increased student enrollment in the program over the past two years. This latest federal funding support will enable MCC to create opportunities for more residents, especially those in historically underrepresented communities, to secure a family-sustaining career in the high-demand advanced manufacturing industry. We are grateful to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Representative Morelle for their leadership and support of our shared vision to advance the economic mobility of residents across all ZIP codes and bolstering our regional economy.” Tom Battley, Executive Director, New York Photonics said, “The longest-standing precision optics program in the United States, at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY, led by Professor Alexis Vogt, is recognized around the country and around the world as the leading program of its kind. And the graduates have 100% job placement. Colleges around the country and precision optics manufacturers around the country are eager to learn how MCC does it. Precision optics are essential in everything from defense and biotech applications to satellites and quantum technologies. We count ourselves extremely lucky that our Washington delegation understands the importance of this critical program.” Schumer, Gillibrand, and Morelle explained the DoD’s MEEP invests in programs that better position the current and next-generation manufacturing workforce vital for our nation’s military systems and components that assure defense technological superiority. This is second time MCC has been awarded funding through the MEEP program, as the nation’s first community college to administer associate degrees in precision optics. With this latest round of funding MCC will be able to strengthen its existing program to grow the national workforce for the optics industry and give workers the skills they need for careers with major local employers in the region in the optics and photonics industry. Specifically, MCC seek to grow enrollement for this program for the highly in demand optics industry and seek to establish new training and apprenticeship opportunities. Schumer, Gillibrand, and Morelle have been longtime advocates for Monroe Community College’s optics and photonics degree programs. In 2017, following their relentless advocacy, the representatives secured over $550,000 from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Advanced Technology Foundation’s Education program for MCC to expand its optics and photonics degree programs, purchase new equipment, as well as develop a new curriculum and expand student outreach. Today’s award is a direct result of Senators Schumer, Gillibrand and Rep Morelle’s work to secure $15 million in federal funding in FY23 for the DoD’s Manufacturing Engineering Education Program (MEEP), allowing MCC to apply for the funding they received today, and the senator personally advocated to Defense Secretary Austin on MCC’s behalf to strengthen their program. A copy of Schumer’s original letter to the DoD appears below Dear Secretary Austin: I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by Monroe Community College (MCC) to the Department of Defense’s Manufacturing Engineering Education Program. MCC’s “Defense Engineering Education Program – Enhancing Results in Optics” (DEEPER OPS) program will build on MCC’s past awards to bolster the national precision optics workforce and continue Rochester, NY’s legacy as the global leader in optics education, manufacturing, and research. With the CHIPS and Science Act, Congress has made it a priority to bolster our technically-skilled workforce across the nation. This is crucial as post-pandemic issues continue to affect our supply chains, and cause labor shortages and gaps in skilled talent. Monroe County specifically has a major role in the photonics, imaging, and optics environment with over 150 STEM research and advanced manufacturing companies, and their need for skilled workers will only continue to grow. MCC plays a critical role in supplying talent for this network; however, they currently do not have enough graduates to meet the demand for skilled technicians. With funding, MCC would grow our national workforce and ensure continued technological superiority for the Department of Defense by enhancing precision optics technician training, grow enrollment and graduation of participants, particularly females, single parents, low-income and underrepresented groups, as well as veterans, and lastly establish direct engagement and outreach between students and the optics industry. MCC’s DEEPER OPS proposal will build on the framework of their first MEEP grant and will reach more than 3,000 precollegiate students, apprentices, and incumbent workers. It will also establish 50 apprenticeships and engage 15 industry sponsors, illustrating the strong program and support MCC has across the community. I applaud Monroe Community College for their foresight and I sincerely hope the application meets with your approval. Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my Grants Coordinator in my Washington, DC office at 202-224-6542. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-23-million-in-federal-funding-to-improve-railroad-safety-and-efficiency-in-central-ny-the-mohawk-valley-and-the-finger-lakes,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $23 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO IMPROVE RAILROAD SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY IN CENTRAL NY, THE MOHAWK VALLEY AND THE FINGER LAKES",2023-09-26,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $23,297,293 in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability across Upstate New York. The funding was allocated through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program and will be used to make significant improvements to passenger and freight railways in both Central New York and the Finger Lakes region. “All aboard for better rail infrastructure across Upstate NY! Over $23 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law is coming down the track to improve safety and efficiency of rail lines from Central NY to the Finger Lakes. Short line railroads that are vital connectors across Upstate New York will be able to make long overdue investments in infrastructure to ensure our railroads are safer and more resilient so both passengers and goods can get where they need to go on time,” said Senator Schumer. “Upstate NY has long been a hub for freight rail activity and this funding will help ensure communities from Oneida to Yates County have the 21st century rail network they need to move our local economies full steam ahead.” “Millions of New Yorkers rely on our railways for daily transportation, long-distance travel, and freight service needs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will help increase the safety, efficiency, and reliability of these critical rail systems, and I’m proud to announce this important investment for rail infrastructure made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.” The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $5 billion over five years for the CRISI program. The program invests in various projects within the United States to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability; mitigate congestion at both intercity passenger and freight rail chokepoints to support more efficient travel and goods movement; enhance multi-modal connections; and lead to new or substantially improved Intercity Passenger Rail Transportation corridors. A full list of recipients is below: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-deliver-5-million-in-historic-urban-forest-funding-for-queens-secured-by-the-senators-in-the-inflation-reduction-act-these-funds-will-be-used-to-plant-trees-to-grow-urban-forest-in-underserved-neighborhoods-and-provide-training-for-good-paying-green-jobs,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND DELIVER $5 MILLION IN HISTORIC URBAN FOREST FUNDING FOR QUEENS; SECURED BY THE SENATORS IN THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT, THESE FUNDS WILL BE USED TO PLANT TREES TO GROW URBAN FOREST...",2023-09-25,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"These Fed Funds Will Maximize Access To Urban Forest In Historically Disadvantaged Communities, Including Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Corona, Queens Schumer, Gillibrand Secured Historic Funding For Urban and Community Forest Program In The Inflation Reduction Act – The Largest Investment In Fighting Climate Change Ever – And Now New Trees Will Be Planted And Existing Trees Preserved Thanks To Fed Funding They Secured Schumer, Gillibrand: Inflation Reduction Act Is Planting The Seed For A Healthier, Cleaner, And Greener NYC! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $5 million in federal funding for New York City Parks through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry grants program. Specifically, NYC Parks will maximize access to urban forest benefits for disadvantaged communities in Queens, NY. This includes expanding the urban forest by planting trees and preserving existing trees. The project also offers paid training and employment opportunities for youth and adults, with a focus on workforce development and green jobs. “I am proud to announce Queens is amongst the first in the nation to tap the historic funding I secured in the Inflation Reduction Act to expand urban forests,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal investment means cleaner air, a better environment, improved quality of life, and rooting out historic inequities that have been present in NYC neighborhoods. I fought hard to plant this funding in the Inflation Reduction Act so that New York City could have access to funding needed to breathe new life into underserved communities.” “Expanding access to trees and green spaces in New York City will give our communities a higher quality of life. I’m so proud to deliver this $5 million investment in Inflation Reduction Act funding, which will help combat extreme heat and improve air quality,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This money will help bring new life to the island where families can enjoy a greener, healthier environment.” ""Hundreds of New Yorkers die every year from heat-related causes, primarily in neighborhoods that lack tree cover,"" said New York Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Chair of the Committee on Parks & Recreation. ""This $5 million federal grant – for which Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, parks advocates, and I fought hard to bring to Queens – will not only expand our urban forest, but also protect our communities against catastrophic heat and floods and create green jobs. More money for more trees will move us towards a greener, healthier, and more resilient New York City for all."" “Queens, the most diverse borough in the world, deserves more trees. It's home to some of the most heat and flood vulnerable communities in New York City, and trees are an essential part of how those communities grow more resilient to the threats of climate change,” said Emily Nobel Maxwell, Cities Director for The Nature Conservancy in New York, convener of Forest for All NYC. “The Nature Conservancy and Forest for All NYC, with its over 110 organizational members, are grateful to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, as well as City Council Parks Committee Chair Shekar Krishnan, for their leadership in delivering vital funding to help protect and expand the urban forest and to the organizations on the ground who will put this funding to work to set us on the path to at least 30% tree canopy by 2035, equitably.” The senators said that when a neighborhood lacks trees it can lead to a variety of problems, from increased air pollution and urban heat islands, to poor health outcomes. Schumer and Gillibrand said that the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in fighting climate change, has finally created the robust funding needed to maximize access to urban forests in cities across New York. Urban and community forests cool neighborhoods, improve psychological wellbeing, keep electricity costs down, have positive impacts on property values, and help residents avoid the severe health impacts associated with heat waves, Schumer and Gillibrand explained. The Inflation Reduction Act included $1.5 billion over the next 10 years for the U.S. Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry program, more than five times the usual level of funding. The Queens project details are below:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-15-million-for-binghamton-university-to-supercharge-binghamtons-growing-battery-hub-expand-workforce-opportunities-and-help-attract-battery-supply-chain-companies-to-the-southern-tier,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $1.5 MILLION FOR BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY TO SUPERCHARGE BINGHAMTON’S GROWING BATTERY HUB, EXPAND WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES, AND HELP ATTRACT BATTERY SUPPLY CHAIN COMPANIES TO THE...",2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After Helping Land Historic Funding For BU Last Year Through The Build Back Better Regional Challenge To Establish A Battery R&D Hub, Schumer Has Secured Another $1.5M For The Project, To Help Spark New Efforts To Bring Cutting-Edge Start Ups To The Region And Create New Good-Paying Jobs Schumer: Fed $$$ Will Supercharge This Project To Establish A Battery Manufacturing & Innovation Hub In The Southern Tier Building on long-standing advocacy to help bolster Binghamton’s emerging battery hub, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $1,500,000 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for Binghamton University for its New Energy New York (NENY) project. This funding, which is made possible by the historic funding boosts the senator secured for the ARC and matched with dollars from the $63.7 Million Build Back Better Regional Challenge award the senator secured last year, will bolster the growing NENY workforce and entrepreneurship programs. Schumer explained that this will help expand efforts to attract cutting-edge battery startups and supply chain companies to the Southern Tier, as well as supercharge workforce training programs to get local workers and students the skills and hands-on experience they need to secure good-paying jobs in the battery industry. “Another jolt of federal funding is on the way to further power Binghamton’s booming manufacturing, innovation and workforce development hub. I am proud to deliver this $1.5 million federal investment from ARC, matched with the major $63+ million in funding I secured for Binghamton through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, to spark more growth for the New Energy New York project,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding will power the next generation of workers to get the skills they need to enter the battery industry, and connect innovative startups and cutting-edge supply chain companies with the resources they need to help make their home in the Southern Tier. Binghamton University is leading the charge to bring the battery industry back to America, and this funding will help to strengthen those critical efforts. I will continue to fight to keep this economic engine for BU juiced up to reach its full potential.” “This additional funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission will expand the impact and reach of the NENY program. While NENY is positioning Upstate New York as a national hub for battery innovation, manufacturing, and workforce development, this new investment will allow the initiative to further support economic resurgence and regional community development in distressed ARC areas, leading to high-paying jobs in R&D and manufacturing."" said Binghamton University Associate Vice President of Innovation and Economic Development Per Stromhaug. Schumer explained that this funding will bolster Binghamton University’s New Energy New York project, specifically helping expand their emerging programs for workforce development, innovation and entrepreneurship. This includes establishing a Technology Development Voucher Program that will provide financial support and help startups get access to BU’s shared resources and equipment for research and development efforts for battery storage startups, and small to medium-sized businesses. In addition, the Battery Sector Supply Chain Development will be expanded to help attract battery supply chain manufacturers to the Southern Tier, connecting them with the local resources they need to grow their possesses. The project will also bolster the Southern Tier Energy Storage Workforce Development through fellowship opportunities and hands-on learning and training opportunities to help get workers and job seekers connected to local jobs in the battery industry. In addition to the $1,500,000 in ARC funding, the project is matched by other federal, state, and local funds. This includes $1,352,007 from the EDA’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge that Schumer secured for Binghamton University in 2022. State sources will also provide $23,220 and local sources will provide $124,773 in support of the project, bringing the total funding to $3,000,000. This past August, Binghamton University’s New Energy New York project became a finalist for up to $160 million in the National Science Foundation’s Regional “Innovation Engines” Competition (NSF Engines), which was created by Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Bill. Schumer has launched an all-out push to secure this major award for Binghamton University – including personally calling NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan to advocate for the Southern Tier-based battery hub. Schumer has long advocated for federal investment to boost Binghamton’s battery manufacturing and R&D. One of Schumer’s first major acts as majority leader was leading the American Rescue Plan to passage to both bolster America’s response to the pandemic, and boost the long-term economic recovery of regions that needed it most through programs like the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge. As the Regional Challenge program was stood up and Binghamton University developed its battery hub proposal, Schumer began personally advocating to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo for the selection of the Southern Tier for major federal investment. In December 2021, following Schumer’s advocacy, Binghamton’s project was selected as a Phase 1 awardee out of over 500 applications from around the country to compete for a final award. In April 2022, Schumer personally visited the Southern Tier to double down on his advocacy, standing with Dr. Whittingham, to reiterate his support and urge federal leaders to select Binghamton as a final Regional Challenge awardee. In June 2022, Schumer, Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger, and Dr. Whittingham, all joined forces and penned a joint op-ed on the importance of bolstering battery technology for America’s future to again try to elevate the profile of the project. Finally in September 2022, Schumer secured Binghamton’s spot as a final awardee, with a $63.7 million federal investment, one of the largest grants, which was matched by $50 million in funding from New York State, to help make the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes a national hub for battery research and manufacturing. Shortly thereafter, Schumer brought U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Alejandra Castillo, to Binghamton, to show the Biden administration firsthand the potential the Southern Tier has to be a national leader as a hub for battery innovation. Schumer also brought Nobel laureate Dr. M. Stanley Whittingham as his guest to this year’s State of the Union to highlight Binghamton’s national leadership in battery technology. In 2021, Schumer secured $1 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that he negotiated in the Senate for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) over 5 years, increasing the budget to $200 million per year through 2026. The investment provided additional support for economic development, infrastructure, workforce, and other community development projects and programs to improve the quality of life and create new business growth and job opportunities across the Southern Tier and throughout the Appalachian region of Upstate NY. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments, focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community, capacity, and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. New York State receives an allocation of resources from the ARC each year to fund area development in NYS’s 14-county Appalachian Region. The New York counties are represented by one of three Local Development Districts: Southern Tier West (STW) based in Salamanca, NY and comprised of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties; Southern Tier Central (STC) based in Corning, NY and comprised of Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties; and Southern Tier 8 in Binghamton, NY and comprised of Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Tioga and Tompkins counties. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-hochul-announce-new-york-receives-first-ever-department-of-defense-microelectronics-commons-hub-delivering-40-million-federal-investment_first-major-award-from-schumers-chips-and-science-act--to-bolster-new-yorks-booming-semiconductor-industry-and-train-next-generation-of-nys-tech-workforce-to-support-americas-national-security,"SCHUMER, HOCHUL ANNOUNCE NEW YORK RECEIVES FIRST-EVER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MICROELECTRONICS COMMONS HUB, DELIVERING $40 MILLION FEDERAL INVESTMENT – FIRST MAJOR AWARD FROM SCHUMER’S CHIPS & SCIENCE...",2023-09-20,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"NORDTech, A Consortium Of NY Defense And Semiconductor Manufacturing Powerhouses Including NY CREATES, UAlbany, Cornell University, RPI, IBM And More, Is Among First In The Nation To Tap Major Fed Investment From Schumer’s CHIPS And Science Act Schumer Created DoD’s Microelectronic Commons Program To Encourage Commercialization Of Key Tech For U.S. Microelectronics And Designers, Bringing R&D From ‘Lab To Fab’— To Launch New Companies, Support The NY Semiconductor Workforce, And Secure This Critical Technology For National Security Schumer: We Are Building Future Of America’s Semiconductor Industry Here In NY— And Now First Major Award From CHIPS & Science Act Is Here To Supercharge New York’s Chip Companies And Workforce! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a New York-based consortium has been awarded $40 million from the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Microelectronic Commons Program. This funding is one of the first major CHIPS awards from Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Act and will establish the infrastructure of the hub, allowing partners to bolster workforce training programs for the semiconductor industry and add new state-of-the-art microelectronics equipment. The consortium, known as the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTech), led by NY CREATES, the University at Albany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE), Cornell University, Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and IBM, will bring together academia, industry, and government organizations to help supercharge New York’s booming chips industry to spur innovation, attract new companies, strengthen the workforce, and bolster this industry, which is vital to America’s national security. “This first-ever Department of Defense Microelectronics Commons Hub award is booster fuel for the rocket that is Upstate New York’s booming microchip manufacturing industry. With New York as one of the first major CHIPS awards recipients, it is clear the feds are recognizing what I have long known, New York is the home of America’s semiconductor future. This $40 million Microelectronic Commons Hub will make sure research is turned into new companies and new jobs and supercharge New York’s semiconductor workforce, adding new state-of-the-art lab equipment to facilities across the state, and bringing new discoveries from lab to fab,” said Senator Schumer. “With the first major funding from my CHIPS & Science law on the way, there is no greater glowing welcome sign to say New York will be America’s semiconductor superhighway. And this is just the start! From the Capital Region to Central NY to New York City, this major award from the Department of Defense will help us seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in cutting-edge semiconductor technology and to train our workers to make major chip investments in the state like Micron and GlobalFoundries’ proposed expansion a success and ensure the next major breakthroughs for semiconductors are discovered here in New York State.” “This transformative federal grant is not only a major investment in New York’s chips ecosystem – it’s an acknowledgment of everything we’ve accomplished so far to establish Chips Country in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “From our groundbreaking Green CHIPS legislation to Micron’s historic $100 billion commitment for a new campus creating 50,000 jobs in Central New York, we are laying the groundwork for a global hub for semiconductor businesses right here in New York State. I thank Majority Leader Schumer for his leadership in passing the federal CHIPS and Science Act and his help in securing this funding, and I look forward to a continued partnership with all of the local, state, and federal stakeholders as we advance our mission to bring the jobs and the businesses of the future to New York.” This funding comes from the $2 billion CHIPS for America Defense Fund which Schumer helped establish in his CHIPS & Science Act. Schumer first successfully authorized the creation of the DoD Microelectronics Commons program as part of the authorization of the first-ever federal chips incentives and R&D programs in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) For Fiscal Year 2021. Schumer then included in his U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) $52 billion in mandatory funding to implement these incentive and R&D programs, including $2 billion for the DoD Microelectronics Commons program. After passing the Senate in June 2021, USICA was eventually combined with similar House-passed legislation to become the CHIPS and Science Act, which was signed into law in August 2022. Schumer wrote to Defense Secretary Austin in support of the consortium and pulled out all the stops to deliver this support for NORDTech, including also personally calling the Defense Secretary to advocate for the proposal. He explained that with the funding, NORDTech, along with over 60 regional partners across the Northeast, will leverage their resources to sustain technology leadership and strengthen the New York regional ecosystem in semiconductors. NORDTech was one of eight hubs selected nationwide. The $40 million in Department of Defense funds announced today will establish the NORDTech Hub infrastructure and processes. This will include new semiconductor-focused capital equipment located at several NORDTech member sites across New York State, as well as the people and processes that will rapidly make these key capabilities easily accessible to NORDTech members who conduct DoD-prioritized technical projects and workforce training opportunities. The membership includes NY CREATES at the Albany NanoTech Complex, University at Albany, Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute, IBM, Cornell University, the Griffiss Institute, Mohawk Valley Community College, the NY CREATES Test Assembly and Packaging (TAP) facility located in Rochester, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and many more. As an awardee of this competition to help establish the national Microelectronics Commons, the NORDTech Hub enables its member participants to pursue further funding through subsequent DoD funding opportunities for multi-million-dollar investment in microelectronics prototyping projects and workforce development activities. The senator said this investment is a force multiplier in New York State, because those small, medium, and large employers can then use the distributed NORDTech Hub in the Microelectronics Commons network to achieve technical project goals and workforce goals, helping launch next-generation semiconductor-based technology in a range of industries, and is delivering a once-in-a-generation opportunity to launch rewarding, highly skilled careers across the semiconductor supply network in New York State. Schumer said this funding will also help lay the groundwork to ensure ongoing semiconductor projects are a success and to land additional federal funding for opportunities like becoming the major hub of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) in the Capital Region at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex. Schumer has long said that the Albany NanoTech Complex is the most “shovel-ready” R&D facility in the country and ready to quickly stand up the NSTC. The multibillion-dollar Albany NanoTech Complex is the most advanced, publicly-owned, 300-millimeter semiconductor R&D facility in North America, has well-established partnerships with industry leaders, workforce training providers, and top academic research institutions across the country, including in critical logic and packaging capabilities, and is set up to immediately begin supporting the needs of the broader semiconductor ecosystem, including startups, small businesses, and the workforce. The site and its partners have a long record of accomplishment of groundbreaking research that has led to successful technology transfer, translating research into manufacturing. Schumer has fought tirelessly to uplift the Capital Region and Upstate New York as a major hub to lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing and research. Early this year, Schumer personally invited NY CREATES President David Anderson to President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address to highlight his push to land the NSTC in the Capital Region. Prior to the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, Schumer not only brought the Commerce Secretary to Malta to highlight opportunities for expansion at GlobalFoundries and across Upstate New York’s semiconductor industry, but also arranged for Secretary Raimondo to meet with NY CREATES and industry leaders, including from IBM and Applied Materials, to discuss the unique assets the region has for leading the NSTC. Schumer also brought Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves to Albany to tour the Albany NanoTech Complex and see firsthand how the Capital Region is perfectly suited to stand up the NSTC and begin boosting the nation’s semiconductor industry. The DoD’s Microelectronic Commons, funded by Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act, is a network of microelectronics R&D infrastructure investments, including facilities, support for an ecosystem of companies of all sizes, and workforce development designed to empower industry and researchers in working with the DoD's efforts in microelectronics development. With the creation of regional ecosystems funded by the DoD program, each focusing on key technology areas, the Microelectronics Commons will close the gap between research ideas and realization of those ideas, translating more research into new technology, new companies, and expansion of existing companies. The Commons is designed to enable sustained partnerships between emerging technology sources, manufacturing facilities, and interagency partners. It also works to develop a pipeline of talent to bolster local semiconductor economies and contribute more broadly to the growth of a domestic semiconductor workforce. Learn more at www.nordtechub.org. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is building for the future with strategic investments in next-generation technologies and workforce development to promote sustainable economic growth. This Department of Defense grant – and the collaborative efforts of the NORDTech partners – will strengthen our continued buildout of this dynamic industry, and we’re grateful to Senator Schumer and our federal partners for their support.” Dave Anderson, President of NY CREATES said, “On behalf of NY CREATES, we are extremely grateful for the incredible leadership of Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Governor Hochul, who have both laid the groundwork for this exciting announcement through their continued delivery of strategic semiconductor-centered investments which have contributed to U.S. competitiveness while making our state the preeminent innovation hub in the nation. As a result of today’s announcement, we look forward to building the Northeast Defense Technology Hub in the Microelectronics Commons region in and around New York State with our partners, including the University at Albany’s CNSE, Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and IBM. Initiatives like this are not only significant in and of themselves, but they also further foster growth of New York’s established high-tech ecosystem by leveraging our world-class semiconductor-focused resources, capabilities, and facilities to secure the future of microelectronics for the nation.” “New York is home to one of America’s premier semiconductor ecosystems, delivering breakthroughs that have made chips more powerful, smaller, greener and ready for the era of artificial intelligence. IBM is proud to play a key part in that ecosystem alongside several of New York’s world class research universities. Our work together in this new Department of Defense Microelectronics Commons Hub will solidify the state’s role at the forefront of chip innovation. This leadership only happens through the hard work of leaders like Majority Leader Schumer, Governor Hochul and others,"" said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM. ""This is tremendous news for Upstate New York and for the next generation of high-tech talent across the state,"" said Heather Hage, President, and CEO of Griffiss Institute. ""Today’s announcement would not have been possible without the tireless legislative work of Senator Schumer on last year’s CHIPS and Science legislation, and we thank him for his continued advocacy to help grow New York’s high-tech economy. I would also like to thank Governor Hochul for her support of our vision for NORDTech, as well as the vote of confidence shown in our region by the Pentagon. This new investment by our nation’s military demonstrates clearly that Upstate New York has what it takes to build the workforce of the future in highly secure, leading-edge semiconductor technology. I’m proud the Griffiss Institute will contribute to this effort by leveraging our work with the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate to help connect the Department of Defense with the world-class research and education capabilities across New York, with a focus on leading high-tech small businesses in emerging technologies such as quantum information science that will be critical to the next generation of microelectronics.” “NORDTech is a great example of how academia, companies of all sizes, and economic development teamwork will enhance the future of the semiconductor industry in the U.S.,” notes Krystyn J. Van Vliet, Vice President for Research & Innovation at Cornell University. “Cornell appreciates the strong support of Senator Schumer and Governor Hochul to grow this field of research, discovery, translation and inclusive workforce creation across New York, and recognizes the contributions of the many researchers, technical staff, and organizations who built the NORDTech proposal to the Department of Defense. We look forward to working together to convert the potential energy of the MicroElectronic Commons Hubs into the kinetic energy of prototyping and outcomes for new semiconductor-intensive technologies and the expanded workforce that will create them.” SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “Our thanks to Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Governor Hochul for providing the leadership and direction needed to drive growth in semiconductor research and development across our state. SUNY’s colleges and universities, powered by NY CREATES and UAlbany’s CNSE, are well positioned for this opportunity because we have state-of-the-art facilities hosting groundbreaking research, excellent faculty and researchers creating innovation, and strong workforce development programs preparing New Yorkers for in-demand careers. We are grateful for the significant investment announced today, and proud of our role in the NORDTech consortium.” University at Albany President Havidán Rodríguez said, “This is extraordinary news for the Capital Region, and the University at Albany is proud to be a part of the consortium that will strengthen and expand New York’s semiconductor sector. Albany NanoTech was early proof of the wisdom of NORDTech’s ‘lab to fab’ approach to microelectronic and semiconductor materials research, and CNSE has been an integral part of that success for nearly two decades. Now, thanks to the leadership of Sen. Schumer, Gov. Hochul and NY CREATES, UAlbany-CNSE stands ready to help ensure New York and the nation remain at the leading edge of semiconductor advances.” Martin A. Schmidt, Ph.D., President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute said, “The next generation of microelectronics will be born in New York State. We are proud to be among the founding members of this consortium and are ready to get to work with our partners in higher education, industry, the Capital Region and beyond to make New York a leader in chips innovation. We thank Senator Schumer and Governor Hochul for their continued support and leadership to make this vision a reality.” “I knew the CHIPS and Science Act would be a game-changer for our region — already a hub of innovation — to become the center of semiconductor resurgence for our nation and a key driver in this critical industry,” Congressman Paul Tonko said. “That’s why I pushed hard to advance this key legislation alongside Majority Leader Schumer and our leading semiconductor manufacturing institutes. I’m thrilled to see this critical investment now being delivered. This funding, made possible through our CHIPS Act, will enable our centers of research, learning, and development to explode in potential, strengthening our economy and creating good paying jobs right here in our region and beyond. As we celebrate this historic announcement, I will continue pushing for federal action to deliver on the promise of a high-tech innovation economy hub in the Capital Region.” ""As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I've fought for federal investment opportunities in innovation for our community,"" said Congressman Joe Morelle. ""This investment out of the CHIPS & Science Act is an exciting step forward in the fight to reestablish the US as a global leader of innovation, and it is no surprise the Finger Lakes Region is included in the first major award. I’m grateful to Senator Schumer for his leadership and collaboration and look forward to continued regional investments."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-new-report-on-binghamtons-rail-bridges-schumer-gillibrand-call-on-norfolk-southern-to-immediately-begin-work-with-city-to-address-disparities-in-conditions-and-on-feds-to-investigate-safety-concerns,"FOLLOWING NEW REPORT ON BINGHAMTON’S RAIL BRIDGES, SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND CALL ON NORFOLK SOUTHERN TO IMMEDIATELY BEGIN WORK WITH CITY TO ADDRESS DISPARITIES IN CONDITIONS, AND ON FEDS TO INVESTIGATE...",2023-09-18,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"A Recent Independent Engineering Inspection Commissioned By The City Of Binghamton Found Nearly A Dozen Binghamton Bridges Owned And Operated By Norfolk Southern Railroad To Be In Severe Or Poor Condition, But City Has Been Unable To Commence Substantive Engagement From Norfolk Southern To Address Safety Concerns In New Report Senators Personally Wrote To Head Of Norfolk Southern & The FRA To Immediately Work With The City To Address Safety Concerns; Schumer, Gillibrand Also Urged The FRA To Conduct Its Own Inspection Of Bridges In Question To Understand If These Structures Pose Greater Safety Threats To Binghamton Community Schumer, Gillibrand: Norfolk Southern Has A Responsibility To Comprehensively Address Concerns Over Binghamton’s Rail Bridges Citing concerns about the safety of several rail bridges the City of Binghamton identified in an independent engineering report, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today called on Norfolk Southern Railway to immediately work with local leaders to address these concerns, as well as share their own bridge inspection reports with the City, and comprehensively respond to the report. Given potential discrepancies between the City’s audit and Norfolk Southern’s reports of the bridges, Schumer and Gillibrand also called on the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to also meet with the City and conduct its own federal audit and review of the bridges in question to establish a more precise and detailed picture of the rail-bridge safety concerns that must be addressed. “After the City of Binghamton commissioned its own independent engineering report on the safety of Binghamton’s rail bridges, which raised many concerns, Norfolk Southern has a responsibility to comprehensively respond to the report to ensure the continued safety of the community. That is why I’ve personally written to both Norfolk Southern and the FRA to request they promptly meet with the City to address any and all infrastructure and safety issues in the report and ensure the safety of the greater Binghamton community,” said Senator Schumer. “We cannot wait for an accident to spur action; Norfolk Southern needs to come to the table to fully address the concerns raised by the City to ensure Binghamton’s rail bridges are safe over the long haul.” “The findings from the inspection report that the City of Binghamton commissioned are deeply troubling,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The structural and safety concerns raised in the report must be addressed before tragedy strikes. I am urging the Federal Railroad Administration to inspect these bridges further to bring to light any immediate safety threats, and I am demanding that Norfolk Southern Railway work with the City to fully assess the situation and make the necessary repairs immediately.” In the wake of the devastating train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio earlier this year, along with growing concerns from local residents, the City of Binghamton called for the inspection of 28 railroad bridges throughout the city. The result was a comprehensive 900-page report that names 15 of the city’s bridges as either in severe or poor condition, most of which are owned by Norfolk Southern. Schumer and Gillibrand said that although the companies who own these bridges, such as Norfolk Southern, are regularly required to complete their own inspections, potential discrepancies between their reports and the city’s report have him calling for more accountability and communication from the companies. The senators want Norfolk Southern to both meet with the city and comprehensively respond to the city’s independent report in detail. In addition, in a letter to the FRA, Schumer and Gillibrand urged the Federal Railroad Administration to conduct its own audit and inspection of the structural safety of the railroad bridges in question, given the clear discrepancy between the City’s audit and Norfolk Southern’s findings of the bridges. The senators explained that the FRA’s inspection will help the city understand whether or not these visual concerns pose greater safety threats to the surrounding community. Schumer and Gillibrand also sent a letter to Norfolk Southern, calling on the company to promptly share the reports from their own separate safety inspections with the City. Additionally, the senators asked that both Norfolk Southern and the FRA meet with local city leadership to discuss both reports and act swiftly to address any concerns the community may have. This builds on Schumer’s direct advocacy to get answers from railroad companies and increase transparency. This past April, Schumer introduced the bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2023, legislation to help create new rail safety protocols, hold railroads accountable for malfeasance, and increase transparency of trains carrying hazardous materials. In a letter sent last March, Schumer demanded that the companies outline the steps they are taking to improve rail safety and better communicate notifications to all levels of government to ensure a preventable tragedy like Ohio’s never happens again. Schumer also successfully got the CEO of Norfolk Southern to testify before Congress. The senator has also written to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urging them to undertake safety audits of the major freight railroads operating in the country. Schumer has long pushed for information sharing between railroads, states, and localities to be strengthened and improved in order to increase community safety. In 2013, he called for local emergency response officials to be notified in advance of a crude oil-carrying train coming through their community. In response, the U.S. Department of Transportation promptly issued an emergency order requiring State Emergency Response Commissions to be notified, which was subsequently made permanent for High Hazard Flammable Trains in a 2015 rule. Schumer had also secured other increased safety provisions like requiring freight carriers to equip high hazard flammable unit trains carrying crude oil or hazardous materials with Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) brakes, but that rule was later repealed under the Trump administration in 2018. In 2013, Schumer successfully pushed the federal DOT to regulate dangerous crude oil carrying DOT-111 tank cars that were common in Upstate NY. Schumer has also pushed for better information-sharing among railroad companies and local first responders, who are often the first on the scene of a derailment. Prior to Schumer’s advocacy, railroads carrying crude oil on High Hazard Flammable Trains through New York communities were not required to notify emergency response teams, but he secured a 2014 emergency order by the USDOT that now requires this information to be shared. Schumer has continuously pushed railroads to expand these provisions so local government and first responders have all the information they need. A copy of Schumer and Gillibrand’s original letter to the FRA can be found here. A copy of the Senators’ original letter to Norfolk Southern can be found here and below: Dear Mr. Shaw: We request your attention to several railroad safety concerns in the City of Binghamton, New York, which involve a number of bridges owned and operated by your company, Norfolk Southern Railway. A recent inspection commissioned by the City of all railroad bridges located within Binghamton found an alarming number of the bridges to be in troubling condition, including potential structural or safety concerns involving several of Norfolk Southern Railroad’s bridges. Similarly, it is our understanding that Norfolk Southern has conducted its own separate inspection with competing findings—please share those reports with the City. In light of these reports and your responsibility to the community, we request that you meet with the City to discuss both reports and act promptly to address any concerns the community may have. The City of Binghamton recently hired an independent engineering firm to survey the twenty-five bridges—owned by either your railroad or the New York Susquehanna & Western Corporation—found within the City. The independent inspections, which began in June 2023, were visual safety inspections focused on identifying any signs of distress “that may indicate serious safety and/or structural concerns”. The visual inspections found twelve bridges owned and operated by Norfolk Southern Railroad to be in severe or poor condition indicating either a structural or safety concern that requires further investigation subsequent action by Norfolk Southern.[1] While the City has made this independent bridge safety report readily available to the public, we understand that Norfolk Southern Railway has led its own inspection, but those official findings have not yet been shared with the community. Please share your findings with City immediately and meet with local leadership to discuss the reports and talk through any concerns. The findings highlighted by the City’s report are troubling to me, and have led us to call on the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to conduct its own independent, federal audit and inspection of Binghamton’s railroad bridges. If these visual concerns detailed in the City’s report are indeed indicative of larger structural or safety issues, it is Norfolk Southern’s duty to act swiftly to protect the community. We look forward to hearing how you plan to work with the City to address any matters of safety and call on you to fully cooperate with any related FRA inquiries. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact our offices. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-after-promising-to-make-rochester-one-of-the-first-to-tap-historic-urban-forest-funding-he-secured-in-the-inflation-reduction-act_delivers-3-million-to-greenlight-rochesters-urban-tree-transformation-and-plant-thousands-of-new-trees-across-rochester,"SCHUMER, AFTER PROMISING TO MAKE ROCHESTER ONE OF THE FIRST TO TAP HISTORIC URBAN FOREST FUNDING HE SECURED IN THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT, DELIVERS $3 MILLION TO GREENLIGHT ROCHESTER’S URBAN TREE...",2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"For Decades, Rochester Has Suffered From Declining Tree Canopy – With Poorer Neighborhoods And Communities Of Color Having 30+% Fewer Trees – Creating Urban Heat Islands, Worsening Historic Inequities, Health Disparities, And More Schumer Stood In Rochester Earlier This Year And Then Personally Called USDA Secretary Vilsack To Advocate For Rochester To Be Among The First To Tap Historic Funding He Secured For Urban Forest Programs In The Inflation Reduction Act – The Largest Investment In Fighting Climate Change Ever – And Now Nearly 6,000 New Trees Will Soon Line Rochester’s Streets Thanks To Fed Funding Schumer Secured Schumer: Inflation Reduction Act Is Planting The Seed For A Healthier, Cleaner, And Greener Rochester! After standing in Rochester earlier this year promising to help make it one of the first communities to tap this historic funding he secured in the Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today delivered on his promise securing $3 million in federal funding for the City of Rochester to work toward the City’s goal of planting 6,000 new trees across the city through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry grants program. Schumer personally called USDA Secretary Vilsack to advocate for the Rochester project after meeting with community leaders on the importance of the funding. The senator said this federal investment will finally get to the root cause of the systemic economic and health inequalities that have resulted from inequitable tree canopy cover in Rochester by greatly expanding the city’s tree coverage and breathing new life into areas that currently lack green space. “I promised to help Rochester neighborhoods find their spot in the shade and plant the seeds for a brighter future, and now I am proud to say a promise made is now a promise kept with Rochester as one of the first in the nation to tap the historic funding I secured in the Inflation Reduction Act to plant thousands of news trees across the city. This critical $3 million federal investment is more than just thousands of new luscious, vibrant trees – it means cleaner air, a better environment, improved quality of life, and rooting out historic inequities that have been seen across Rochester neighborhoods,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought hard to plant this funding in the Inflation Reduction Act so that places like Rochester, and cities across Upstate New York, could have access to the funding they have long needed to breathe new life into our most underserved neighborhoods. Now a greener, healthier, and more equitable Rochester will finally take root and blossom.” “I want to thank Senator Schumer for helping the City of Rochester invest in our future and for championing our efforts at the Federal level for additional funds for the City’s Tree Expansion and Beautification program,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Equity, compassion, and hope for the city are at the heart of this program. We know that trees add value to a home, a neighborhood, and, most critically, our community’s health and well-being. The trees we plant will be equitably placed across the city, ensuring that everyone will benefit from all that trees offer for generations to come.” Schumer explained that in Rochester, the difference in canopy cover ? the amount of an area covered by trees, as seen from above ? differs by more than 30 percent from the most tree-covered neighborhood to the least. The senator said that when a neighborhood lacks trees it can lead to a variety of problems, from increased air pollution, urban heat islands, to poor health outcomes, which are on top of negative economic impacts like decreased property values. For years, Rochester has struggled to add trees and green space, in large part due to a lack of funding. In the last four-year period, from 2018 to 2021, the city planted 2,335 new trees but removed 2,771, a net loss of 436. Schumer said that the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in fighting climate change, which he led to passage as Majority Leader has finally created the robust funding needed to tackle this problem in Rochester and other cities across New York. Earlier this year, Senator Schumer visited Rochester and launched a major push to help the city become one of the first in the nation to tap the historic funding provided for USDA’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to help meet the City’s goal of planting 6,000 new trees across the city over the next three years. The federal funding Schumer delivered today will work to remedy the systemic economic and health inequalities worsened by the lack of green space and unbalanced tree coverage across neighborhoods. Schumer said now thanks to the historic increases he secured in the Inflation Reduction Act, Rochester can work on growing the historic city of gardens, arborists, and nurseries. The Inflation Reduction Act included $1.5 billion over the next 10 years for the U.S. Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry program, more than five times the current level of funding. Earlier this year, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans put together a comprehensive Tree Expansion and Beautification Program plan, which he used to apply for this historic new funding to plant 6,000 trees and bring every neighborhood in the City to an 85% stocking rate, increasing the public tree inventory to 70,000 by the end of 2025. An 85% stocking rate means a street tree will be planted in 85% of the places that can possibly accommodate a tree. This project is estimated to cost nearly $5 million, but with Rochester allocating $1.4 million this year to begin the effort, the federal funding that Schumer has now secured will help support the remainder of the project. Schumer wrote to USDA Secretary Vilsack personally in support of the project and pulled out all the stops to deliver this support for Rochester, including personally calling the USDA Secretary to advocate for the Rochester project. This funding is one of the final pieces of the puzzle to fully fund the project and jump start the cities initiative to create vibrant tree-filled neighborhoods Rochester has long deserved. A copy of Schumer’s letter to the USDA appears below: Dear Secretary Vilsack, I write in support of the City of Rochester, NY’s application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service (USFS) Urban and Community Forestry Program (UCF) to provide the critical funding needed to meet the City’s ambitious plan to plant 6,000 new trees by 2025. The UCF Program received a historic infusion of funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the City hopes to leverage the funding from the IRA to correct the longstanding disparity in tree canopy coverage across Rochester neighborhoods so that all Rochester residents can benefit from the increased health and safety impacts associated with tree-rich communities. In the 1800’s, Rochester was one of our nation’s first gardening and nursery industry epicenters. The City employed thousands to grow plants, trees, and produce seed in Rochester’s soil that were then exported to growing communities across the United States. Sadly, today despite that legacy, neighborhoods across Rochester – including many just a stone’s throw from those historical nurseries – now lack trees and the shade their canopies provide. Even more concerning, there is a significant disparity in tree canopy coverage based on race and class. Currently in Rochester the disparity in tree canopy cover exceeds 30%, with the most tree-covered neighborhood having 49% tree canopy coverage and the neighborhood with the least tree coverage having only 18% coverage. The neighborhood with only 18% coverage is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city, where nearly all residents are Black and Latino. The neighborhood with the most coverage at 49% is wealthier, whiter, and has fewer renters. This trend can be observed across the city. Urban forests cool neighborhoods, improve psychological wellbeing, keep electricity costs down, have positive impacts on property values, and help residents avoid the severe health impacts associated with heat waves. Residents in the areas with the fewest trees have higher rates of physical and mental health issues, poverty, lower property values, higher rental rates, and suffer from temperatures as much as 12 degrees hotter than areas with higher concentrations of trees. The city’s plan to plant 6,000 new trees by 2025 seeks to rectify this disparity and bring all neighborhoods in the city up to the same level of tree cover. According to the U.S Census Bureau Rochester has the second highest child poverty rate in the nation, with nearly half of all children in Rochester living in poverty. The increased funding for the Urban and Community Forestry Program was envisioned to benefit communities exactly like Rochester where trees plantings can bring generational change across a trees’ many-decades life to help reverse economic and environmental injustice. The UCF funding will enable the City of Rochester to not only plant 6,000 trees but to take a step towards ending this inequity and bringing every neighborhood in the City up to 85% stocking rate. I fully support this effort and ask that you look favorably on this application for Urban and Community Forestry Program funding. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-delivers-huge-11-million-for-the-hudson-valley-through-inflation-reduction-act-to-plant-thousands-of-new-trees-training-youth-for-good-paying-jobs-making-communities-greener-and-planting-the-seeds-for-a-brighter-cleaner-future-for-families-and-neighborhoods-across-the-hudson-valley,"SCHUMER DELIVERS HUGE $11+ MILLION FOR THE HUDSON VALLEY THROUGH INFLATION REDUCTION ACT TO PLANT THOUSANDS OF NEW TREES, TRAINING YOUTH FOR GOOD PAYING JOBS MAKING COMMUNITIES GREENER, AND PLANTING...",2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"For Years, Many Hudson Valley Communities From Yonkers To Mount Vernon Have Suffered From A Lack Of Trees – Creating Hotter Neighborhoods With Urban Heat Islands, Decreasing Air Quality, Worsening Public Health Outcomes, Lowering Property Values, And More Schumer Personally Added Historic Funding to the Urban Forest Programs In The Inflation Reduction Act – The Largest Investment In Fighting Climate Change Ever – And Now Hudson Valley Communities Are Among The First In The Nation To Tap Funding To Plant Thousands Of New Trees And Expand Good Paying Jobs For Youth Revitalizing Their Communities With Greenspace Schumer: Inflation Reduction Act Is Planting The Seed For A Healthier, Cleaner, And Greener Hudson Valley! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $11,459,838 for eight projects across the Hudson Valley to plant thousands of new trees and expand youth education and job training programs to help make the community greener through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program. Schumer said this funding was made possible thanks to the historic increases he secured in the Inflation Reduction Act, which included over $1 billion for the USDA program to help increase equitable access to trees. Schumer said the funding will help breathe new life into communities across the Hudson Valley, helping to directly address disparities like urban heat islands that have plagued Hudson Valley communities, as well as getting youth connected to good paying jobs that promote community improvement and climate resilience, making a cleaner greener environment for all. “From Yonkers and Mount Vernon, to Kingston and Port Jervis, it is time for the Hudson Valley to put on your work gloves, dust off your shovels and get ready to dig in because over $11 million is on the way to plant thousands of new trees and give our youth good paying jobs to make our communities cleaner and greener for all. Investing in helping green spaces grow not only improves quality of life, it helps tack systemic inequalities like urban heat islands, create cleaner air and so much more. Growing our green spaces is how you plant the seeds for a brighter future for communities that need it most in the Hudson Valley,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought hard to plant this funding in the Inflation Reduction Act so that places like White Plains, Yonkers, Kingston, and other communities across the Hudson Valley could have access to the funding they have long needed to breathe new life into our neighborhoods. Now a greener, healthier, and more equitable Hudson Valley can finally take root and blossom.” ""This is a watershed moment for both Groundwork Hudson Valley and the youth of Yonkers. With this generous funding, we will be able to expand our Youth Leadership program to include young people up to 24 years old and build pathways to opportunities that don't just lead to a green job, but a career in environmental sustainability. This is a huge win for Yonkers and the Hudson Valley and we thank Senator Schumer for his leadership and attention to this important work and we look forward to working together with the other recipients to build a more climate resilient future for all of us,” said Wendy Zimmermann, Groundwork Hudson Valley Board Chair. A breakdown of the funding awarded in the Hudson Valley can be found below: Schumer explained that thanks to the historic investments he was able to secure in the Inflation Reduction Act, USDA’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is awarding more than $1 billion to increase equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide in disadvantaged urban communities. The Inflation Reduction Act provides $1.5 billion for urban and community forestry investments that 1) increase access in disadvantaged urban communities to trees and the associated benefits they provide to human health, the environment, and the economy, 2) broaden community engagement in local urban forest planning, tree planting, and management activities; and 3) improve community and urban forest resilience to climate change, extreme heat, forest pests and diseases, and storm events through best management and maintenance practices. Schumer said that these projects will have a transformative impact on communities across the Hudson Valley. In Yonkers, the Groundwork Hudson Valley project will use their over $5 million in federal funding to create a new program for high school students in Southwest Yonkers at the Barack Obama School for Social Justice to get paid training experience through a new Urban Forestry & Climate Resilience Technical Career Pathway. The pathway will help give students real world experience and training for new skills in urban forestry, and eventually connect them with the professional workforce development program in urban forestry at Westchester Community College. The program includes the development of a high-school to college model urban forestry curriculum, extensive paid vocational training experiences for youth from Southwest Yonkers in the community, the placement of graduates in internships and full-time positions, and the planting and stewardship of hundreds of trees across the Southwest Yonkers community. The City of Yonkers will also receive funding separately to help plant hundreds of new trees across the community which will help directly tackle the city’s longstanding issues with urban heat islands. This builds on work Senator Schumer has done in recent years to help increase greenspace in Yonkers, including helping to fund the first ever Yonkers Greenway. Earlier this year after standing in Yonkers to launch his efforts to deliver funding for Yonkers Greenway, Schumer revealed last month he secured up to $3.5 million in the recently marked up FY 2024 Senate and House appropriations bills, helping bring the complete project closer to reality. In addition, White Plains will be able to use the federal funding to plant hundreds of new trees and potentially double its annual tree planting numbers. The strategic initiative will not only build the capacity of municipal forestry professionals, but also nurture a new cadre of urban arborists and activate community tree stewardship with good paying jobs. In Kingston, funding will allow them to finally establish and fill an Urban Forester position in the community to increase greenery and environmental sustainability in the city. Similarly, Mount Vernon will establish an Urban Forestry Program conducting a city-wide tree inventory and mapping, development of an urban forest management plan to help plant hundreds of new trees in disadvantaged communities across the city. In other communities like the Village of Haverstraw, federal investment will help with long desired community projects like the redevelopment of the former Empire State Chair Factory site with new lush trees and greenery like bioretention gardens to naturally prepare for stormwater management. Along with grasses and flowering perennials, rain gardens to help beautify this former vacant site. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-delivers-nearly-11-million-for-syracuse-and-central-new-york-through-inflation-reduction-act-for-thousands-of-new-trees-across-cny-creating-good-paying-jobs-for-youth-making-community-greener-and-planting-the-seeds-for-a-brighter-cleaner-future-for-cnys-neighborhoods,"SCHUMER DELIVERS NEARLY $11 MILLION FOR SYRACUSE & CENTRAL NEW YORK THROUGH INFLATION REDUCTION ACT FOR THOUSANDS OF NEW TREES ACROSS CNY, CREATING GOOD PAYING JOBS FOR YOUTH, MAKING COMMUNITY...",2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"For Years, Many Central NY Neighborhoods Have Been Concrete Jungles, With Severe Lack Of Greenery – Creating Hotter Neighborhoods Through Urban Heat Islands, Decreasing Air Quality, Worsening Public Health Outcomes, And More Schumer Personally Called And Wrote USDA Secretary Vilsack To Advocate For Syracuse In USDA Competition To Be Among The First To Tap Historic Funding He Secured For Urban Forest Program In The Inflation Reduction Act – The Largest Investment In Fighting Climate Change Ever – And Now Thousands Of New Trees Will Soon Line Streets Across The Region Thanks To Fed $$$ Schumer Secured Schumer: Inflation Reduction Act Is Planting The Seed For A Healthier, Cleaner, And Greener In Syracuse & CNY! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $10,945,000 for three projects in Syracuse, Auburn, and across Central New York to plant thousands of new trees and expand youth and job training programs helping make the community greener through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program. Schumer said this funding was made possible thanks to the historic increases he secured in the Inflation Reduction Act, which included over $1 billion for the USDA program to help increase equitable access to trees. Schumer said the funding will help breathe new life into neighborhoods in Syracuse and across Central NY, and plant thousands of new trees, helping reduce extreme temperatures from ‘urban heat islands’ in places like Syracuse, while helping youth get connected to good paying jobs that improve the community and contribute to a cleaner greener environment for all. “Central NY, put on your work gloves, get out your shovels and get ready to dig in because nearly $11 million is on the way to help plant thousands of new trees and help youth make our communities cleaner and greener for all. Investing in helping green spaces in our neighborhoods grow not only improves quality of life and air quality, it increases property values, decreases temperatures and so much more. It is how you plant the seeds for a brighter future,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought hard to plant this funding in the Inflation Reduction Act so that places like Syracuse, Auburn, and other cities across Central New York, could have access to the funding they have long needed to breathe new life into our most underserved neighborhoods. Now a greener, healthier, and more equitable Central NY can finally take root and blossom.” “Syracuse will quickly benefit from the investments in our tree canopy made possible by this Rooting for Syracuse collaboration. With these funds, Syracuse will be better able carry out our goal to grow the canopy more equitably, enhance neighborhood health and climate resiliency, and create employment opportunities for young people,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “I’m grateful to the community partners who contributed to our application and to the strong support from Majority Leader Schumer.” “Neighborhoods in the city of Auburn located in environment justice areas suffered great loss due to the devastating impact of the invasive emerald ash borer. The USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grant will allow us to redevelop Auburn’s urban forest within our disadvantaged neighborhoods replacing over 1,200 trees on public lands that were lost,” said Mayor of Auburn Michael Quill. “On behalf of our city, we thank Senator Schumer for his leadership and tireless effort to provide these essential funds within the Inflation Reduction Act. “On behalf of our entire organization and communities across Central New York, I would like to thank Senator Schumer for his extraordinary commitment to our region and for fighting to secure this transformational funding,” said CNY Regional Planning and Development Board Executive Director David Bottar. “Using this federal investment, our board plans to stand-up a program to re-distribute award funding to smaller communities across CNY, ensuring that this critical pot of funding is accessible to communities of all sizes and expanding the footprint of our region’s urban green space renaissance. When it’s all said and done, these funds will be used for everything from hiring community arborists to developing workforce training partnerships around urban forestry to planting 10,000 new trees. We are excited to get started, and we are lucky to have a great partner like Senator Schumer on our team.” The funding recipients are listed below: Schumer personally called and wrote USDA Secretary Vilsack in support of the project and fought to deliver this support for Syracuse. Syracuse’s proposal, “Rooting for Syracuse: A community-based approach to advancing tree equity,” builds on years of planning by the city to boost youth and neighborhood-centered urban forestry and will help the city plant and care for thousands of new trees. The project will be supported by community partners SUNY ESF, the Gifford Foundation, Onondaga Earth Corps, Tree Equity Fund, Department of Neighborhood & Business Development, Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs, Syracuse Land Bank, Home Headquarters, and others. The project builds on Syracuse’s 2019 urban forestry master plan released in 2019, which the City has already committed $2 million in federal funding to from the American Rescue Plan. Specifically, the city will work with community partners to expand youth education and training, helping plant thousands of trees and helping to employing hundreds of youth and workers in good paying jobs to prepare workers for careers and college programs in urban forestry, land management, and landscaping. The city also plans for funding to support community led urban forest and neighborhood beautification projects and integrate tree planning into affordable housing initiatives through homeowner education and tree management assistance. In Auburn, officials plan to use this funding to plant over 1,000 new trees to address the city's hot spots and increase tree canopy through partnerships with West End neighborhoods and the Auburn Enlarged City School District. Auburn also plans to use this funding to help prioritize the management of existing trees through pruning and removal of decaying trees, and promote education outreach and awareness for communities to take advantage of the city’s ongoing efforts to increase greenery and beautify neighborhoods. The Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board (CNY RPDB) will utilize its $9 million award from the USDA to capitalize its Central New York Healthy Urban Forests initiative. Through this initiative, the CNY RPDB will manage and distribute funds in the form of sub-awards to small communities in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego counties. Funds will be used for planning, which includes tree inventories, urban forest master plans, and management plans, and for implementation of tree planting projects identified in these plans. Additionally, funds will be used to hire two “circuit rider” arborists who will assist communities with urban forestry planning and project implementation at no cost. The CNY RPDB will also direct funding towards workforce training programs in partnership with municipalities, local community-based organizations, educational institutions, and county soil and water conservation districts to further the capacity for communities to engage in urban forestry. Measurable outcomes of this proposal include: 10 completed urban forest master plans by the end of the contract term, at least 10,000 trees planted, and at least 25 participants engaged in workforce training programs. Schumer explained that thanks to the historic investments he was able to secure in the Inflation Reduction Act the USDA’s Urban and Community Forestry Program Grants, is making more than $1 billion available to increase equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide in disadvantaged urban communities. The Inflation Reduction Act provides $1.5 billion for urban and community forestry investments that 1) increase access in disadvantaged urban communities to trees and the associated benefits they provide to human health, the environment, and the economy, 2) Broaden community engagement in local urban forest planning, tree planting, and management activities; and 3) improve community and urban forest resilience to climate change, extreme heat, forest pests and diseases, and storm events through best management and maintenance practices. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-delivers-over-23-million-for-utica-through-inflation-reduction-act-to-transform-city-with-thousands-of-new-trees-increasing-green-space-and-planting-the-seed-for-a-brighter-cleaner-future-for-uticas-neighborhoods,"SCHUMER DELIVERS OVER $2.3 MILLION FOR UTICA THROUGH INFLATION REDUCTION ACT TO TRANSFORM CITY WITH THOUSANDS OF NEW TREES, INCREASING GREEN SPACE AND PLANTING THE SEED FOR A BRIGHTER CLEANER FUTURE...",2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"For Years, Many Utica Neighborhoods Have Suffered From Declining Tree Canopy – Which Can Contribute To Health Disparities, Create Urban Heat Islands, Lower Property Values, And More Schumer Personally Called And Wrote USDA Secretary Vilsack To Advocate For Utica To Be Among The First To Tap Historic Funding He Secured For Urban Forest Program In The Inflation Reduction Act – The Largest Investment In Fighting Climate Change Ever – And Now Thousands Of New Trees Will Soon Line Utica’s Streets And Parks Thanks To Fed $$$ Schumer Secured Schumer: Inflation Reduction Act Is Planting The Seed For A Healthier, Cleaner, And Greener Utica! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced over $2.3 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grants Program for Utica to fund a major transformation of the city’s urban forests and green spaces. Schumer said this funding was made possible thanks to the historic increases he secured in the Inflation Reduction Act, which included over $1 billion for the USDA program to help increase equitable access to trees. The senator personally wrote to and called USDA Secretary Vilsack to advocate for Utica to be among the first to be able to tap the funding. Schumer said that with this funding Utica hopes to be able to plant thousands of new trees across the city to help breathe new life into its urban forests and address long standing disparities in tree canopy cover. “Utica get out your gardening gloves and dust off your shovels because over $2.3 million in federal funding is on the way to plant thousands of new trees across the city and seed a brighter future for the community. For too long Utica residents have been left out of the shade, with parks and neighborhoods that lacked the lush trees that families love. But with this over $2.3 million investment now heading to Utica, we can grow a greener environment and healthier future for families across Utica,” said Senator Schumer. “The famous children’s book says a tree is nice, but I say thousands of more trees for Utica is very very nice! I fought hard to plant this funding in the Inflation Reduction Act so that places like Utica, and cities across Upstate New York, could have access to the funding they have long needed to breathe new life into our neighborhoods. Now, a greener, healthier, and more equitable Utica can finally take root, and we can all watch it blossom together.” “The City of Utica’s Utica Urban Forest Revitalization project was designed to address the severe inequities and disproportionate tree canopy loss within deeply disadvantaged neighborhoods of the City of Utica, including Cornhill. The program brings together some of our finest local organizations and leaders to create a healthier and greener future for our residents, engage members of our community, and support rehabilitation our city’s green spaces,” said Mayor of Utica Robert Palmieri. “On behalf of the entire City, I would like to thank Senator Schumer for rolling up his sleeves and putting in the work to make this happen for Utica.” “Since 2022, Olmsted City has invested $270,000 in private donations and 1600 volunteer hours restoring the City of Utica's Olmsted-designed F.T. Proctor Park. Over this time, we have planted 2300 perennials and restored historic hardscaping, notably Olmsted’s beloved ‘Lily Pond.’ F.T. Proctor Park was created in 1912-14 as an oasis for Utica’s disadvantaged, and it continues to benefit the underserved in this richly diverse community,” said President of Olmsted City of Greater Utica Dr. Phillip Bean. “We could not be more delighted by the news, and we would like to thank Senator Schumer for making this possible.” “MVCC is excited to be part of such an exciting initiative for the City of Utica. Working alongside the city and its partners to transform our community’s green spaces is a great example of how MVCC’s talented faculty lend their expertise to create applied learning opportunities for our students to help create positive change in our community,” said President of Mohawk Valley Community College Randy VanWagoner. “We sincerely appreciate the hard work done by Senator Schumer and our local leaders to realize a greener and healthier future for us all.” Schumer both wrote to and personally called USDA Secretary Vilsack in support of Utica’s project and fought tooth and nail to deliver this critical support for Utica, which will now breathe new life into the region. Schumer said that with this major investment, the City of Utica plans to launch a transformative urban forest renewal project that assesses existing tree conditions, develops aggressive forest remediation and renewal plans, plants thousands of new trees, repurposes removed trees, and engages students and community members, including recent immigrants and refugees, in education, volunteerism, and paid work experiences planting and maintaining neighborhood trees. The project will be supported by community partners, including Mohawk Valley Community College, GreenUtica, Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Utica City School District, Utica Rotary, refugee agency The Center, Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority, the local Oneida County Cornell Cooperative Extension, and others. In partnership with the City of Utica, Olmsted City of Greater Utica, a local non-profit which helps preserve the value Utica’s historic Olmsted parks, will also receive investment. Olmsted City will use this funding to continue the phased restoration of F.T. Proctor Park, which has been a centerpiece of the disadvantaged East Utica neighborhood for over a century. Building on efforts to improve park quality and expand park access funding will help plant new lush trees, upkeep maintenance, control invasive species, conserve water, and revitalize the park. A breakdown of the funding can be found below: Schumer explained that thanks to the historic investments he was able to secure in the Inflation Reduction Act, USDA’s Urban and Community Forestry Grants Program is making more than $1 billion available to increase equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide in disadvantaged urban communities. The Inflation Reduction Act provides $1.5 billion for urban and community forestry investments that 1) increase access in disadvantaged urban communities to trees and the associated benefits they provide to human health, the environment, and the economy, 2) Broaden community engagement in local urban forest planning, tree planting, and management activities; and 3) improve community and urban forest resilience to climate change, extreme heat, forest pests and diseases, and storm events through best management and maintenance practices. A copy of Schumer’s original letters to the USDA for Utica and Olmstead City can be found here and here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-tonko-deliver-over-7-million-for-albany-and-the-capital-region-through-inflation-reduction-act-to-improve-the-health-of-citys-vast-urban-forest-and-bolster-youth-leadership-in-environmental-initiatives-planting-the-seeds-for-a-brighter-cleaner-future-for-capital-region-neighborhoods,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, TONKO DELIVER OVER $7 MILLION FOR ALBANY & THE CAPITAL REGION THROUGH INFLATION REDUCTION ACT TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF CITY’S VAST URBAN FOREST AND BOLSTER YOUTH LEADERSHIP IN...",2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"For Years, Many Albany, Glens Falls, And Capital Region Neighborhoods Have Suffered From Declining Tree Canopy – Which Can Lead To Increased Temperatures Known As Urban Heat Islands, Contribute To Health Disparities, Lower Property Values, And More Reps Fought For Albany And The Capital Region In USDA Competition To Be Among The First To Tap Historic $$$ In Urban Forest Program In The Inflation Reduction Act – The Largest Investment In Fighting Climate Change Ever – And Now Albany Will Have The Funding To Prune All 20,000 Of Its Trees Thanks To Fed $$$ Schumer: Inflation Reduction Act Is Planting The Seed For A Healthier, Cleaner, And Greener Albany, Glens Falls, And Capital Region! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko today announced a major $7,288,678 in federal funding to improve the care and upkeep of Albany’s urban forest and expand youth leadership programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program. The representatives said this funding was made possible thanks to the historic increases they secured in the Inflation Reduction Act, which included over $1 billion for the USDA program to help increase equitable access to trees. The lawmakers said the funding will help breathe new life into the Albany community, vastly improving the health of Albany’s urban forest, while connecting youth to more leadership opportunities in the community and making a cleaner greener environment for all. “Capital Region tree lovers, put on your work gloves, get out your shovels and get ready to dig in because over $7 million is on the way to keep our urban forest healthy and help youth make our communities cleaner and greener for all. Investing in helping green spaces in our neighborhoods grow not only improves quality of life and air quality, it helps increase property values, decrease temperatures and so much more, it is how you plant the seeds for a brighter future,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought hard to plant this funding in the Inflation Reduction Act so that places like Albany, Glens Falls, and other cities across Upstate New York, could have access to the funding they have long needed to breathe new life into our most underserved neighborhoods. Now a greener, healthier, and more equitable Albany can finally take root and blossom.” “Expanding access to trees and green spaces is vital to ensure New Yorkers have access to nature while combating extreme heat and improving air quality. This crucial investment will help ensure that Albany area residents have equitable access to parks and nature, where families can enjoy a greener, healthier environment. I am excited to see this funding bring new life to Albany neighborhoods and I will continue to fight so all New York communities have access to the benefits of nature and green spaces,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues and President Biden to advance the Inflation Reduction Act and deliver the largest climate investment in history for our communities,” Congressman Tonko said. “That effort has enabled this exciting announcement and will bring numerous benefits, including spurring economic growth, combatting climate change, and improving air quality. I’ll continue to seize every opportunity available to deliver powerful climate solutions that speak to the needs of the American people and create a cleaner, more resilient planet for generations to come.” University at Albany President Havidán Rodríguez said, “Building communities that are more resilient to climate change is one of the most critical tasks facing society today, and public research universities like UAlbany have an essential role to play in this process. Through the Center for Ecosystem-based Climate Adaptation, UAlbany will team with trusted community partners to help make Albany more resilient and more sustainable by engaging and educating the next generation that will steward our city through these challenges. We are very grateful to Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand and U.S. Rep. Tonko for recognizing the importance of this work and for advocating for the funding to see it through.” Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, ""Revitalizing and protecting our urban forest is vital to the health and quality of life of our residents, and that is why we completed an inventory of every tree in our city - a study that taught us that pruning every tree at approximately the same time will ensure they live longer and more vibrantly. With more than 20,000 street trees, pruning each tree at the same time is a very tall order however securing this grant will help us do just that. I am very grateful to our Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Congressman Tonko for helping secure this important grant funding to help us improve our urban forest for years to come."" SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “Addressing climate change is an opportunity to invest in the next generation of students and leaders, leverage groundbreaking research, and authentically support our most impacted communities. My thanks to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and U.S. Representative Tonko for their efforts to help us manage the impact of climate change. SUNY is proud to deploy our collective expertise in research and social sciences to help save our planet, and I congratulate University at Albany President Havidán Rodríguez and his team, as well as their partners in the City of Albany.” A breakdown of the funding can be found below: The City of Albany will use this over $1.8 million will help support the City’s efforts to undertake a citywide pruning of all 20,000 street trees at one time for the first time in its history. The City of Albany recently conducted an urban forestry analysis of every tree in the city. In the past, the city would prune trees one tree at a time, one block at a time, but would never complete the entire city - something that the study showed has harmed the health of the urban forest. One of the recommendations from the study was to prune every tree at the same time to improve the health of the urban forest as a whole. The City of Albany will match the $1.8 million dollars both monetarily and in a newly created full time employee to oversee the project. The University of Albany’s project will establish a Center for Ecosystem-based Climate Adaptation (CECA) to enhance the climate resilience of underserved communities in Albany and educate the next generation of local leaders. The project will focus on the development and implementation of an ecosystem-based strategy for adapting to climate change, with a particular emphasis on urban forests, community empowerment and local economic growth. Key components include an intergenerational community committee, a Youth Civilian Climate Corps, youth internships, a tree nursery, agroforestry entrepreneurship training, EarthQuest climate and environmental education game clubs, and an intergenerational think tank committed to advancing best practices in ecosystem-based adaptation. The project’s lead researcher is Andrei Lapenas, professor in UAlbany’s Department of Geography and Planning. In addition, the City of Glens Falls will be implementing a tree management plan and hire an arborist to help develop a list of the priority needs and other specifics of the urban forest care plan. Schumer explained that thanks to the historic investments he was able to secure in the Inflation Reduction Act the USDA’s Urban and Community Forestry Program Grants, is making more than $1 billion available to increase equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide in disadvantaged urban communities. The Inflation Reduction Act provides $1.5 billion for urban and community forestry investments that 1) increase access in disadvantaged urban communities to trees and the associated benefits they provide to human health, the environment, and the economy, 2) broaden community engagement in local urban forest planning, tree planting, and management activities; and 3) improve community and urban forest resilience to climate change, extreme heat, forest pests and diseases, and storm events through best management and maintenance practices. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-upstate-defense-consortium-and-cornell-university-projects-both-advance-as-finalists-for-highly-competitive-defense-manufacturing-community-support-program-projects-would-bolster-central-nys-semiconductor-and-microelectronic-workforce-boost-innovation-in-aerospace-engineering-and-strengthen-americas-national-security,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES UPSTATE DEFENSE CONSORTIUM AND CORNELL UNIVERSITY PROJECTS BOTH ADVANCE AS FINALISTS FOR HIGHLY COMPETITIVE DEFENSE MANUFACTURING COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM; PROJECTS WOULD BOLSTER...,2023-09-08,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Continuing Advocacy For Upstate NY To Lead In High-Tech Manufacturing, Schumer Calls On DOD To Invest In Building Out CNY’s Tech Workforce Vital To Support Supply Chains & National Security Schumer Says Upstate NY’s Rapidly Growing Semiconductor Industry – Spurred By His CHIPS & Science Bill – Is Primed For Growth & Investment To Breathe New Life Into Defense Manufacturing– With A Focus On Workforce For Critical Microelectronic And Aerospace Supply Chains Schumer: With This Federal $$$, Upstate NY Cities Like Syracuse, Rome, And Ithaca Can Train The Workforce Of The Future, Strengthen Our National Security, And Unlock The Next Frontier Of Innovation U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has selected two Upstate New York-based projects: the NYS Microelectronics Defense Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Workforce (Upstate Defense) Consortium project, and Cornell University’s New York Consortium for Space Technology Innovation and Development (NYCST) as finalists for up to a $5 million investment each through its Defense Manufacturing Community Support (DMCS) program. Specifically, Schumer said, if selected for investment, “The projects would help train and connect workers to good-paying jobs in microelectronics and aerospace, boost research and innovation in these fields in Upstate NY, and strengthen supply chains in high-tech manufacturing vital to our national security.” “From innovation in aerospace technology to the smallest microchips, Upstate NY is leading America in building the workforce of the future critical to our national security and economic prosperity. Now with trailblazing proposals like the Upstate Defense Consortium and Cornell University Space Technology program in the final running for investment through the Department of Defense, we can breathe new life into Upstate NY’s legacy in manufacturing to take us to the next frontier in the technology of the future,” said Senator Schumer. “Upstate NY’s incredible network of defense manufacturing assets, including workforce and economic development engines like CenterState CEO and the Griffiss Institute, research hubs like Syracuse University and Cornell, and industrial heavyweight’s like Micron, Lockheed Martin, TTM Technologies, L3Harris, JMA Wireless, and many more. I am proud to see both of these projects as finalists and urge the DoD to make final awards to each, which will invest in supercharging our tech workforce across Upstate New York so that cities like Syracuse, Rome, and Ithaca can lead the way in building the future of America’s national security.” The DoD’s Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program is designed to support long-term community investments that strengthen national security innovation and expand the capabilities of the defense manufacturing industrial ecosystem. The program designates and supports consortiums as defense manufacturing communities to strengthen the national security industrial base. To qualify for funding through the DMCS Program, communities must demonstrate best practices in attracting and expanding defense manufacturing by bringing together key local stakeholders and using long-term planning that integrates targeted public and private investments. The competition is a two-step process: Regional manufacturing consortia compete to receive designation as a Defense Manufacturing Community. Second, the most competitive Defense Manufacturing Communities are invited to submit proposals to receive grant assistance, a next step that both of the Upstate NY proposals have advanced to. A copy of Schumer’s letter of support to the Department of Defense on behalf of both projects can be found for the Upstate Defense Consortium here and for Cornell University here. The Upstate Defense Consortium, will build on Central New York and the Mohawk Valley’s legacy of leadership in defense manufacturing, aiming to leverage an ongoing, once-in-a-generation transformation in the region’s microelectronics industry to strengthen national security innovation and expand defense manufacturing capabilities across the area. Schumer said that the Upstate Defense Consortium, which is a partnership between Empire State Development, CenterState CEO, the Griffiss Institute, Syracuse University’s (SU) Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), and FuzeHub, is focusing on orienting their workforce development strategies and programming around the region’s defense firms. In addition, the consortium will work with a wide variety of industry and innovation partners, including Micron, TTM Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Saab, JMA Wireless, SRC, AIM Photonics, and the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate. Specifically, the Upstate Defense Consortium will help expand education and workforce training programs for the microelectronics industry at SU, Griffiss, and with Centerstate CEO, and bolster STEM-focused fellowship, internship, and other programs to connect job seekers with defense manufacturing and major tech companies. The consortium will also invest to attract new defense manufacturing companies to CNY with workshops and procurement training to strengthen supply chains across the region needed for the semiconductor industry. The proposal will address current and future workforce needs of the rapidly growing microelectronics industry, including to support Micron’s proposed $100 billion memory fab project that is expected to create upwards of 50,000 jobs across Upstate NY, and also focuses on expanding access to and participation in the microelectronics industry across communities and workers from underrepresented communities. ""Central New York's defense-related employers play a critical role in our national security and this designation is a testament to the power of partnerships between these employers and between Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. This investment, through the DoD’s Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program, will enable these companies to work together to develop the talent they need, advance innovation and connect to local supply chains,” said Robert Simpson, President and CEO of CenterState CEO. “We are grateful to Senator Schumer for his incredible support of our efforts and recognition that investing in the region's defense manufacturing is critical to national security and our community's continued economic growth."" ""We are honored to partner on building a new Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program consortium here in Upstate New York. The Griffiss Institute's mission, aligned with the Upstate Defense Consortium's priorities, focuses on talent development, research access, and dual-use technology startups, advancing both our region and national interests,"" said Heather Hage, President and CEO of Griffiss Institute."" As the designated partnership intermediary for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate, we're dedicated to transitioning cutting-edge research into solutions for defense and commercial needs. This award fuels our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and elevating our nation's security and economic competitiveness. Working in synergy with our partnering organizations, we are poised to leverage expertise, resources, and collaborative networks to drive manufacturing excellence and propel New York State's small and mid-sized manufacturing firms toward technology commercialization and growth. This award is a testament to the collaborative spirit and collective drive that powers the Griffiss Institute, NYSTAR, and the emerging Upstate Defense Consortium. Together, we are well positioned to elevate our region's capabilities, fortify our nation's security, and leave an indelible mark on the landscape of defense manufacturing. I would like to thank Senator Schumer for his tireless advocacy and for putting in the work to help make this designation a reality."" “Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families has a long history of supporting entrepreneurship and workforce educational opportunities,” said Dr. Mike Haynie, Vice Chancellor, Strategic Initiatives & Innovation at Syracuse University. “As part of UpState Defense, the IVMF will contribute to strengthening our innovation economy by supporting the translation of research to practice, deepening our workforce and diversifying our talent pipeline, and ensuring a more resilient supply chain. We are grateful to Senator Schumer for his support of this important initiative.” Cornell University’s application, officially submitted by the New York Consortium for Space Technology Innovation and Development (NYCST), aims to address the need for advanced defense space technology manufacturing and supply-chain capabilities by fostering collaboration among universities, research institutions, industry experts, and government agencies in New York State. NYCST will drive innovation and workforce development in the space technology industry and includes initiatives in workforce development, facility upgrades, research and development projects, and support for small businesses. The expected outcomes include a skilled workforce, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, increased research and development in critical areas, long-term economic growth, job creation, and a robust national defense space technology industrial base. The project's implementation strategy includes several key components, including upgrading space technology facilities at sites central to the region, expanding workforce development, strengthening R&D, small business programs, and more. “At Cornell Engineering, we are committed to making a difference,” said Lynden Archer, the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering at Cornell University. “This consortium provides a powerful example of how partnerships between pioneering thinkers and leaders can enhance our impact. We appreciate the work Senator Schumer has done to foster the collaborative spirit throughout New York that makes such an ambitious project possible.” “Through his support for the New York Consortium for Space Technology Innovation and Development, Senator Schumer has helped position our statewide community at the forefront of innovation in spaceflight technologies that could transform national security, discovery, and commerce in and beyond Earth’s orbit,” said Mason Peck, the Stephen J. Fujikawa '77 Professor of Astronautical Engineering at Cornell University and the leader of the proposed consortium. Schumer has fought tirelessly to position CNY, the Southern Tier, and all of Upstate NY as a leader in high-tech manufacturing, including in microelectronics, by partnering with federal, state, and local leaders to build off the region’s legacy expertise and assets to capitalize on new manufacturing opportunities spurred by Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act, as well as manufacturing and innovation investments in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Over the past few years, Schumer secured one of the largest private sector investment in U.S. history with Micron’s $100 billion project for building four leading-edge memory chip fabs in the region, as well as the New York State UAS test site and the Innovare Advancement Center at Griffiss. Earlier this month in Tompkins County, Menlo Micro recently announced they would invest over $50 million to build their first domestic microelectronics fabrication (“fab”) facility, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. Additionally, as Cornell University broke ground on the $32 million expansion of their High-Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) Lab in 2022, Schumer secured $8.5 million in additional federal funding for the award-winning CHESS Lab. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-35-million-for-fire-departments-across-new-york-state-to-provide-critical-new-gear-training-and-emergency-supplies-to-help-protect-firefighters-and-keep-ny-communities-safe,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $3.5 MILLION FOR FIRE DEPARTMENTS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE TO PROVIDE CRITICAL NEW GEAR, TRAINING, AND EMERGENCY SUPPLIES TO HELP PROTECT FIREFIGHTERS AND KEEP NY...",2023-09-07,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Helped Create The AFG & SAFER Grant Which Delivered Today’s Funding – And Says Boosts Like This Are Why He Fought To Pass The Fire Grants And Safety Act In The Senate To Save The Program From Being Eliminated This Year Schumer, Gillibrand: Fed $$$ Will Help Protect The Brave Firefighters That Keep New Yorkers Safe U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,558,183.01 in federal funding for several fire departments across New York State. Specifically, the funding will be used to provide protective gear, training, and supplies to emergency personnel across 33 fire departments. This critical federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. “From Lockport to Waterford, our brave firefighters are always on the front lines risking their lives to protect our communities,” said Senator Schumer. “These courageous first responders deserve all the federal support possible to ensure they have the adequate training, protective gear, and equipment they need to keep themselves and New Yorkers across the state safe. I’ve fought my whole career to deliver resources for New York’s firefighters, and todays over $3.5 million will keep New York’s dedicated firefighters prepared to take on any emergency.” “New York’s firefighters work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will provide New York’s firefighters with the essential training, equipment and supplies they need to respond to emergency situations safely and efficiently. I will continue to fight to ensure New York’s fire departments are well-equipped to protect our communities and save lives.” Earlier this year, Schumer and Gillibrand led the charge to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 in the Senate, which would reauthorize funding for the U.S. Fire Administration, the AFG, and SAFER Grant Program through FY2030. The bill also extends the sunset for both SAFER and AFG from 2024 to 2032. The bill would increase the authorization for the U.S. Fire Administration by about $20 million, while maintaining the authorized funding level for SAFER and AFG at $750 million. The AFG and SAFER grant programs are administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to purchase essential equipment and help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. The funding recipients are listed by region below: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-3-million-in-usda-funding-through-the-inflation-reduction-act-across-rural-new-york-for-farmers-ranchers-and-small-business-owners-to-invest-in-renewable-energy-and-energy-efficiency-improvements,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $3 MILLION IN USDA FUNDING, THROUGH THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT, ACROSS RURAL NEW YORK FOR FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS TO INVEST IN RENEWABLE ENERGY...",2023-09-05,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Says Major Fed Investment In Rural NY Producers And Small Business Owners Was Made Possible By Landmark Inflation Reduction Act That He Led To Passage As Majority Leader – Which Is Delivering Millions To Energize the Economy, Reduce Costs, Create Good-Paying Jobs, And Improve The Quality Of Life For New Yorkers In Rural Areas Schumer, Gillibrand: Our Inflation Reduction Act Is Supercharging Investment In Rural Communities Across Upstate NY To Lower Costs And Boost Clean Energy! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,155,504 in federal funding to help rural small businesses and agricultural producers invest in energy efficient and renewable energy systems. The senators said the major investment was administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and was made possible by the historic investments in the Inflation Reduction Act, which is the nation’s largest-ever investment in fighting climate change and will help lower farms’ energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of agriculture operations across rural New York. “Our Inflation Reduction Act is supercharging investment in rural communities across Upstate NY, boosting clean-energy projects to help our farms and small businesses lower costs -- all while helping build a cleaner future. From the North Country to the Southern Tier, this $3 million-plus in federal funding will deliver real cost-saving measures for Main Street businesses and farms across rural New York,” said Senator Schumer. “When I passed the Inflation Reduction Act last year, economy-boosting and cost-saving investments in clean energy like this were at the forefront of my mind – protecting our environment and helping rural small businesses’ and agricultural producers’ bottom lines to lay the foundation for a brighter future for our rural communities.” “Investing in small businesses and agricultural producers is vital to supporting our rural communities across New York,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will energize our rural communities and help our farms and small businesses lower costs through investments in important clean energy projects. I am proud to have worked to secure this funding through the Inflation Reduction Act and will continue to fight for New York’s rural communities.” Rural Development funds from the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Since December 2022, USDA has made up to $1.3 billion available in REAP funding through the Inflation Reduction Act. Eligible applicants include rural small business owners and agricultural producers. The program is part of the Justice40 Initiative, which is working to ensure that 40 percent of the benefits of certain federal investments reach communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment. A full list of award recipients across New York State can be found below: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-calls-on-csx-to-address-dangerous-runoff-diverted-from-railroad-bridge-over-main-coxsackie-street-to-sidewalks-and-resolve-ongoing-safety-concern-once-and-for-all,SCHUMER CALLS ON CSX TO ADDRESS DANGEROUS RUNOFF DIVERTED FROM RAILROAD BRIDGE OVER MAIN COXSACKIE STREET TO SIDEWALKS AND RESOLVE ONGOING SAFETY CONCERN ONCE AND FOR ALL,2023-09-01,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After Gray Liquid Substance Began Leaking From The Coxsackie Bridge Onto Cars Passing Below This Past March, CSX Failed To Find Permanent Fix, Diverting Liquid To The Sidewalk And Leaving It Wet And Slick To Cause Further Safety Concerns For Local Residents – Schumer Is Now Calling On CSX To Fix The Issue Once And For All Schumer: We Can’t Let Safety Of Coxsackie Go Off The Rails – It Is Time For CSX To Fast Track A Solution To This Hazardous Issue After meeting with frustrated community leaders at the CSX train bridge over Mansion Street in Coxsackie, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today called on CSX to immediately address the long-standing safety concern at the Coxsackie bridge, where earlier this year, local officials sounded the alarm over a potentially dangerous gray substance leaking onto cars passing below. Schumer said that although CSX initially responded by placing plastic culvert pipes cut in half to replace the original 1930s steel drains, the new installation only diverted the water to the sidewalk, leaving it wet and slick and creating yet another safety issue for residents in the Village. Schumer is now doubling down on his previous efforts, sounding the alarm and calling on CSX to fix this ongoing issue impacting Greene residents for good. “The potentially dangerous gray substance leaking from the Coxsackie bridge this past March – only to be diverted by CSX to the village’s sidewalks to cause further safety concerns on the main walking route – has increasingly become a hazard to the community. CSX’s so-called “fix” in April only put more residents in danger, setting off safety alarm bells around the bridge and the surrounding sidewalks,” said Senator Schumer. “That is why I am calling on CSX to immediately investigate this issue to quickly address this vital safety concern before more Coxsackie residents get hurt. CSX needs to be communicative, expedient and collaborative in their efforts to fix this increasing concern, and I’ll keep fighting until CSX takes action and ensures residents that this problem won’t go off the rails any further.” “While CSX and all rail operations are a vital supply chain for our country, their tracks pass through thousands of small communities throughout the country just like Coxsackie. Public Safety for CSX and rail operations should be the highest priority and as Mayor it certainly is for me. While the trains come and go all day and night this bridge remains here as part of the CSX system and we simply ask, no, we demand that it be safe for the public to walk and drive under and that it be tended to so as not to be an eyesore for the community,” said Mark R. Evans, Mayor of the Village of Coxsackie. Schumer said that this past April, when CSX started initial repairs on the rail bridge in West Coxsackie that had been dripping a messy substance on passing cars, numerous drivers reported being unable to get the substance off their vehicles. The substance wreaking havoc on the Coxsackie community is made of mud that seeped into the bridge – but this is not the first time the bridge has caused issues for area residents. Earlier this year, the mayor of Coxsackie said the bridge had been an issue his entire time in office, spanning almost 15 years. Several years ago, a young man walking with his wife and baby in a stroller was hit in the head with a chunk of concrete from the bridge, causing a deep laceration that required transport via ambulance and numerous stitches. The local community also wants to know more about the “hammer” tests that CSX routinely conducts on the bridge, which consistently result in fallen pieces of concrete. Schumer explained that since CSX diverted the liquid away from the bridge and onto the village sidewalks, the water is now causing an additional safety issue on one of the main walking routes in town, leaving it ripe for residents of all ages to fall down and hurt themselves. Schumer explained that this route is the only pedestrian path that crosses under the railroad tracks. and Furthermore, it also serves as a walking route for local school children, who will be faced with hazardous conditions as they begin the new school year. Schumer is now calling on CSX to not only solve the issue once and for all, but also to build a cooperative, responsive relationship with the village with respect to CSX’s operations in the future. A copy of Senator Schumer’s letter to the CSX appears below: Dear Mr. Hinrichs, I request your attention to a long-standing safety situation regarding a CSX bridge in Coxsackie, New York, and the village’s inability to receive substantive engagement from CSX. In March of this year, a gray liquid substance began leaking from the Coxsackie bridge onto cars passing below. Nearly every car in the Village had several gray splotches on the right side of the car. Cars were swerving out of the lane to avoid this and causing many near misses with the traffic coming from the other direction. CSX responded by placing plastic culvert pipes cut in half to replace the original 1930s steel drains. This installation has diverted the water to the sidewalk, leaving it wet and slick, ripe for residents old and young to fall down and hurt themselves. It creates another safety issue for residents in the Village, as this is a main walking route in town, the only pedestrian path to cross under the tracks, and a walking route for school children who are now faced with hazardous walking conditions. I also understand from village officials that there have been issues in the past with the bridge. Several years ago, a large chunk of concrete fell and hit a father in the head as he was walking with his wife and baby in a stroller, causing a large laceration that resulted in an ambulance transport and many stitches. CSX periodically conducts “hammer” tests on the bridge, but the village also routinely picks up concrete under the bridge that has fallen off. My staff has previously contacted CSX about the leaking bridge and slippery sidewalks, the town has yet to receive a substantive response from CSX, and with the school year ramping up again, I urge you to address this issue once and for all and to eliminate the hazards draining from your railroad bridge above the road. Moreover, I ask that you to build a cooperative, responsive relationship with the village with respect to CSX’s operations in the future, given the long-standing concerns of the village. I look forward to your response and the resulting action in the Village of Coxsackie and will continue to follow-up on this issue. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-higgins-announce-nearly-4-million_in-federal-funding-toward-the-buffalo-united-resiliency-center-to-provide-mental-health-resources-and-support-to-victims-and-those-impacted-by-the-tragic-tops-market-mass-shooting-on-buffalos-east-side,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, HIGGINS ANNOUNCE NEARLY $4 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TOWARD THE BUFFALO UNITED RESILIENCY CENTER TO PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AND SUPPORT TO VICTIMS & THOSE IMPACTED BY...",2023-09-01,2023,2023-09,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Community Health Center of Buffalo, Partnered With BestSelf Behavioral Health Will Administer Counseling And Other Critical Support Services To Those Impacted By The May 14th Shooting Through The Buffalo United Resiliency Center U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins today announced $3,889,303 in federal funding toward the Buffalo United Resiliency Center, through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). The representatives said this funding, awarded to Community Health Center of Buffalo and made available through OVC’s Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP), will provide counseling, support services, and assistance to victims and those impacted by the horrific May 14th mass shooting at the Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue on Buffalo’s East Side. “The pain of the, tragic hateful mass shooting at the Tops Market will never be forgotten in Buffalo. Since that day the Community Health Center of Buffalo, BestSelf, and their dedicated staffs have worked to tirelessly to provide the victims of this traumatic event the support and help they need to heal, and this nearly $4 million in federal funding will help them continue within this vital work to bolster mental health and support resources to get care to the people who need it most,” said Senator Schumer. “Buffalo is the City of Good Neighbors and nowhere is that truer than on the East Side and nowhere is that more evident than in neighbors coming together in projects like the Buffalo United Resiliency Center. I will continue to fight to deliver the federal resources Buffalo needs to heal, allow our neighbors on the East Side to help and take care of each other, and address the long held systemic inequities to lay the foundation for a better future for Western NY."" “Ever since the tragic mass shooting that took the lives of 10 innocent people, the Community Health Center of Buffalo has helped provide victims of the tragedy with the vital resources they need to heal,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This critical funding will help ensure the Community Health Center of Buffalo can continue its important work to provide counseling and support services for victims of the horrific event. I will continue to fight so the Buffalo community receives the federal resources it needs to provide vital support services to the victims in this healing process.” “The evil destruction carried out by a racist, mass shooter in just over two minutes, left deep and lasting wounds seen and unseen,” said Congressman Higgins. “Buffalo has always been a community that rallies together in good times and in tough times. The Buffalo United Resiliency Center represents the coming together of agencies to support people who are hurting. We commend Community Health Center of Buffalo and BestSelf for their leadership on this effort and welcome this significant federal investment in community healing.” “We at the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc., are grateful to be awarded this grant to serve the community as a direct response to the Tops mass shooting. The community has been patient and has persevered through our most vulnerable time. It is the intention of the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc., to make every effort to embrace the community. We intend to use these funds to provide counseling, compensation for expenses, and other services and assistance to the victims,” said Dr. Lavonne Ansari, CEO of the Community Health Center of Buffalo. ""We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with and provide support to the community and the dedicated team at the Buffalo United Resiliency Center. The supports provided by this funding are vital in promoting the healing process of those impacted by the racist attack on May 14, 2022. At BestSelf Behavioral Health, we firmly believe in the pivotal role that mental health support plays in nurturing the healing journey, and we are wholly committed to contributing to this place of solace, recovery, and strength at the Buffalo United Resiliency Center,” said Elizabeth Woike-Ganga, LCSW-R, President and CEO, BestSelf Behavioral Health. “I would like to thank Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Higgins for their leadership and dedication to our city. This funding will help provide needed support to those who are struggling with the trauma inflicted by the racially motivated mass shooting on May 14, 2022,” said City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown. “As we continue to heal as a city and as a region, we must remember to make mental health a major priority in the healing process.” The Community Health Center of Buffalo (CHCB), a federally qualified health center, is the primary grant awardee along with partner and subgrantee BestSelf Behavioral Health. CHCB and BestSelf are partners in the Buffalo United Resiliency Center, a non-profit organization created to serve individuals and families impacted following the May 14th tragedy. The Buffalo United Resiliency Center will be located at 1001 East Delavan Avenue in Buffalo, to serve as a centralized place for victims to have their needs identified and be connected to resources and support. Schumer, Gillibrand and Higgins have worked relentlessly to deliver federal funding to strengthen the support and resources to help Buffalo recover and build a more equitable future. This includes both a $4 million federal grant to enhance access to mental health services and $1.4 million in federal funding to support mental health programs on Buffalo’s East Side. This past February, the lawmakers also secured $55 million for the transformation of Buffalo’s Kensington Expressway through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act’s Reconnecting Communities Program. This is in addition to $25 million in federal funding through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge to expand job training and manufacturing careers in East Buffalo and Western New York. The AEAP is a federal program designed to supplement the available resources and services of entities responding to acts of terrorism or mass violence to assist victims and communities recover. More details on the program can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-recommends-rochester-native-colleen-holland-to-serve-on-the-western-district-of-new-york-federal-court-in-holland-senator-picks-a-dedicated-public-servant-with-deep-legal-acumen-and-considerable-knowledge-of-the-wdny-district-court,"SCHUMER RECOMMENDS ROCHESTER NATIVE COLLEEN HOLLAND TO SERVE ON THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK FEDERAL COURT; IN HOLLAND, SENATOR PICKS A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT WITH DEEP LEGAL ACUMEN AND...",2023-08-30,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Currently Special Counsel, Holland Has Already Served At A High Level On The Court For Over 6 Years; Born in Rochester, Holland Is A Top Graduate Of Cornell Law School & The University of Rochester; Schumer Says Holland Has Extensive Knowledge Of The Legal Issues That Most Frequently Arise In Federal Court Holland is the Second Woman Schumer Has Nominated To The WDNY Bench, Which Would Make The Formerly All-Male Court Half Active Female Judges Schumer: Upstate NY Born, Raised, And Trained, Holland Will Bring Tremendous Legal Acumen & Expertise To The Western District Federal Bench U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that he has recommended an exceptional Rochester native, Colleen Holland, to President Biden for nomination to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. Schumer said that Holland, who was officially nominated by President Biden this morning, would bring tremendous expertise, legal acumen, a love for the community, and deep institutional knowledge of the Court to the bench. “Colleen Holland, a true public servant and Rochester native, has already dedicated years of her career to the WDNY District Court – allowing her to gain vast expertise on the most important legal issues in Western NY while developing a rare and deep institutional knowledge of the Court that would make her transition to the bench seamless. Ms. Holland has a passion for the law and in ensuring the ongoing vitality of our democracy and truly understands the critical role that the federal judiciary plays in not only maintaining the rule of law, but also serving as a source of justice,” said Senator Schumer. “Ms. Holland is an accomplished lawyer, with profound integrity and legal intellect, the ability to command a courtroom, and a passion for the preservation of the rule of law that would bring dignity and honor to her post. She had very modest upbringing and forged her way to the very top of the graduating class at Cornell Law before dedicating herself to public service in our legal system. I am proud to recommend Rochester’s own, Colleen Holland, for the federal bench, and I applaud President Biden for officially nominating Ms. Holland to serve on the United States District Court for the Western District of New York.” Throughout his time serving as Senate Majority Leader, Schumer has made it a priority to confirm countless female judges, resulting in more district benches where women make up at least half of full time judges. In New York, the U.S. District Courts for both the Northern District and Eastern District, which were overwhelmingly male, have a majority women bench among active judges. If confirmed, Ms. Holland will sit on one of the few 50 percent female benches in the country, as Schumer has focused on elevating women to these critical positions. 94 of 140 Biden judicial nominees that Senate Democrats have confirmed have been women, drastically increasing the number of female judges across America, including in Upstate NY. Most recently, Schumer singlehandedly helped turn the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York from having almost no female representation, to a majority women bench among active judges when Capital Region native Anne Nardacci was sworn in this past March. Judge Nardacci is the third woman Schumer had recommended for nomination to serve on the NDNY bench, following Judge Mae D'Agostino and Chief Judge Brenda Sannes. When Schumer first started recommending judges as a senator in 1999, there were no females on the Upstate NY federal benches in WDNY and NDNY. Currently, there are 4 active women judges in the Upstate U.S. District Courts, and Ms. Holland’s confirmation would make her the 5th out of the 9 active federal district court judges in Upstate NY. In New York as a whole, including the federal benches in WDNY and NDNY, as well as EDNY and SDNY, 26 out of 47 active federal district court judges are women, thanks in large part to Schumer’s efforts. The bio for Colleen Holland appears below: Colleen Holland, 39, is a passionate public servant and accomplished law clerk who spent the earliest days of her career in commercial and business litigation before transitioning to several different roles at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York for over 9 years beginning in 2014. She currently serves as Special Counsel to Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford and has been with the Court as a law clerk since 2017. Before coming to the federal court, Ms. Holland worked as a litigation associate at several firms in Rochester, NY, including Nixon Peabody LLP, LeClairRyan, P.C., and Boylan Code LLP. She is a graduate of University of Rochester (2006) and Cornell Law School (2010), where she graduated first in her class. Ms. Holland developed a strong passion for federal law at Cornell and has spent her time working for the WDNY Court gaining extensive substantive knowledge of the legal issues that most frequently arise in federal court. She has personally drafted hundreds of judicial opinions for some of the most common cases that arise in the U.S. Western District Court, such as appeals of denials of social security benefits. Ms. Holland understands the critical role that the federal judiciary plays in ensuring the ongoing vitality of our democracy and has a deep appreciation for how important the district court’s function is that she would bring to her role on the bench. Ms. Holland was born in Rochester, NY before moving to first to Delphi Falls, NY and then during her teen years to Cortland, NY, where she grew up in a working class, religious home of modest means with her 4 sisters, her mother who worked in a factory before becoming a stay-at-home mom, and with her father who works as a truck driver. With the encouragement and support of her elementary school teachers who recognized her potential, and who Ms. Holland credits with changing the course of her life, she excelled in her education. With personal determination, hard work, and sacrifice she worked to justify the faith that those teachers had placed in her and ultimately graduated valedictorian of her high school and is the first attorney in her family. She currently resides in Rochester, NY with her husband and two children. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-reveals-36-million-for-yates-county-for-final-piece-of-the-puzzle-to-complete-construction-of-brand-new-finger-lakes-museum-and-create-new-rural-community-outpatient-clinic-at-keuka-college-schumer-is-now-launching-an-all-out-push-to-deliver-this-shot-in-the-arm-for-the-finger-lakes-tourism-economy-and-public-health-across-yates-county,SCHUMER REVEALS $3.6 MILLION FOR YATES COUNTY FOR FINAL PIECE OF THE PUZZLE TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION OF BRAND-NEW FINGER LAKES MUSEUM AND CREATE NEW RURAL COMMUNITY OUTPATIENT CLINIC AT KEUKA COLLEGE;...,2023-08-30,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Says $2M Is The Final Piece Of The Puzzle To Complete The Long Desired Finger Lakes Museum, Transforming An Abandoned Elementary School Site Into A Historic Tourism Destination; Plus, New $1.6M Boost For Keuka College To Train Students For Good Paying Healthcare Careers And Address Nurse Shortages In The Finger Lakes Senator Is Now Working To Deliver Funding In Final Appropriations Bill, Bringing Federal Dollars Home To Yates County Schumer: Critical Federal $$$ Will Provided Boost For Finger Lakes Local Economy Thrive For Years To Come! Standing at the planned site of the new Saunders Finger Lakes Museum, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed he has secured a new major $3.6 million boost in federal funding in pending legislation for two long desired Yates County projects. Specifically, Schumer announced that in the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Agriculture-FDA bill that was recently approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, he secured $2 million to complete construction of the long-desired Saunders Finger Lakes Museum that will transform the abandoned Branchport Elementary School into a new tourism destination for the Finger Lakes region. In addition, the senator also secured $1.6 million for Keuka College to create a new Rural Community Outpatient Clinic that provides low-cost healthcare for residents while training students to become desperately needed nurses and healthcare workers. Specifically, the $3.6 million will come from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Community Facilities Program as congressionally directed spending. Schumer said he is now launching an all-out push to deliver these vital investments for the Finger Lakes in the final FY 2024 appropriations package that will need to pass later this year. “Just three short years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Finger Lake’s bustling tourist economy hard and simultaneously left our healthcare system extremely vulnerable. I have fought to deliver historic investments to help New York recover from the pandemic, and now I have secured a major federal boost to help Yates County build back stronger than before,” said Senator Schumer. “This $3.6 million is the shot in the arm the Yates County economy needs to boost both its tourism industry and public health.” Schumer explained that the $2 million would be used to complete the construction of the new Finger Lakes Museum at the former Branchport school site – a school property acquired to be the site of the new museum. Demolition of the site is now commencing and the $2 million will provide the final funding needed to start and complete construction of the new tourism attraction by as soon as fall of 2024. The overall objective of the Finger Lakes Museum's Capital Project is to build and create indoor and outdoor spaces and experiences dedicated to inspiring pride, deepening appreciation, and encouraging active stewardship of and for the cultures, lands, and abundant freshwater resources that make the Finger Lakes region a true treasure. Schumer said, “This $2 million is one of the final pieces needed to bring the brand new Saunders Finger Lakes Museum to life and complete construction. For years the Finger Lakes Museum has been a dream for this community, but now with this funding I have secured we are one step closer to can finally making it a reality, bringing the rich history of the Finger Lakes region together in a new state of the art facility for tourists and future generations to enjoy for years to come.” Natalie Payne, Executive Director of the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum said, “The Saunders Finger Lakes Museum project is a destination that will generate an increased sense of pride and awareness for our region and its freshwater resources/lakes, and provide cultural and natural history knowledge and appreciation for the greater Finger Lakes and New York State. Our 30-acre campus will be a place for enjoyment, education and inspiration throughout all seasons for youth, families, adults, and the increasing tourist and resident populations surrounding our 11 Finger Lakes. We feel honored to be one of Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand’s priority projects for 2024 and applaud them both for their continued efforts in ensuring Congress allocates the people’s money to many worthy projects across our Nation including our own.” “Bringing these federal dollars to the Finger Lakes will help revitalize the tourism industry and improve public health in the region,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This vital funding will provide Yates County with a historic new tourism destination and will help ensure that residents don’t face dangerous health care worker shortages. I am proud to see this funding going to these important projects in the Finger Lakes and will continue to fight for New York’s tourism industry and health care workforce.” Schumer said the 30-acre campus will be a place for enjoyment in all seasons and will provide a place for recreation and education for youth, families, and the increasing tourist and resident populations surrounding the 11 Finger Lakes. The new museum will include outdoor recreation, youth educational programming, and offer world-class exhibits and dynamic interactive experiences for all ages. Schumer emphasized that there is no tourist attraction currently in existence in Yates County or in the Finger Lakes region like what the new Museum will be. Schumer also detailed how the $1.6 million for Keuka College will be used to create a Rural Community Outpatient Clinic that will provide the local community with primary care, counseling, athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and wellness coaching. The clinic will be a win-win for the community, both training badly needed new nurses and healthcare workers while providing a low-cost clinic to allow Keuka College to serve an additional ~1000 area residents for primary care, counseling, athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and wellness coaching. The creation of this clinic will drive increased enrollment in Keuka College and provide clinical training opportunities for 100 students per year in the College’s healthcare programs, addressing the severe shortage of available fieldwork clinical training opportunities in NY State while creating more well qualified healthcare professionals to serve New York State. It will also create increased jobs at the clinic and through the education of well qualified health and human service students at Keuka College that will utilize the clinic for internships and hands-on experience. Schumer emphasized that the creation of the rural outpatient clinic is in the interest of the New York State taxpayer, as it will provide access to a variety of low-cost healthcare in an area that lacks sufficient services within a 30-mile radius. Amy Storey, President of Keuka College said, “The Rural Community Outpatient Clinic proposed by Keuka College would fill a vital role in an area of New York state with limited access to medical services. We are thankful for Sen. Schumer’s recognition of the need for additional wellness resources in Yates County and for his efforts to secure congressional support for a project that would serve thousands throughout our community. Schumer added, “This $1.6 million investment will be game changing for Keuka College, its students, and the surrounding Finger Lakes community. These federal dollars will not only provide affordable and accessible healthcare to 1000 area residents, but it will also address the severe shortage of healthcare workers in Yates and provide vital resources as the community continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.” Keuka College has a long-standing history of educating several health and human service majors such as nursing, occupational therapy, and social work. Approximately 70% of Keuka College alumni subsequently reside in New York. Schumer is now pushing to include both of these critical federal investments in any final FY 2024 appropriations package that makes its way to the Senate floor. Schumer concluded, “I am proud to have secured this funding in the Senate Appropriations Agriculture-FDA mark up, and now it is time to bring this funding home for Yates County. I will be fighting to deliver this critical funding this year to Yates County so the community can finally build the modern state of the art museum Finger Lakes residents deserve.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-visits-ljungstroms-wellsville-plant-after-delivering-key-fed_to-power-companys-transition-from-coal-to-clean-energy-announces-company-adding-50-new-good-paying-jobs-in-next-year-following-anniversary-of-the-inflation-reduction-act-senator-details-how-fed-investments-he-secured-can-revitalize-upstate-ny-manufacturing-and-strengthen-americas-clean-energy-economy,"SCHUMER VISITS LJUNGSTRÖM’S WELLSVILLE PLANT AFTER DELIVERING KEY FED $$$ TO POWER COMPANY’S TRANSITION FROM COAL TO CLEAN ENERGY, ANNOUNCES COMPANY ADDING 50+ NEW GOOD-PAYING JOBS IN NEXT YEAR;...",2023-08-30,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Ljungström’s Plant, Which Previously Sold Parts To Coal-Fired Power Plants, Now Manufactures Components For Wind Turbines — Including Those That Will Be Used In NY Offshore Wind Projects — Showcasing How Fed Investment In Clean Energy Can Blow New Life Into Manufacturing Towns In Upstate NY Fed Investment Schumer Secured Is Supporting Ljungström’s Pivot To The Clean Energy Industry And The Inflation Reduction Act Can Help Fuel The Company’s Continued Growth For Years To Come — With More New Jobs Expected In The Next Year Schumer: Fed Investment In Clean Energy Is Blowing New Life Into Southern Tier & Western NY Manufacturing! Following the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today visited Ljungström’s Wellsville plant – after delivering a $1.5 million workforce development grant in 2021 to help power the company’s transition from coal to clean energy – to announce the company now projects to add over 50 new good paying jobs in Upstate NY in the next year. Schumer met with company executives to see firsthand how the federal investment he secured is supporting Ljungström’s pivot to the clean energy industry, train workers, and discussed how the Inflation Reduction Act can help fuel the company’s continued growth. “Powered by our Inflation Reduction Act, Ljungström’s Wellsville plant is blowing a gust of energy into one of Upstate NY’s most rural communities, breathing new life into the Southern Tier and Western NY’s manufacturing legacy and helping lead the way for a clean-energy economy. Thanks to the $1.5 million workforce development grant I secured, Ljungström has seamlessly pivoted from coal technology to clean, renewable energy, all while creating good-paying jobs and bolstering our domestic supply chains,” said Senator Schumer. “Now Ljungström’s Wellsville plant projects to add over 50 new good paying jobs in the next year, spurred by the demand from the historic investments we made to boost clean energy manufacturing here in America. With the Inflation Reduction Act as the wind in its sails, Ljungström is primed to grow even more, helping Upstate NY manufacturing reach new heights.” “We are thankful for the partnership between government and industry. Through the support of Senator Schumer, Appalachian Regional Commission, Alfred State, and the Allegany County Industrial Development Agency, we have diversified our business and brought good-paying jobs to the area. We look forward to an ongoing partnership that will enable continued growth for Ljungstrom and the community,” said Matt Ferris, Managing Director of Ljungstrom’s Wellsville Division. “Senator Schumer has been a steadfast champion for manufacturing across the Southern Tier and Upstate New York. This innovative proposal will complement his longstanding efforts by providing small and mid-sized manufacturers with the resources and technical assistance services they need to access new opportunities in the clean energy economy. As the project’s lead regional MEP, AMT is proud to help manufacturers in New York’s fourteen Appalachian counties become more productive, profitable, and globally competitive,” said Carol Miller, Executive Director of the Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology (AMT). “Senator Schumer has led the charge to deliver historic investments in our nation’s infrastructure, clean energy, and domestic manufacturing. I look forward to working with my colleagues in New York to support small and medium sized manufacturers navigate new federal opportunities, enter new supply chains, retool factories, and undertake other activities that will help to create good-paying jobs in local communities,” said Petra Mitchell, President and CEO of Catalyst Connection. Schumer explained that for decades, Ljungström’s plant in Wellsville sold parts to coal-fired power plants, but in part thanks to the federal investment he secured in 2021, now manufactures components for wind turbines, including those that will be used in downstate offshore wind projects. Schumer specifically helped power the company’s transition from coal to clean energy by delivering a $1.5 million workforce development grant, through the Workforce Opportunity and Innovation Act. WORC grants, through the U.S. Department of Labor, in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission, used to train workers for high-quality, in-demand jobs requiring specialized skills, such as welding, at significant area employers like Ljungström. Since the initial award, Ljungström has hired for over 100 positions, with more expected in the next twelve months, as the company continues to execute wind project contracts and agreements. Now, Schumer is working to spread awareness about how new federal incentives, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and other federal laws, can help fuel the continued growth of Ljungström and other manufacturers across Upstate New York. Schumer added, “I’m proud to see how successful Ljungström has been, which is why I’m now fighting to secure even more federal funding to help train our workforce in the Southern Tier and help other domestic manufacturers access the incredible opportunities that the clean energy economy has to offer.” Schumer said that the application submitted by Catalyst Connection to the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) Initiative, titled “Manufacturing the New Energy Economy in Appalachia,” requests $10 million, matched by over $7 million in local funding, to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers across a five state area access clean energy manufacturing opportunities. The proposal includes all 14 of New York’s Appalachian counties: Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Tompkins. In particular, the proposal will conduct a supply chain and regional asset mapping initiative to identify opportunities for clean energy manufacturing and supply chain expansion. The project will also provide direct support of up to $10,000 per eligible company to cover pre-development costs and other expenses before a company launches or expands into new production and supply lines. Finally, the core focus of the proposal is for Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers to provide technical assistance to small- and medium-sized manufacturers looking to expand into the clean energy economy, including through workforce training strategies, factory retooling assessments, and product line launch and expansion assistance. The project is estimated to engage with approximately 10 percent of manufacturing companies located in the five state region, or approximately 1,085 companies over the project period. The Inflation Reduction Act provided billions for a clean energy and climate smart economy, including investment for solar, wind, electric vehicle, battery, and green building technologies. Schumer said the Inflation Reduction Act also included a series of new incentives such as the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, which companies like Ljungström can potentially take advantage of. The new credit will support companies that domestically manufacture energy technologies. For instance, wind turbine component manufacturers are primed to benefit, with the credit supporting the production of blades, towers, distributed wind inverters, as well as both fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind platforms. The Inflation Reduction Act includes as part of the Production Tax Credit and Investment Tax Credit bonus credits for projects that use products manufactured in the U.S. for clean energy deployment, giving a further boost to the clean energy domestic manufacturing supply base, including companies like Ljungström. Schumer explained that while there are even more opportunities for manufacturing, supply chain expansion, and good-paying jobs in areas like the Southern Tier and Western New York, some manufacturers need help identifying how best to get involved in the rapidly growing clean energy economy, by accessing new federal programs, and making production lines more efficient, or even retooling factories when undergoing transitioning to clean technology manufacturing, similar to that made by Ljungström. Small- and mid-sized manufacturers often lack the capacity and resources needed to harness these opportunities, requiring the assistance of community partners who are able to provide robust technical assistance, which is where this over $17 million in funding will come in to support New York’s clean energy manufacturers. A copy of Senator Schumer’s letter of support to the ARC appears below: Dear Co-Chair Connelly Manchin: I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by Catalyst Connection to the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) Initiative. Catalyst Connection’s proposal, “Manufacturing the New Energy Economy in Appalachia,” has been submitted on behalf of communities in five states, including New York’s 14 Appalachian counties, and will help strengthen the clean energy economy. The project is designed to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers access opportunities in the clean energy economy by providing technical assistance services and other resources needed to bolster their competitiveness. The project includes activities focused on green manufacturing, supply chain diversification, and workforce development that will be administered by a coalition of partners, including NY-based FuzeHub and the Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology (AM&T). Last year, I delivered significant federal investment to transform the Southern Tier of New York into a national hub for battery research, innovation, and manufacturing. The “Manufacturing the New Energy Economy in Appalachia” initiative has broad, supporting linkages to this effort and presents an opportunity to boost Made in America clean energy manufacturing and create good-paying jobs. I applaud Catalyst Connection for its foresight and sincerely hope the application is met with your approval. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my grants coordinator in my Washington, DC office at (202) 224-6542. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-visits-strand-theatre-as-it-celebrates-100th-anniversary-and-tours-historic-building-renovations-after-securing-critical-fed-funding-for-beloved-washington-county-theatre-to-keep-doors-open-for-hudson-falls-community-through-pandemic,SCHUMER VISITS STRAND THEATRE AS IT CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY AND TOURS HISTORIC BUILDING RENOVATIONS AFTER SECURING CRITICAL FED FUNDING FOR BELOVED WASHINGTON COUNTY THEATRE TO KEEP DOORS OPEN...,2023-08-28,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Secured A Nearly $90k Save Our Stages Grant For The Strand Theatre That Served As A Lifeline During The COVID-19 Pandemic And Kept The Historic Venue’s Doors Open – Now, The Historic Theatre Is Celebrating Its Centennial Anniversary Schumer: After 100 Years, Save Our Stages Grant I Created Is Helping Ensure The Show Can Go On In Hudson Falls For Years To Come! Celebrating its 100th anniversary, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today visited the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls and toured recent building renovations, praising the progress that has been made since he last visited in 2017. Schumer said this revitalization would not have been possible without the nearly $90,000 Save Our Stages grant that he secured for the Strand Theatre at the height of the COVID-19, helping to keep this historic Hudson Falls venue alive through the pandemic and allowed it to reach its centennial anniversary. ""As the Strand Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, I am thrilled to see all the great work that has been done to revitalize this historic venue for both residents and tourists in the southern Adirondack region,” said Senator Schumer. “The Strand Theatre is the beating heart of arts and culture in Washington County, but the COVID-19 pandemic hit it and other Upstate NY venues hard. I was proud to secure a nearly $90,000 Save Our Stages grant to keep the doors open and the lights on of this historic theatre. Over the last few years, these federal funds have been critical to the Strand and the broader Hudson Falls community to ensure the show can go on. Now as the Strand celebrates is centennial anniversary it is curtains up so this beloved theatre can be enjoyed by generations to come in Washington County.” First opened in 1924, Strand Theatre was a silent film/vaudeville theatre and a central feature of Hudson Falls' bustling downtown. Over the years, what would become known as 'The Strand' at times attracted over 100,000 visitors yearly and became a prime destination for tourists from throughout Northern New York, Vermont, and Canada. However, after closing its doors in the 1960s, the Strand Theatre was repurposed as Kingsbury Town Hall until Jonathan Newell purchased the building in 2016, reviving the historic theatre. Schumer last visited the Strand Theatre in December 2017, shortly after Newell purchased the facility. The Strand has since undergone significant renovations and officially reopened its doors in late 2019, only to be derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic a few months later. In 2020, Schumer announced that the bipartisan COVID relief package he passed into law would include the Save Our Stages Act, which provided $15 billion nationally for independent live venue operators, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions such as live performing arts organizations and museums that had been significantly impacted by the economic effects of the COVID crisis. Schumer specifically created the Save Our Stages Act to support “shuttered venue operators” amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and once included in the relief package, he worked to ensure that New York would receive a significant share of the total national pot – personally delivering a $89,672 Save Our Stages grant to the Strand Theatre that kept its door open through the pandemic. This year, the Strand is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The Strand Theatre is currently the only major music venue in Washington and Warren counties that is open year-round. The theater has recently hosted notable acts like former Eagles lead guitarist Don Felder and former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artemis Pyle. Before he was president, Ronald Reagan visited the theater in 1956 while he was a screen star working as a promoter for General Electric Co. The Strand has become a local attraction for residents and visitors to the lower Adirondack region, vital to the regional tourism economy. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-deliver-largest-investment-ever-through-the-northern-border-regional-commission-for-upstate-ny-thanks-to-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-senators-announce-nearly-11-million-for-projects-across-the-north-country_expanding-childcare-creating-good-paying-jobs-strengthening-infrastructure-boosting-broadband-increasing-healthcare-and-accelerating-upstate-nys-economic-growth,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND DELIVER LARGEST INVESTMENT EVER THROUGH THE NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION FOR UPSTATE NY THANKS TO THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW; SENATORS ANNOUNCE NEARLY $11 MILLION FOR...",2023-08-23,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After Schumer And Gillibrand Delivered Major Federal Funding For NBRC In The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, Upstate NY Receives Largest NBRC Investment To Date- With Major New Funding For Long Desired Community Projects Like Expanding Childcare In Lewis County & Ogdensburg, Bringing High Speed Internet Access To Hundreds Of North Country Homes, Improving Water Infrastructure And More Senators Are Currently Leading The Charge Reauthorize The NBRC In The Senate To Strengthen These Vital Programs Even Further Schumer, Gillibrand: Because Of The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law More Fed $$$ From The NBRC Are Flowing To The North Country And Upstate NY Than Ever Before! After delivering historic increase for the program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $10,858,128 in federal funding for twelve projects across the North Country and Upstate New York through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) the largest annual investment for Upstate NY in the programs history. Schumer and Gillibrand said these projects will help address critical needs across the region, including expanding childcare, fixing aging infrastructure, training workers for good-paying jobs, increasing access to high-speed internet, and accelerating the economic growth of Main Streets across the North Country and Upstate New York. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, more money is flowing to the North Country and Upstate NY through the Northern Border Regional Commission than ever before. I am proud to deliver this major nearly $11 million job creating, quality of life boosting federal investment to expand childcare, boost public health, strengthen our infrastructure, increase access to high speed internet, and help Upstate NY’s economy grow,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought to deliver historic increases for the NBRC because I knew that would deliver unprecedented funding for communities across New York, and now communities from Watertown to Plattsburgh are reaping the rewards. This is a big win for Upstate NY, and it is only the beginning. I’m proud to have delivered this historic funding to help families and communities lay the foundation for a better future here in the North Country.” “The Northern Border Regional Commission has provided economic opportunities for rural communities in Upstate New York for years. This historic funding will help communities across Upstate rebuild their infrastructure, provide critical job training in in-demand fields, and revitalize our tourism industry. I am proud to have worked to deliver this funding, which is a direct result of the increased funding for the NBRC in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure our communities have the resources they need to thrive by working to reauthorize the NBRC in the upcoming Farm Bill,” said Senator Gillibrand. The historic increase in funding for the NBRC is a direct result of the funding Schumer and Gillibrand were able to deliver in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law. In 2021, the senators secured $150 million for the NBRC in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, over triple it’s funding from previous years. For context on how large the historic nearly $11 million dollar investment in Upstate NY is this year, from 2010-2022, the NBRC invested in over 60 projects totaling over $28 million in investment for Upstate New York. Last year, the NBRC awarded $5.8 million for projects in Upstate NY. The NBRC’s 2023 Catalyst Program is designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire partnerships that improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. The Commission made a historic level of funding available through the program this year, with up to $45 million in grants, including up to $20 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that communities across Upstate NY were able to tap. Community leaders applauded the historic funding that Senator Schumer and Gillibrand secured for Upstate NY: “Working together, we are addressing the rural digital divide in the North Country,” said Carl E. Farone, Jr., Executive Director of the Development Authority of the North Country. “The Development Authority has worked with its Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis county partners to identify gaps in broadband coverage and ways to address them. Senator Schumer has been a champion of expanding broadband access and this NBRC grant is a great example of what we can achieve by working together. We look forward to working with our partners to implement this grant to the benefit of unserved North Country households and we are grateful to Senator Schumer for his support.” “Receiving the NBRC Catalyst grant means not only will Hand In Hand be able to create more childcare slots in all areas across Lewis County, but it will also create more jobs within our community. This is amazing news for us and we are so thankful to Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, our State Representatives, as well as our local Lewis County Representatives for all of their support with this project. Hand In Hand Early Childhood Center and Lewis County saw a need in our small community and now we will be able to act on that need and work towards solving the childcare crisis in Lewis County and we are so grateful for this opportunity,” said Jenniffer Bleakley, Executive Director at Hand In Hand Early Childhood Center.” “The Town of Henderson, located in Northern New York on beautiful Lake Ontario, would like to thank Senator Chuck Schumer for his support of our application to the Northern Border Regional Commission Grant Program. The Town of Henderson is currently developing a $25 Million sewer project to protect one of New York State’s largest fresh water sources and every bit of funding is critical,” said Town of Henderson Supervisor Ed Glaser. “This project will not only enhance fresh water protection efforts, but it will also help the Town’s economy by keeping businesses open and adding employment opportunities in areas where businesses have closed. We again thank Senator Schumer for supporting this great program and our Town!” “On behalf of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, I wish to extend our sincerest gratitude to the NBRC and Senator Charles Schumer for their invaluable support in selecting the OBPA childcare project as a recipient of the $1 million dollar grant award. This substantial support underscores our shared commitment to nurturing quality childcare services and will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for the children of our community,” said Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Steve Lawrence. ""We worked with former Congressman John McHugh some years ago on the creation of the NBRC as a source of flexible support for North Country projects, and thanks to our Washington friends today, it is really helping in a variety of ways,” said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. ""The four projects funded in our area are all important and touch on the critical needs of workforce, housing, childcare and tourism related infrastructure. We thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for the funding boost in the Infrastructure Bill and for their continued support for economic and community development enhancements in our region. Onward and upward!"" Schumer and Gillibrand are currently leading the charge in the Senate to renew the Northern Border Regional Commission’s economic development programs and create more agency jobs. The senators introduced the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Reauthorization Act of 2023 this past February, which would reauthorize the NBRC for another ten years, increase annual authorized funding levels, and target funds to addressing childcare and health care needs, supporting housing projects, building climate resilient infrastructure, and combatting the opioid crisis, in addition to the agency’s focus of creating new jobs, promoting business retention and expansion, making critical investment in public infrastructure, and boosting tourism across Upstate New York counties. A full list of awarded project can be found below: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-secures-4-million-in-fed-funding-for-port-of-oswego-to-expand-operations-purchase-new-equipment-boost-rail-infrastructure-and-strengthen-upstate-ny-businesses-access-to-global-markets,"SCHUMER SECURES $4 MILLION IN FED FUNDING FOR PORT OF OSWEGO TO EXPAND OPERATIONS, PURCHASE NEW EQUIPMENT, BOOST RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE, AND STRENGTHEN UPSTATE NY BUSINESSES ACCESS TO GLOBAL MARKETS",2023-08-22,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Says Funding Will Allow Port To Expand Operations and Purchase New Equipment – Leading To 19 New Jobs, Increased Export Capacity, And Better Access To Global Markets For Local Businesses $4 Million EDA Grant Will Now Allow The Harbor Will Have Increased Export Capacity, Enhancing Its Ability To Serve Local Farmers, Food Producers, And Businesses Who Depend On The Port Schumer: With EDA Investment, Port Of Oswego Can Now Go Full Steam Ahead On Upgrades – Leading To More Jobs And Connecting Upstate NY To Global Markets U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Port of Oswego has been awarded a $4 million grant through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to improve rail infrastructure and purchase new cargo handling equipment. Schumer says this funding will provide the harbor with essential equipment and railroad upgrades, leading to 19 new jobs, increased export capacity, and better access to global markets for local businesses. “The Port of Oswego is vital to Upstate New York’s economy, connecting local businesses with markets across the world, and it is essential this economic engine has the necessary resources and equipment to help industry grow. This $4 million federal boost will help the Port of Oswego increase export capacity, enhancing its ability to serve local farmers, food producers, and businesses who depend on the Port,” said Senator Schumer. “The Port of Oswego can now go full steam ahead on purchasing new equipment and upgrading their site, leading to more jobs, better service to customers, and new business. I am proud to deliver the federal funding to help grow the Port’s operations in the region, ease our supply chain issues, and upgrading the Port’s infrastructure to keep their presence strong in Central New York for generations to come.” ""This $4 million grant adds to the $513 million in economic momentum we’ve generated during the past five years, according to a just released joint U.S./Canadian study,” said William Scriber, Executive Director of the Port of Oswego Authority. “This funding will allow us to expand our rail operations and purchase a new ship loader to better serve our customers, grow our export capacity, attract new business and help local businesses reach global markets. This is also part of our expanding efforts to make it easier for regional farmers to work with us to export grain. As the only port on Lake Ontario, our grain storage and handling facility is of critical importance to both regional farmers and NY state’s presence in international markets. We especially want to thank Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for his support in securing this funding for our port and the jobs and economic gains it will generate.” Schumer said that the $4 million federal investment will support the procurement of a radial telescopic ship loader conveyer and upgrades to the railroad track at the port, supporting local producers and businesses by increasing the port’s capacity to access domestic and international markets. Schumer explained that the port offers multi-modal connectivity, enabling it to economically and efficiently handling cargoes, as it offers international and domestic shippers year-round access to industrial and agricultural markets. While the Port of Oswego has been expanding its capacity to increase the handling of agricultural products, the port’s loading and unloading capabilities are limited because it uses a small portable conveyer, limiting its ability to meet customers’ calls for an increase in exports. Now, thanks to the EDA funding, the Port of Oswego will be able to acquire new equipment and make the necessary upgrades to modernize and diversify its operations and infrastructure. Schumer explained that the Port of Oswego, the first port on the Great Lakes system and only deep-water port on Lake Ontario, has four operating businesses that use its harbor and two marinas that are integral to Central New York’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Schumer went on to say that the port, which has long been a major economic driver for Oswego County and Central New York, has stepped it up a notch in recent years by adding new equipment, updating aging infrastructure, marketing more aggressively, improving customer relations, and focusing on government partnership. As a result, the Port of Oswego now makes up 63% of the business revenue, 49% of the economic activity and 43% of local purchases of the New York ports on the Great Lakes. Waterborne transportation facilitated by the port supports $24.4 million in business revenue, 119 direct, indirect, , and induced jobs, and $8 million in labor income to the transportation sector. Since 2018, the Port of Oswego has made over a half a billion dollar impact on New York’s economy, making it a major contributor to the overall economic viability of upstate New York. Schumer has a long history of fighting to deliver robust funding to protect the Port of Oswego and Oswego Harbor. In January 2023, Schumer secured $18 million for critical repairs to Oswego Harbor to upgrade a damaged break wall. In October 2022, the Senator secured over $750,000 for the Port to purchase a new environmentally friendly reach stacker to bolster port operations, and in March 2022, Schumer delivered $5.9 million to jumpstart repairs to Oswego Harbor’s West Arrowhead Breakwater and make other critical upgrades to the aging Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse. In 2019, Schumer successfully pushed the USACE to fund a feasibility study on the deepening of the Port of Oswego Channel, and he helped secure a waiver allowing the Port of Oswego to export tens-of-thousands of tons worth of soybeans from local farmers to promising international markets. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-36-million-for-fire-departments-across-upstate-new-york-to-provide-critical-new-gear-training-and-emergency-supplies-to-help-protect-firefighters-and-keep-ny-communities-safe,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $3.6 MILLION FOR FIRE DEPARTMENTS ACROSS UPSTATE NEW YORK TO PROVIDE CRITICAL NEW GEAR, TRAINING, AND EMERGENCY SUPPLIES TO HELP PROTECT FIREFIGHTERS AND KEEP NY...",2023-08-21,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Helped Create The AFG & SAFER Grant Which Delivered Today’s Funding – And Says Boosts Like This Are Why He Fought To Pass The Fire Grants And Safety Act In The Senate To Save The Program From Being Eliminated This Year Schumer, Gillibrand: Fed $$$ Will Help Protect The Brave Firefighters That Keep New Yorkers Safe U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,638,904.22 in federal funding for several fire departments across Upstate New York. Specifically, the funding will be used to provide protective gear, training, and supplies to emergency personnel across 27 fire departments. This critical federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. “From Black River to Buffalo, our brave firefighters are always on the front lines risking their lives to protect our communities,” said Senator Schumer. “These courageous first responders deserve all the federal support possible to ensure they have the adequate training, protective gear, and equipment they need to keep themselves and New Yorkers across the state safe. I’ve fought my whole career to deliver resources for New York’s firefighters, and today’s over $3.6 million will keep New York’s dedicated firefighters prepared to take on any emergency.” “New York’s firefighters work tirelessly to protect our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will provide New York’s firefighters with the essential training, equipment and supplies they need to respond to emergency situations safely and efficiently. I will continue to fight to ensure New York’s firefighters are well-equipped to protect our communities and save lives.” Earlier this year, Schumer and Gillibrand led the charge to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 in the Senate, which would reauthorize funding for the U.S. Fire Administration, the AFG, and SAFER Grant Program through FY2030. The bill also extends the sunset for both SAFER and AFG from 2024 to 2032. The bill would increase the authorization for the U.S. Fire Administration by about $20 million, while maintaining the authorized funding level for SAFER and AFG at $750 million. The AFG and SAFER grant programs are administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to purchase essential equipment and help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. The funding recipients are listed by region below: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-secure-federal-agriculture-disaster-designation-for-31-counties-after-late-may-deep-freeze-devastated-vineyard-and-orchard-crops-across-upstate-ny_unlocking-critical-federal-funds-for-impacted-farms,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND SECURE FEDERAL AGRICULTURE DISASTER DESIGNATION FOR 31 COUNTIES AFTER LATE MAY DEEP FREEZE DEVASTATED VINEYARD & ORCHARD CROPS ACROSS UPSTATE NY – UNLOCKING CRITICAL FEDERAL FUNDS...",2023-08-18,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Late May Frost Wreaked Havoc On Orchards & Vineyards From The Rochester-Finger Lakes Region To The Hudson Valley, Southern Tier and Capital Region Destroying Grapes, Apples, Strawberries, Blueberries, And Other Crops Key To Upstate Agriculture Economy Schumer Personally Called USDA Secretary Vilsack To Advocate For Upstate NY, And Working With Gillibrand Fought Non-Stop To Deliver Fed Disaster Funding For Farmers In 31 Upstate Counties, And 24 Contiguous Counties Who Experienced Major Losses Schumer, Gillibrand: Federal Disaster Designation Will Help Upstate Orchards & Vineyards Start On Long Road To Recovery After Devastating May Frost Following their repeated calls earlier this year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the New York State Farm Service Agency’s (NYS FSA) request for a federal Agricultural Disaster Designation following this past May’s deep freeze that destroyed thousands of acres of crops for 31 counties across Upstate New York. Schumer personally called USDA Secretary Vilsack to advocate on New York’s behalf, and working with Senator Gillibrand fought to deliver the disaster designation for NY. The senators said Upstate NY suffered major crop damage from the extreme cold weather this past May, destroying grapes, apples, strawberries, blueberries, and other crops vital to the Upstate NY economy, and that with harvest season just beginning, this relief will be critical to supporting impacted farmers on the long road to recovery. ""From the vineyards of the Finger Lakes to the orchards of the Capital Region, family owned farms are the backbone of Upstate New York’s agriculture economy. But this past May they suffered from one of the most devastating deep freezes in recent memory, destroying thousands of acres of crops. I personally called Secretary Vilsack to emphasize how important a federal disaster designation is to providing critical relief to our Upstate growers, and now help is on the way,” said Senator Schumer. “I sincerely thank the USDA and Secretary Vilsack for heeding our calls and swiftly providing these growers with a Secretarial disaster designation to unlock these critical emergency relief funds, and I will continue to fight to deliver all of the federal support needed to impacted vineyards and orchards across Upstate NY.” “This past May’s deep freeze destroyed thousands upon thousands of acres of crops, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and their communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Senator Schumer and I called on USDA to approve New York’s application for Secretarial disaster application and I’m grateful to Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack for acting swiftly and decisively. This designation unlocks emergency relief funds for farm operators in eligible counties and my message to farmers is this: apply for this relief quickly and my office is here to support you.” Jim Barber, New York State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency said, ""The FSA Team here in New York has been and will continue to support producers as they recover from the impacts of the frost and freeze in May. This Secretarial designation provides one more option in our suite of financial assistance programs. Farmers who suffered crop loss from the frost/freeze event may be eligible for low interest emergency loans. I encourage farmers to contact one of our service centers for information and I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their continued support of the New York's agriculture community and the producers we serve."" Sam Filler, Executive Director, New York Wine & Grape Foundation, said, “We appreciate Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand’s support for New York’s grape growers and wineries. They responded quickly to this devastating weather event by immediately advocating for disaster declaration funding and continued advocacy with USDA over the past three months. Their support was key to ensure that New York’s grape and wine industry receives the needed disaster federal resources to help them cope with the expected financial losses due to their crop losses .” The senators said that a Secretarial disaster designation has officially been approved for 31 counties including Albany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Columbia, Cortland, Dutchess, Greene, Jefferson, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Washington, Wayne and Westchester and Yates. The senators also said that an additional 24 counties across Upstate NY have been designated by the USDA as contiguous disaster counties including: Allegany, Fulton, Madison, Orange, Bronx, Genesee, Monroe, Rockland, Chenango, Hamilton, Montgomery, St. Lawrence, Delaware, Herkimer, Nassau, Sullivan, Erie, Lewis, Niagara, Warren, Essex, Livingston, Oneida, and Wyoming. A Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and counties contiguous eligible to be considered for critical low-interest FSA Emergency Loans. Impacted NY producers will be able to borrow up to 100 percent of the actual amount of production or physical losses to a maximum amount of $500,000. According to the USDA, emergency loan funds may be used to: restore or replace essential property, pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year, pay essential family living expenses, or reorganize the farming. Farmers in eligible counties have 8 months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with further information. Schumer and Gillibrand said the severe cold temperature and frost in May resulted in significant crop losses for several types of fruit, including grapes, apples, strawberries, peaches, pears, plums, blueberries, apricots, cherries, and caneberries across the state and flower and hay damage in certain areas. According to the National Weather Service, New York had multiple dates where the temperature dropped below freezing between May 14th and May 25th, but the time period that caused the most widespread damage happened overnight from May 17th to May 18th. These freezing temperatures caused severe frost damage to multiple crops across the majority of the state. However, Schumer said that grapes and apples were hit especially hard, with vineyards across New York reporting losses ranging from 5 to 100 percent. Several farmers in the Finger Lakes region said this year’s frost was ‘the worst they had ever seen,’ with almost every single vineyard in the region sustaining at least some damage, potentially decimating the year's vintage. After the devastation in May, Schumer and Gillibrand immediately began sounding the alarm on the potential need for relief for Upstate growers as they began to tally the damage, writing the Secretary of Agriculture personally urging them to stand ready and begin working with growers. After the NYS FSA Director officially requested a USDA Secretarial disaster declaration earlier this month, the senators wrote to USDA Secretary Vilsack to quickly approve the application. Schumer also personally called Secretary Vilsack to emphasize the importance of the relief to Upstate NY growers. USDA Secretarial disaster designations must be requested of the Secretary of Agriculture by a governor or the governor’s authorized representative, by an Indian Tribal Council leader or by an FSA State Executive Director (SED). According to Empire State Development, New York State is the third-largest producer of grapes, grape juice and wine in the United States. In addition, the state is the second-largest producer of apples in the country. These crops make a significant contribution to the state's agricultural economy and support many local businesses and jobs, employing close to 100,000 New Yorkers and producing $11.5 billion worth of economic impact annually.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-visits-dharma-lea-farm-in-schoharie-county-to-see-firsthand-how-upstate-farmers-are-reaping-the-benefits-conservation-funding-he-boosted-in-the-inflation-reduction-act-schumer-vows-to-fight-to-protect-vital-conservation-grants-for-upstate-ny-in-upcoming-farm-bill,SCHUMER VISITS DHARMA LEA FARM IN SCHOHARIE COUNTY TO SEE FIRSTHAND HOW UPSTATE FARMERS ARE REAPING THE BENEFITS CONSERVATION FUNDING HE BOOSTED IN THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT; SCHUMER VOWS TO FIGHT...,2023-08-17,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Last Week, Schumer Met With Capital Region Dairy Farmers At Dharma Lea Farm To See Up Close How EQIP, The USDA Program Supporting Producers Interested In Conserving And Improving Natural Resources on Their Farms, Is Helping Farms Across Upstate Schumer Delivered Major Fed $$$ For Conservation Program In Inflation Reduction Act, Which He Led To Passage As Majority Leader – Senator Now Says Protecting This Program Is A Top Priority In Upcoming Farm Bill Schumer: We Cannot Crop This Program’s Life Short – We Must Protect Our Hardworking Upstate Farmers By Making EQIP A Top Priority In Upcoming Farm Bill! Standing at Dharma Lea Dairy Farm in Cobleskill, N.Y., Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer met with Capital Region farmers last week to see how they are utilizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) conservation grants that he secured in the Inflation Reduction Act last year. Schumer explained that EQIP is a the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) flagship conservation program that helps farmers and ranchers integrate conservation practices on working agricultural land through financial cost-share and technical assistance. “After visiting Dharma Lea Dairy Farm this past week, I can confidently say that our hardworking farmers in the Capital Region and across Upstate are actively reaping the benefits of the billions in EQIP conservation funding that I secured in the Inflation Reduction Act last year. As the climate crisis worsens, it is important, now more than ever before, that we are supporting the critical conservation efforts of our farmers and working to solve on-farm resource issues to ensure the success of all farms in the empire state,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why as we begin negotiations in the Senate on the 2023 Farm Bill, I will keep plowing ahead to prioritize this vital funding and convey to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we cannot crop this program’s life short!” The senator helped deliver $19.5 billion for conservation programs run by USDA/NRCS in the IRA, including $8.45 billion for the EQIP program alone. Now, Schumer is launching an all-out push to protect these critical grants for farms in Schoharie, the Capital Region, and across Upstate NY in the 2023 Farm Bill and will prioritize this federal program during upcoming negotiations. Schumer said that Dharma Lea Dairy Farm, run by Phyllis and Paul Van Amburgh, has received two EQIP conservation grants through the USDA/NRCS, which they are using to promote soil health through planned grazing, adding organic matter into hay bales, and addressing manure storage to keep it from running off into the clean ground water. Schumer explained that the 2018 Farm Bill is set to expire in September of this year, and if no action is taken by Congress, there will be severe consequences for farmers in Upstate New York and across the country. Schumer is now launching an all-out push to protect the billions in federal funding for EQIP and other conservation programs in the upcoming Farm Bill. As Congress begins negotiations for the 2023 Farm Bill, Schumer will make this funding a top priority, ensuring that farmers in Schoharie, the Capital Region, and throughout Upstate NY have the support they need. Schumer explained that the only way to protect the EQIP program is for Congress to come together in a bipartisan fashion, as they have always done, to reauthorize these programs in the 2023 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is typically enacted every five to seven years. The current Farm Bill, which was passed in 2018, is set to expire on September 30th, 2023. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-major-6-million-in-federal-funding-to-remove-lead-paint-hazards-from-hundreds-of-homes-in-broome-county-senators-say-investment-will-protect-the-health-and-well-being-of-southern-tier-children-and-families-from-toxic-lead-poisoning,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MAJOR $6+ MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO REMOVE LEAD PAINT HAZARDS FROM HUNDREDS OF HOMES IN BROOME COUNTY; SENATORS SAY INVESTMENT WILL PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING...",2023-08-15,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Binghamton & Broome County Have Many Homes And Structures Built Before 1978 When Lead Paint Was Banned, Increasing Risk Of Exposure For Southern Tier Children & Families – New Fed Funding Will Help Remove Lead Hazards From Binghamton, Town of Union, Johnson City, and Village of Endicott Senators Have Long Fought To Get The Lead Out Of Broome, Securing An Additional $3.5 Million To Remove Lead Hazards From Homes In Broome County In 2018 Schumer: Federal Funding Is A Shot In The Arm To Protect Southern Tier Children And Public Health Across Broome County U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $6,300,000 in federal funding for Broome County from Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program. The Senators explained that the funding will support lead and Healthy Homes efforts for remediation of lead-based paint hazards in at least 180 qualifying privately-owned pre-1978 homes across Broome County. “No amount of toxic lead exposure is safe for the children of Binghamton and Broome County, and today I am proud to announce we have secured $6.3 million for Broome County to remove lead paint from homes to protect our children and public health,” said Senator Schumer. “Lead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future. This major federal funding is the shot in the arm that Broome County needs to boost lead paint removal and prevention and protect the health and safety of families across the Southern Tier.” “Too many children in Broome County are exposed to lead paint, which jeopardizes their health, development and futures,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Residents of Broome County deserve to live in a home that is free of hazardous lead paint. That’s why I’m proud to announce this funding, which will help protect the health of countless children and families. I will continue to fight so our communities have the resources they need to keep our children healthy and safe.” “Broome County is proud to continue our work with HUD on low-income housing to mitigate or reduce lead-based paint hazards. The health and safety of our families and children in Broome County is always a top priority,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “I want to congratulate our Health Department Director Mary McFadden and her staff for their hard work and dedication in working to secure this grant for Broome County” Schumer and Gillibrand said this $6.3 million will go towards lead abatement and Healthy Homes efforts across Broome County. The Healthy Homes Program addresses multiple childhood diseases and injuries in the home. The Initiative takes a comprehensive approach to these activities by focusing on housing-related hazards in a coordinated fashion, rather than addressing a single hazard at a time. The HHI builds upon HUD's successful Lead Hazard Control programs to expand its efforts to address a variety of environmental health and safety concerns including: mold, lead, allergens, asthma, carbon monoxide, home safety, pesticides, and radon. The $6.3 million will be utilized within Broome County to target rental units and properties built prior to 1978 in the City of Binghamton, Town of Union, Village of Johnson City, and Village of Endicott. Of that total amount, $5,600,000 will be used to fund remediation of lead-based paint hazards in at least 180 qualifying privately-owned pre-1978 housing units within targeted areas. This will include approximately 50 single-family units at approximately $25,000 per unit and 130 multi-family units at approximately of $20,000 per unit. Hazards identified will be addressed with a cost-effective combination of lead abatement and interim control methods. The Senators explained that lead exposure is a particularly pressing issue for Broome, especially in structures built before lead paint was banned in 1978, as it was frequently used in homes and apartments. The Senators said that with at least 8,914 occupied rental properties built prior to 1940 in Broome County, and 4,810 occupied rental properties built prior to 1940 in the City of Binghamton, residents in those units and properties are at a significantly heightened risk for lead-based paint hazards. This funding builds on years of efforts by the senators to help address toxic lead exposure in the Southern Tier. In 2018, Schumer and Gillibrand helped secure $3.5 million in federal funding through the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program to address lead hazards in 160 housing units in Broome County. Schumer has long been a driving force in securing federal funding to reduce lead exposure in New York. In 2016, after reports of elevated lead levels in Ithaca and schools across the state were published, Schumer took action to help jumpstart lead testing programs for schools and day care centers and in 2018, ensured that those programs were fully funded. In addition to fighting lead exposure in paint, Schumer has also lead the charge to increase federal funding to eliminate lead service pipes for drinking water in New York. The senator secured one of the largest federal investments ever into eliminating lead service pipes in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law, which includes a $15 billion carve out within the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) over 5 years ($3 billion every year) for lead service pipe replacement. 49 percent of the funding will be administered as grants and completely forgivable loans to target aid towards disadvantaged communities who disproportionately experience the impact of lead pipes. The historic law also reauthorizes the EPA’s lead reduction projects grant program and increases the program’s authorization to $100 million annually through fiscal year 2026. It also amends the grant program to clarify that the program is intended for the replacement of any lead service line, and that eligible entities shall give priority for lead pipe service line replacement to disadvantaged communities. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children’s developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children’s toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children. For children under the age of 6, lead exposure can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues, which may lead to lifelong health and financial consequences. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for protecting New York’s children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate the toxic element from homes in order to reduce lead-poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage. The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-nearly-4-million-for-utica-to-remove-lead-paint-hazards-from-aging-homes-across-the-city-senators-say-major-fed-investment-will-protect-the-health-and-well-being-of-utica-children-who-experience-one-of-the-highest-rates-of-lead-poisoning-in-new-york-state,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $4 MILLION FOR UTICA TO REMOVE LEAD PAINT HAZARDS FROM AGING HOMES ACROSS THE CITY; SENATORS SAY MAJOR FED INVESTMENT WILL PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF...",2023-08-15,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Utica Has Many Homes And Structures Built Before 1978 When Lead Paint Was Banned, Increasing Risk Of Exposure For Utica Children - With Oneida Among Counties With The Highest Levels Of Childhood Lead Poisoning In NYS Senators Have Long Fought To Get The Lead Out Of Utica – Securing Another $3.5 Million To Remove Lead Hazards From Homes In Utica In 2018- And Latest Investment Will Boost Efforts Even Further To Rid Utica Homes Of Toxic Lead Paint Schumer, Gillibrand: Federal Funding Is A Shot In The Arm To Protect Utica’s Children And Public Health U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,974,989 in federal funding for the City of Utica from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program. The Senators explained that the funding will create lead safe, healthy, and affordable housing units for low-income families with children under 6 years living in or frequently visiting pre-1978 properties in Utica. “No amount of toxic lead exposure is safe for the children of Utica. For years, Utica has been among the highest for exposure to lead, but now I am proud to announce we have secured nearly $4 million for Utica to remove lead paint from homes to protect our children and public health,” said Senator Schumer. “Lead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future. This major federal funding is the shot in the arm the Utica area needs to boost lead paint removal and lead poisoning prevention to boost the health and safety of families across Utica.” “Too many children in Utica are exposed to lead paint, which jeopardizes their health, development and futures,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Residents of Utica deserve to live in a home that is free of hazardous lead paint. That’s why I’m proud to announce this funding, which will help protect the health of countless children and families. I will continue to fight so our communities have the resources they need to keep our children healthy and safe.” “The elimination of lead poisoning needs to be a top priority for the City of Utica, the United States of America and all of our partners. In the last six years, we have been able to reduce the rate of children showing elevated blood levels by 37 percent by working together. The latest efforts of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand are invaluable to continuing to drive the rates down to zero. We must all come together as a community to protect the health of our children and our collective future. I commend both U.S. Senators, as they have already made monumental differences in the lives of Utica’s most precious residents. We will not stop until all of the lead is out of our children’s homes,” said Mayor of Utica Robert M. Palmieri. “Oneida County has long been providing services and educating the public on the dangers of lead through our Health Department and has made great progress in combating this serious issue, especially in the City of Utica” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Protecting our children from the perils associated with lead poisoning is of the utmost importance and I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for securing this funding that will greatly aid in the protection of the families in our County Seat.” Schumer and Gillibrand said this nearly $4 million will go towards Lead Safe Utica’s 2022 Lead Hazard Reduction & Healthy Homes (LHR & HH) Program, which will reduce lead and other health and safety hazards in 88 units in the City’s most distressed communities through a comprehensive plan of lead hazard reduction and healthy homes measures, enforcement, job training, education, and outreach. The Program’s coordinated approach will utilize multiple local government agencies, organizations, and community partners to implement LHR & HH strategies in properties where children at risk reside. Specifically, the Lead Safe Utica LHR & HH Program will: Complete HUD funded lead hazard control and healthy homes interventions in 88 units Deliver 80 Post Remediation Kits to participants to better maintain lead safety over time Provide 98 free lead inspection risk assessments for owners to identify lead hazards Refer program units to Weatherization/Energy Efficiency to achieve measures in 75 units Perform leverage funded housing rehabilitation interventions in 44 program units Provide 150 free Lead Worker training and certification to residents and contractors Conduct 75 outreach and education events With Oneida County having some of the highest levels of lead poisoning in New York State, the Senators said this funding will be critical for lead hazard reduction interventions in pre-1978 housing with a priority for low-income households that have a pregnant person or child under age 6. New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) 2017-2020 data identifies Oneida County, with Utica as its largest City, as having the fifth highest incidence rate for high blood lead levels among all counties in the state. Additionally, according to the NSYDOH, in 2020, at least 196 children under the age of six in Utica were poisoned by lead paint, and 19.19% of children who had their blood tested for lead displayed elevated levels of the toxic metal. The NYSDOH also reports that Oneida County’s “Incidence of confirmed high blood level” is 46.8, which is more than four times higher than the state average of 10.4 and among the highest in the state. The Senators explained that lead exposure is a particularly pressing issue for Utica, especially in structures homes built before lead paint was banned in 1978, as it was frequently used in homes and apartments. The Senators said that with at least 6,812 occupied rental properties built prior to 1940 and 22,027 occupied housing units built prior to 1978, residents in those units and properties are at a significantly heightened risk for lead-based paint hazards. In response to lead based paint concerns, the City of Utica and more than two dozen community partners launched the Lead-Free Mohawk Valley Coalition with an initial $1 million investment in 2015. The coalition has since grown to include more than 100 individuals from over 40 partner organizations. In response to the work being done by the City and its partners, Schumer and Gillibrand helped secure $3.5 million in federal funding through the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program in 2018 to supercharge ongoing efforts. These crucial federal funds helped remove or address lead hazards in 180 housing units for low and very low-income families throughout Utica. In 2019, the senators helped neighboring Onondaga County secure $5.6 million in federal funding to continue addressing and removing lead-based paint hazards in homes throughout the county, particularly in low-income communities in the City of Syracuse, which have been grappling with the threat of destructive lead-based paint for years. In addition to fighting lead exposure in paint, Schumer has also lead the charge to increase federal funding to eliminate lead service pipes for drinking water in New York. The senator secured one of the largest federal investments ever into eliminating lead service pipes in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law, which includes a $15 billion carve out within the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) over 5 years ($3 billion every year) for lead service pipe replacement. 49 percent of the funding will be administered as grants and completely forgivable loans to target aid towards disadvantaged communities who disproportionately experience the impact of lead pipes. The historic law also reauthorizes the EPA’s lead reduction projects grant program and increases the program’s authorization to $100 million annually through fiscal year 2026. It also amends the grant program to clarify that the program is intended for the replacement of any lead service line, and that eligible entities shall give priority for lead pipe service line replacement to disadvantaged communities. Schumer has long been a driving force in securing federal funding to reduce lead exposure in New York. In 2016, after reports of elevated lead levels in Ithaca and schools across the state were published, Schumer took action to help jumpstart lead testing programs for schools and day care centers and in 2018, ensured that those programs were fully funded. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children’s developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children’s toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children. For children under the age of 6, lead exposure can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues, which may lead to lifelong health and financial consequences. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for protecting New York’s children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate the toxic element from homes in order to reduce lead-poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage. The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-higgins-announce-33-million-for-niagara-to-remove-lead-paint-hazards-from-aging-homes-across-the-county-lawmakers-say-investment-will-protect-the-health-and-well-being-of-western-new-york-children-from-toxic-lead-poisoning,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, HIGGINS ANNOUNCE $3.3 MILLION FOR NIAGARA TO REMOVE LEAD PAINT HAZARDS FROM AGING HOMES ACROSS THE COUNTY; LAWMAKERS SAY INVESTMENT WILL PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF...",2023-08-15,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Department Of Housing And Urban Development’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program Provides Federal Funding To Rid Homes And Communities Of Lead Hazards Reps Have Long Fought To Get The Lead Out Of Western NY – Securing Over $8 Million To Remove Lead Hazards From Homes In Erie & Niagara County In 2019 – And Latest Investment Will Boost Efforts Even Further To Rid Aging Niagara County Homes Of Toxic Lead Paint Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins: Federal Funding Is A Shot In The Arm To Protect Niagara’s Children And Public Health Across The County U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins today announced $3,300,000 in federal funding for Niagara County from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program. The Representatives explained that the funding will help property owners with the burden of abating lead hazards in housing units built before 1940, with Niagara seeing particularly disproportionate deterioration in its least-served communities where the majority of residents are minorities. “No amount of toxic lead exposure is safe for the children of Western New York, and today I am proud to announce we have secured $3.3 million for Niagara County to remove lead paint from homes to protect our children and public health,” said Senator Schumer. “Lead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future. This major federal funding is the shot in the arm that Niagara County needs to boost lead paint removal and prevention and protect the health and safety of families across WNY.” “Too many children in Western New York are exposed to lead paint, which jeopardizes their health, development and futures,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Residents of Niagara County deserve to live in a home that is free of hazardous lead paint. That’s why I’m proud to announce this funding, which will help protect the health of countless children and families. I will continue to fight so our communities have the resources they need to keep our children healthy and safe.” “Lead paint poisoning is an avoidable condition with lasting consequences and older communities like Western New York are disproportionately impacted,” said Congressman Higgins. “ Addressing lead paint exposure repairs an environmental injustice that contributes to economic and health disparities in our community. This is a federal investment in Niagara County’s children and their future.” “The Niagara County Department of Health has several programs in place to address lead poisoning and the significant threat it poses to residents, particularly children,"" said Daniel J. Stapleton, Director of the Niagara County Department of Health. ""This federal grant is imperative to funding these efforts and we very much appreciate the efforts of Senator Schumer in helping us secure it."" Schumer, Gillibrand and Higgins said this $3.3 million Lead Based Paint Hazard Control Grant will help property owners in Niagara County with the burden of abating lead hazards in aging housing stock with disproportionate deterioration. Specifically, the funding will target areas within the county that have 64.2 percent of the housing units built before 1940 and 10.04 percent of the population under 6 years of age. The Representatives said that 93.75 percent of these census tracts are in newly designated disadvantaged communities. This critical federal funding will also help the Niagara County Department of Health (NCDOH) train a large number of contractors and workers to supply the target areas with trained workers to address these lead hazards. This funding builds on years of efforts by the senators to help address toxic lead exposure in Western NY. In 2018, Schumer and Gillibrand helped secure $2 million in federal funding through the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program to supercharge ongoing efforts. These crucial federal funds helped remove or address lead hazards in 100 housing units in Niagara County, providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children. In 2019, the senators delivered over $8 million, including $5.6 million for Erie County and $2.75 million for Niagara County, also through the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program. In addition to fighting lead exposure in paint, Schumer has also lead the charge to increase federal funding to eliminate lead service pipes for drinking water in New York. The senator secured one of the largest federal investments ever into eliminating lead service pipes in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law, which includes a $15 billion carve out within the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) over 5 years ($3 billion every year) for lead service pipe replacement. 49 percent of the funding will be administered as grants and completely forgivable loans to target aid towards disadvantaged communities who disproportionately experience the impact of lead pipes. The historic law also reauthorizes the EPA’s lead reduction projects grant program and increases the program’s authorization to $100 million annually through fiscal year 2026. It also amends the grant program to clarify that the program is intended for the replacement of any lead service line, and that eligible entities shall give priority for lead pipe service line replacement to disadvantaged communities. Schumer has long been a driving force in securing federal funding to reduce lead exposure in New York. In 2016, after reports of elevated lead levels in Ithaca and schools across the state were published, Schumer took action to help jumpstart lead testing programs for schools and day care centers and in 2018, ensured that those programs were fully funded. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children’s developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children’s toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children. For children under the age of 6, lead exposure can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues, which may lead to lifelong health and financial consequences. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for protecting New York’s children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate the toxic element from homes in order to reduce lead-poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage. The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-after-delivering-critical-8-million-in-fed-funding-announces-construction-of-1400-new-broadband-passings-to-bring-full-broadband-access-to-wayne-county-servicing-every-unserved-address-and-helping-close-the-digital-divide-in-the-finger-lakes,"SCHUMER, AFTER DELIVERING CRITICAL $8 MILLION IN FED FUNDING, ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION OF 1,400 NEW BROADBAND PASSINGS TO BRING FULL BROADBAND ACCESS TO WAYNE COUNTY, SERVICING EVERY UNSERVED ADDRESS...",2023-08-14,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Led The American Rescue Plan To Passage As First Major Bill As Majority Leader, Providing Critical, Flexible State & Local Aid For Municipalities Like Wayne County To Recover From The Pandemic And Make Long-Term Investment To Improve Infrastructure, Including Broadband Because Of Funding Schumer Secured, Wayne County Was Able To Invest $8 Million In ARPA Funds To Finally Realize Multi-Year Goal Of Having 100% Broadband Coverage Across The Entire County Schumer: With This Vital ARPA Funding, We Are Well On Our Way To Closing The Digital Divide In Wayne Once And For All! U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the start of construction on 1,400 new broadband passings for Wayne County to bring full broadband access to the entire community and help close the digital divide in the Finger Lakes. Schumer explained that Wayne is utilizing $8 million of the $17 million he secured in local aid through the American Rescue Plan for the county to expand broadband access, so that for the first time ever, unserved locations of Wayne County will have high-speed internet access. “The pandemic laid bare what the people of Wayne County have known for far too long: that access to reliable, fast internet service is not a luxury, but a necessity. In my first major act as Majority Leader, I led the American Rescue Plan to passage with billions to help hard-hit communities recover from the darkest days of the pandemic and make long-term investments to strengthen their communities, including essential infrastructure like broadband,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to have delivered the $8 million in federal funding needed to finally close the digital divide in Wayne County and get Finger Lakes residents and businesses the service they require in the modern economy. Today is the start of connecting Wayne County to the future and a better quality of life for our rural families so that they can access the high-speed internet they need to succeed.” Schumer said that the broadband project will begin this year, with the goal of being completed by the end of 2025. The project is made possible through $8 million in federal funding from the ARPA. The project is intended to bring internet service to every unserved ‘broadband serviceable location’ in Wayne County. Schumer has fought tirelessly to expand access to high-speed broadband and close the digital divide across New York State. Recently, Schumer delivered a historic nearly $670 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act – the largest single federal investment for broadband in New York State’s history – to provide affordable high-speed internet to locations in New York that currently have no broadband service. This funding came from the $42 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD). As Majority Leader, Schumer delivered a record $65 billion in funding to expand access to high-speed internet in underserved rural and urban communities across America. The BEAD program allocates funding directly to the states to close the digital divide in high-cost, unserved and underserved communities. The BEAD allocation followed a $100 million award through the American Rescue Plan for New York State from the Treasury Department’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, announced by Schumer in May, to expand high-speed internet and two planning grants totaling over $7 million announced in December. In addition, this past June, Schumer announced $14.5+ million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to expand broadband access across Upstate NY. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-after-late-may-deep-freeze-destroyed-vineyard-and-orchard-crops-across-upstate-new-york-officially-submits-for-federal-agriculture-disaster-designation-senators-call-on-usda-to-quickly-approve-desperately-needed-aid-to-farmers-as-harvest-season-begins,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND: AFTER LATE MAY DEEP FREEZE DESTROYED VINEYARD & ORCHARD CROPS ACROSS UPSTATE, NEW YORK OFFICIALLY SUBMITS FOR FEDERAL AGRICULTURE DISASTER DESIGNATION; SENATORS CALL ON USDA TO...",2023-08-14,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Late May Frost Wreaked Havoc On Orchards & Vineyards From The Rochester-Finger Lakes Region To The Hudson Valley, Southern Tier and Capital Region; Freeze Happened When Fruit Was Already Set – Resulting In As Much As 95% Crop Loss In Most Heavily Impacted Regions – Destroying Grapes, Apples, Strawberries, Blueberries, And More With USDA Application Now Submitted for 31 Upstate Counties, Senators Are Calling On The USDA To Approve Federal Agriculture Disaster Declaration To Unlock Emergency Funding For Growers Who Experienced Major Losses Schumer, Gillibrand: We Can’t Let Upstate Orchards & Vineyards Be Frozen Over –USDA Must Approve NY’s Disaster Application ASAP To Help Our Farmers As Harvest Season Begins After sounding the alarm earlier this year, and the New York State Farm Service Agency’s (NYS FSA) now officially requesting a federal Agricultural Disaster Designation following this past May’s deep freeze, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand are calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to quickly approve emergency federal funds for 31 counties across Upstate New York. The senators said the NYS FSA request for Secretarial Disaster Designation includes Albany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Columbia, Cortland, Dutchess, Greene, Jefferson, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Washington, Wayne and Westchester and Yates. They said these areas suffered major crop damage from the extreme cold weather destroying thousands of acres of grapes, apples, strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits, and that with harvest season just beginning it is vital that USDA provide relief to farmers who suffered severe crop loss. ""Upstate New York’s vineyards and orchards are the beating heart of our agricultural and tourism economy, but now as harvest season begins we are beginning to see the severe impacts of this past May’s deep freeze. From the Finger Lakes to the Hudson Valley, Capital Region to the Southern Tier, many of our family owned farms lost a majority of their crop for grapes, apples, blueberries, and other fruits that are vital to our agricultural and tourist economy and they need relief now,” said Senator Schumer. “With New York’s disaster application now submitted for 31 counties – exactly half of the counties in the state – I am urging the USDA to swiftly provide the vineyards, orchards, and farms now facing detrimental damage with a Secretarial Disaster Designation to unlock emergency relief funds. We can’t leave New York’s beautiful orchards and renowned wine country out in the cold right as harvest season begins. The USDA must do everything in their power to provide swift relief to our hardworking growers and I will keep fighting to deliver that support.” “With farmers still suffering from the staggering crop losses from the May freeze, it is imperative USDA expeditiously approve a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for the 31 impacted counties,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I will continue to fight for our farmers to get the assistance they need.” Schumer and Gillibrand said the severe cold temperature and frost in May resulted in significant crop losses for several types of fruit, including grapes, apples, strawberries, peaches, pears, plums, blueberries, apricots, cherries, caneberries across the state and flower and hay damage in certain areas. According to the National Weather Service, New York had multiple dates where the temperature dropped below freezing between May 14th and May 25th, but the time period that caused the most widespread damage happened overnight from May 17th to May 18th. These freezing temperatures caused severe frost damage to multiple crops across the majority of the state, however grapes and apples were hit the hardest. The frost caused major damage to grape vines which prevented many from producing grapes this year. Schumer said that grapes and apples were hit especially hard, with vineyards across New York reporting losses ranging from 5 to 100 percent. Several farmers in the Finger Lakes region said this year’s frost was ‘the worst they had ever seen,’ with almost every single vineyard in the region sustaining at least some damage. A more detailed breakdown on the 31 counties’ reported crop losses according to the NYS FSA can be found below: This year’s unseasonably cold frost could have a particularly devastating impacts on New York's wine-producing regions, potentially decimating the year's vintage. The frost, which occurred on May 18th, broke records and put severe hardship on growers. The Finger Lakes region, which produces the lion's share of New York State's wines, with over 9,000 acres under vine, sustained the most widespread damage from the frosts. Some wineries ran tractors through the vineyards and few used wind turbines to increase airflow. Others burned hay for heat or mowed the grass short in the vineyard to help keep the cold air away from the fruiting wire. After the devastation in May, Schumer and Gillibrand immediately began sounding the alarm on the potential need for relief for Upstate growers as they began to tally the damage, writing the Secretary of Agriculture personally urging them to stand ready and begin working with growers. Now, the New York State Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director has officially requested a USDA’s Secretarial Disaster Declaration. USDA Secretarial disaster designations must be requested of the Secretary of Agriculture by a governor or the governor’s authorized representative, by an Indian Tribal Council leader or by an FSA State Executive Director (SED). If the USDA Secretary approves the application, it will make critical relief available including low-interest “FSA Emergency Loans” (“EM Loans) to impacted growers in the designated counties. In that case, impacted NY producers would be able to borrow up to 100 percent of the actual amount of production or physical losses to a maximum amount of $500,000. According to the USDA, emergency loan funds may be used to: restore or replace essential property, pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year, pay essential family living expenses, or reorganize the farming. Schumer is now personally calling on USDA Secretary Vilsack to quickly approve the application for New York State to provide this desperately needed relief to our farmers. According to Empire State Development, New York State is the third-largest producer of grapes, grape juice and wine in the United States. In addition, the state is the second-largest producer of apples in the country. These crops make a significant contribution to the state's agricultural economy and support many local businesses and jobs, employing close to 100,000 New Yorkers and producing $11.5 billion worth of economic impact annually. A copy of Senator Schumer and Gillibrand’s joint letter to the USDA appears below: Dear Secretary Vilsack, We write to urge you to act quickly in approving a Secretarial Disaster Designation for the May frost and freeze that devastated fruit growers across New York. Many New York growers are facing significant crop losses this year, and are in urgent need of the support provided by a disaster designation. The New York State Farm Service Agency (FSA) submitted the request to USDA for a disaster designation on August 2, 2023. They concluded that there are 31 New York Counties with qualifying losses: Albany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Columbia, Cortland, Dutchess, Greene, Jefferson, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Washington, Wayne and Westchester and Yates. The freeze and frost that occurred in May impacted a wide range of growers in New York. According to reports submitted by counties to the New York State Farm Service Agency, the intense cold caused major damage to grape, apple, strawberry, peach, pear, plum, blueberry, apricot, cherry, caneberry, as well as flower and hay growers, although grape and apple crops were the most damaged. These growers are part of the core fiber of New York State, and have a long history of producing quality food to feed Americans. Now that our growers are hurting, it is imperative that we heed the call and urgently provide the support that they deserve to get back on their feet. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-with-almost-300-critical-drugs-from-cancer-to-everyday-generics-in-short-supply-in-the-mohawk-valley-central-ny-and-across-america-senator-details-legislative-plan-to-prevent-this-upcoming-epidemic-asap-and-calls-on-fda-to-continue-working-to-limit-shortages-hitting-communities-in-herkimer-and-across-upstate-ny,"SCHUMER, WITH ALMOST 300 CRITICAL DRUGS FROM CANCER TO EVERYDAY GENERICS IN SHORT SUPPLY IN THE MOHAWK VALLEY, CENTRAL NY & ACROSS AMERICA, SENATOR DETAILS LEGISLATIVE PLAN TO PREVENT THIS UPCOMING...",2023-08-11,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Says Critical Cancer Drugs & Common Generics For Asthma, Antibiotics and More Are In Short Supply And Feds Need To Act Fast To Protect Central NY Patients And Help Doctors Across Upstate NY With Drug Shortages Rapidly Increasing by 30%, Schumer Reveals New 4-Prong Push To Repair Upstate NY’s Drug Supply Chains And Thwart Future Crises; Says Legislation Is Coming To Once And For All Fix Urgent Problem Schumer: Dire Drug Shortage Could Soon Delay Treatments In Herkimer & Across Upstate NY Unless FDA Acts & Congress Passes Legislation With nearly 300 critical drugs from cancer drugs to everyday generics needed to treat asthma and infections are in extremely short supply, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today called on Congress to address this issue with his new 4-point legislative solution, as well as pushed the FDA to keep working to limit the worst shortages right now and protect patients and doctors in the Mohawk Valley and across Upstate NY. Schumer detailed his legislative plan to repair the nation’s drug supply chains and thwart future crises, explaining that with drug shortages already impacting Herkimer patients, legislative action will be necessary to address systemic problems and avoid delay in treatments for patients who need them. “Mohawk Valley hospitals and medical providers across the country are currently suffering from some of the worst drug shortages they’ve ever seen, running low on critically-needed cancer drugs, as well as common generics, drugs used to treat asthma, and antibiotics used to treat infections. With this systematic issue already impacting Upstate NY patients, I am not only calling on the FDA to act immediately and do everything in its power to mitigate this shortage, but I am also urging Congress to take action and solve this issue for good,” said Senator Schumer. “We need long term legislative solutions that will repair the nation’s drug supply chains once and for all, that way we can thwart any threat of future crises and ensure that every New Yorker has access to the medication they need.” ""By all accounts, Mohawk Valley hospitals and medical providers across Herkimer County are dealing with one of the worst drug shortages in memory. With supply issues touching everything from cancer drugs to allergy medications to antibiotics, these are shortages impacting our friends, families, and neighbors,"" said Herkimer County Legislature Chairman Vincent J. Bono. ""On behalf of everyone in Herkimer County, I would like to thank Senator Schumer for coming to Herkimer for the 25th consecutive year. Here in Herkimer, we support the Senator's efforts to safeguard our healthcare system, and we are grateful for his leadership on this important issue."" “We greatly appreciate Senator Schumer addressing the critical issue of drug shortages that impact the lives of patients in our community,” said Darlene Stromstad, FACHE, President and CEO of the Mohawk Valley Health System. “Our health system and our communities are grateful to the Senator for his support and strong advocacy on behalf of healthcare and Upstate NY hospitals and communities.” “Mounting drug shortages across Central New York and nationally have become a great concern for medical providers,” says Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President & CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. “Our patients depend on us for vital access to treatment and medicines – especially in rural communities. We are appreciative that Senator Schumer is addressing this critical supply chain issue, advocating for the health of Central New York citizens and patients across the country.” Schumer said that drug shortages of cancer drugs and common, generic prescription drugs are approaching record levels in across the country, including in Upstate NY. Drug shortages increased 30 percent from 2021 to 2022, and by the end of 2022, there was almost 300 critical drugs in short supply, including both hospital-based and pharmacy-based drugs. The Mohawk Valley and Central New York over the past year has experienced shortages of ADHD medicine, anesthetics used during surgery, albuterol inhalers for asthma, amoxicillin, saline and much more. The shortage in cancer drugs has hit Central New York and the Mohawk Valley particularly hard, stressing the supply of chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin, cisplatin, fluorouracil, leucovorin, and gemcitabine, at regional health networks like Mohawk Valley (“MVHS”) and Bassett Health Network (“BHN”), as well as at Upstate Medical University, the regional cancer center. Schumer said there are core reasons for these shortages: Insufficient Manufacturing: There are not enough manufacturers and supply-chain security. American generic drug manufacturing facilities are only operating at 51 percent capacity, and 40 percent of drugs have a single manufacturer supplying the market. Schumer said that even minor supply chain interruptions, failed FDA safety checks or production issues can upend entire drug markets and threaten drug availability. Lack of Transparency: Neither the FDA nor industry has end-to-end visibility of the full generic drug supply chain – including raw materials, component manufacturers, finished dosages and purchasers – thereby obscuring the scope and drivers of drug shortages. Purchasing organizations are also not required to report certain critical data, such as increasing demand. This opacity limits the government’s ability to proactively identify and mitigate future drug shortages. Reliance on Foreign Companies: Between 2010 and 2015, the number of generic import drug ingredient manufacturers registered with the FDA more than doubled. A recent study found that 90 – 95 percent of generic sterile injectable drugs in the U.S. rely on key starting materials from China and India. Further, it is harder for the United States to demand high-quality safety standards in overseas manufacturing plants. Schumer’s 4-point legislative plan will craft legislation based on the following goals: First, giving more transparency and insight into drug shortages. The administration, doctors, hospitals and patients need to know when a shortage is coming, when demand is outpacing supply, where companies are sourcing their raw materials from, when there are safety issues and more. More information means more opportunities to fix vulnerabilities before they become problems. Second, making sure there are enough manufacturers producing drugs at enough volume to have reserve and contingency supplies. Third, improving production safety and quality. Numerous shortages are caused by safety and quality control problems at manufacturing plants, and improving safety and quality standards would help avoid those problems in the first place. Fourth, incentivizing domestic manufacturing and onshoring. It creates a series of vulnerabilities and problems when the country’s generic drug market is so reliant on foreign actors, and bringing that supply chain back to the United States will reduce shortages and create good-paying new jobs for Americans. Schumer said that U.S Drug shortages hit near-record highs earlier this year. According to the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, which tracks drug supply issues, there were 301 active shortages in the U.S during the first three months of 2023 – the biggest total in nearly a decade. Like many healthcare providers across the country, Schumer said that doctors and pharmacists in Central NY and across Upstate NY are feeling the effects of these drug shortages and finding it harder to shield patients from the impact. These shortages are not limited to any one class of medication, and more and more classes of drugs are being affected by the day. In Herkimer County, both MVHS and Little Falls Hospital of Bassett Health Network have faced significant shortages in recent months and years. Mohawk Valley Health System has a list that fluctuates from of 150 to 225 drugs in critical or non-critical short supply, which has spiked from 15 to 30 drugs just a decade ago, which includes chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin and cisplatin, respiratory drugs like albuterol, pain medications like butorphanol and fentanyl, antibiotics like clindamycin, and allergy medications like methylprednisolone (solumedrol). Little Falls Hospital is dealing with similar shortages. Currently, Little Falls Hospital is struggling to secure supplies of lidocaine, sodium bicarbonate, and epinephrine syringes. Other hospitals across Central New York and the Mohawk Valley have seen shortages in docetaxel, amoxicillin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin), and roxanol syringes. These shortages have caused a host of problems for the region’s healthcare community. Schumer said that while some drug shortages can be mitigated by prescribing a different medication form or a therapeutic alternative, that process is both challenging and time consuming and not always the perfect replacement for the drug that is in short supply. Additionally, some drugs that are not available have no other replacement option. This drug shortage problem is creating additional work on Upstate NY’s limited pharmacy resources, requiring pharmacists to be active in identifying (and in many cases forecasting) potential shortages and pivoting to determine suitable therapeutic equivalents and alternative options for patients. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-attends-the-buffalo-bills-2023-training-camp-at-st-john-fisher,SCHUMER ATTENDS THE BUFFALO BILLS’ 2023 TRAINING CAMP AT ST. JOHN FISHER,2023-08-10,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Helped Keep The Bills In Buffalo When Their Future Was At Risk, And Says Now The Team Is Stronger Than Ever For The Upcoming Season Schumer: GO BILLS! Rochester, N.Y. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today attended the Buffalo Bills’ 2023 training camp at St. John Fisher in Rochester and gave his thoughts on the Bills’ upcoming season: “I am thrilled to see the Buffalo Bills back in action on the field, and on behalf of all of Bills Mafia, wish this incredibly talented and dedicated team good luck as they prepare for the upcoming season. After a season of adversity last year, one of the best parts of being at training camp has been watching the return of Damar Hamlin, who has been practicing in full and even intercepted a pass for a touchdown. This year, the championship window is wide open for the Bills, and I have high hopes that if we trust the process, we’ll all be reunited down on Delaware Ave this February for a celebration like no other. I’m looking forward to watching the Bills light up the field as they return to Orchard Park and kickoff football season with their first preseason game at Highmark Stadium this Saturday. Go Bills!” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-celebrates-one-year-anniversary-of-historic-chips-and-science-law-he-championed_since-passage-bipartisan-law-has-driven-major-investment-across-upstate-ny-bringing-thousands-of-good-paying-jobs-back-from-overseas-and-bolstering-upstate-ny-as-a-national-hub-of-american-chip-manufacturing,"SCHUMER CELEBRATES ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HISTORIC CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW HE CHAMPIONED – SINCE PASSAGE, BIPARTISAN LAW HAS DRIVEN MAJOR INVESTMENT ACROSS UPSTATE NY— BRINGING THOUSANDS OF GOOD-PAYING...",2023-08-10,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Act Has Spurred A New Wave Of American Semiconductor Production – Bringing Back This Vital Industry From Overseas, Manufacturing Microchips Integral To Everyday Life And Vital To National Security, Strengthening American Supply Chains, Lowering Costs & Boosting U.S. Competitiveness Upstate NY Is Already Seeing Historic New Investment And A Manufacturing Boom From Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Act – Like Micron’s Landmark $100 Billion Investment In A CNY Memory Chip Fab – Senator Says This Is Only The Beginning, With Much More Investment On The Horizon & Upstate NY Primed To Lead The Way Schumer: My CHIPS & Science Law Was The Spark Needed To Ignite Upstate NY’s Leadership As A Global Innovation & Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub – And At Only One Year Old We Are Already Seeing The Benefits One year after his CHIPS & Science Act was signed into law, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today highlighted the billions in investments the semiconductor industry has already proposed thanks to this historic bill. Schumer crafted the CHIPS & Science Law with Upstate NY in mind to bring critical manufacturing in industries like semiconductors back from overseas to America, and over the past year, new investment sparked by the CHIPS & Science Act has breathed new life into Upstate’s manufacturing sector, making strides in Schumer’s goal of turning New York into a global hub for innovation. “Today marks one year since my historic bipartisan CHIPS & Science bill finally became law. This landmark legislation has already spurred major investment across Upstate New York, bringing thousands of good-paying jobs back from overseas, and breathing new life into Upstate New York’s manufacturing legacy. I crafted the CHIPS & Science law specifically with Upstate NY in mind, and one year later, from Syracuse to the Hudson Valley, industry is now recognizing what I have long known- that Upstate NY is the premiere destination for building the technology of the future, and this is only the beginning,” said Senator Schumer. “Between Micron’s historic $100 billion proposed investment in Central New York, and other major investments from companies like Wolfspeed in the Mohawk Valley, Edwards Vacuum in Western New York, the potential expansion of GlobalFoundries in the Capital Region, and IBM and onsemi in the Hudson Valley, the level of investment we’ve seen in Upstate NY over the past year is transformational. The CHIPS & Science law is not just about restoring this critical industry for the United States, it is about ensuring our children and grandchildren can find good-paying jobs and grow their families in places like Upstate NY, in the communities that helped build America, and where now they can build a future for themselves, all while laying the foundation for the future of American manufacturing.” Schumer added, “Coupled with our world-renowned research capabilities at places like the Albany Nanocenter and our universities from Binghamton to Rochester to Buffalo, Upstate New York has all the tools needed to become the nation’s leader in an industry that will dominate this century, and the CHIPS & Science law is at the center of it all. Upstate NY is the future of America’s chip industry, and we are just getting started.” Upstate New York has seen major proposed investment as a direct result of Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Act: Micron has announced an historic up to $100 billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York, which is expected to create up to 50,000 good-paying jobs. Schumer personally worked for years to secure Micron’s investment, including passing the necessary federal incentives into law for Micron to invest in the U.S. and directly negotiating with Micron’s CEO on making New York Micron’s choice for the largest private investment in New York State history, and one of the largest in U.S. history. Edwards Vacuum will invest $300+ million to build a 600 job U.S. dry pump manufacturing facility in Western New York’s Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) to supply the semiconductor industry. Senator Schumer personally called Geert Follens, Vacuum Technique Business Area President, Atlas Copco, to urge the global semiconductor supply chain company Edwards Vacuum to expand in Upstate New York and has long supported STAMP's development and to attract new semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companies to locate at STAMP. Onsemi recently acquired a fab in the Hudson Valley, investing over $1.3 billion to be the company’s largest manufacturing facility, supporting over 1,000 jobs, and making it home to the only 12-inch power discrete and image sensor fab in America. Schumer personally met with onsemi’s top brass several times after the 2019 acquisition and worked with local leaders to see this project through and ensure all jobs at the fab were not only retained but the company expanded with further investment. Schumer personally brought a Commerce Department official to onsemi’s announcement that they were maintaining the Hudson Valley workforce in the acquisition and breathing new life into the Hudson Valley’s legacy of innovation as the home of the only 12-inch sensor fab in America, positioning the region for federal investment. Wolfspeed near Utica recently opened the first, largest, and only 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility in the world with over $1 billion invested in the Mohawk Valley. Schumer has worked closely with Wolfspeed’s CEO for years to pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act and pushing the company to consider further expansion of their Mohawk Valley site, something that the company is looking at with the federal CHIPS incentives now in place. GlobalFoundries is considering building a second fab in the Capital Region, driven by the major demand for their chips, that will be a key supplier to the auto and defense industries. Schumer brought Secretary Raimondo to GlobalFoundries in July 2021 to see the tremendous potential for expansion at GlobalFoundries given the demand for their chips and with the federal CHIPS incentives. He has worked with the Department of Defense to partner with GlobalFoundries on delivering critical chips for the military, leading to investments like the $117 million Defense Production Act Title III agreement announced last year to provide a strategic supply of U.S.-made semiconductors for critical national security systems. In addition, spurred by his CHIPS & Science law, GlobalFoundries has also entered into major strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Lockheed Martin to advance U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and increase the security, reliability and resiliency of domestic supply chains for national security systems. IBM will invest $20+ billion in the Hudson Valley to increase its research and development (R&D) of technologies in the semiconductor, quantum computing, and other high-tech industries. IBM’s investment will include their partnership with Albany Nanotech that will be central to Upstate New York’s bid to be a major hub for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), which Schumer created in the CHIPS & Science law. In July 2021, Schumer arranged for Secretary Raimondo to meet with Albany Nanotech leaders, including IBM, to discuss the tremendous chip R&D potential of Upstate New York. Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants, is considering expansion because of the support for suppliers in the CHIPS federal incentives that Schumer included in the CHIPS & Science law. Schumer has already joined Corning Inc. to announce a $139 million investment in Monroe County and that will create over 270 new, good-paying jobs in the Finger Lakes region. Menlo Micro, recently announced an over $50 million investment to build their first domestic microelectronics fab facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. The switches Menlo Micro manufacturers are a vital component of the microelectronics industry, supporting the growth of the domestic semiconductor industry that is being driven by Schumer’s CHIPS & Science law. The senator personally called Menlo Micro’s CEO last year to urge them to invest in Upstate New York for the future growth of their technology. There is much more on the horizon with the CHIPS & Science law: The National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) will come online later this year and into next year, and Schumer has pushed relentlessly for Albany Nanotech to be selected as a major hub of this new network. Prior to the passage of the CHIPS & Science law, Schumer arranged for Commerce Secretary Raimondo to meet with Albany NanoTech and industry leaders, including from IBM and Applied Materials, to discuss the unique assets the region has for leading the NSTC. Schumer also brought Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves to Albany to tour Albany NanoTech and see firsthand how the Capital Region is perfectly suited to stand up the NSTC and begin boosting the nation’s semiconductor industry. Most recently, Schumer personally invited NY CREATES head David Anderson to President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address to highlight his push to land the NSTC in the Capital Region. The Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (“Tech Hubs”) Program, created in his CHIPS & Science law and originally proposed in Schumer’s Endless Frontier Act, launched a competition a few months ago. The initial $500 million competition is part of a $10 billion authorization from his bill to stimulate mid-size cities and broader regions with investments in new technologies, with a focus on translating R&D into new businesses, bringing manufacturing back to America, and helping build the workforce of the future. This initial competition comes after Schumer successfully fought to include $500 million in the FY2023 omnibus appropriations bill to begin implementing the Tech Hubs Program. The Regional Innovation Engines Program at the NSF, also created in his CHIPS & Science law and a central program of the NSF’s new Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships Directorate that Schumer proposed in the Endless Frontier Act, has an ongoing competition for awards of up to $160 million per engine to build regional innovation ecosystems. Because of Schumer’s efforts, New York has two finalists in the current Regional Innovation Engines competition—Binghamton University to further build out their battery research and manufacturing initiatives and FuzeHub to support sustainable manufacturing and supply chain development across Upstate New York. Schumer recently re-upped his push for these two New York applications as the competition goes into the homestretch. The National Science Foundation got a major infusion of investment in its STEM workforce training and education programs, including $200 million dedicated specifically to preparing workers for the semiconductor and broader microelectronics industries. Last year, Schumer also secured $9.87 billion for the National Science Foundation through an end-of-the-year spending package. The omnibus included an increase of over $1 billion for the NSF, the largest dollar increase for NSF in history, providing funds to begin implementation of the NSF STEM training and education programs Schumer authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act. Schumer is also pushing for $11.3 billion in funding for the NSF that was included in President Biden’s budget for Fiscal Year 2024, a $1.43 billion increase from Fiscal Year 2023 that would build onto the historic funding Schumer secured last year as outlined in his CHIPS & Science law. Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act has spurred investment in every corner of New York: Central New York Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, ""The bipartisan CHIPS Act passed by Congress and signed by President Biden one year ago is a perfect example of the larger collaboration, partnership and determination that it took to ultimately have Micron call Onondaga County home. From acquiring the necessary land that now makes up the White Pine site, to the investments in our infrastructure above and below ground, to the leadership from Senator Schumer to pass the CHIPS Act and our state partners with Green CHIPS legislation, the celebration of the investment being made by Micron is just as much a celebration of people coming together in a bipartisan way to do what is right to ensure for the people of Onondaga County and Central New York."" McMahon continued, ""Admittedly it wasn't always easy, but in the end we knew that value and opportunity that White Pine offered and so did Senator Schumer and our state delegations, but most importantly so did Micron. I want to thank all of them for their partnership and commitment to our community and I remain steadfastly committed to working with all of our partners in the coming months and years as Onondaga County becomes the hub for memory technology in the world."" Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said, “Micron is grateful for the dedication President Biden and the Administration, Leader Schumer, and bipartisan Congressional leaders showed in promoting the passage of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. The CHIPS and Science Act is playing a critical role in driving U.S. innovation and competitiveness – and the economic benefits to our nation are only beginning. This historic legislation paved the way for Micron, the only U.S. manufacturer of memory, to announce our intent to bring industry-leading memory to the U.S. as we invest up to $100 billion over the next 20-plus years to construct a new megafab in Clay, New York—which will be the engine that drives a lasting semiconductor ecosystem here in the United States due to memory’s outsized scale. We’re energized by the progress we are making to build leading-edge memory here in the U.S. and the workforce of the future as we continue to strengthen the American semiconductor ecosystem.” President and CEO of Centerstate CEO Robert Simpson said, ""One year ago, Senator Schumer led the passage of the ground-breaking Chips Science Act which has laid the groundwork for a resurgence of manufacturing in communities throughout America and for Micron's historic investment in our community here in Central New York. This critical legislation has had a near-immediate impact on the economic trajectory of our region and our nation. Congratulations to Senator Schumer and a bipartisan coalition in both houses for passing this critical legislation and improving American competitiveness.” Capital Region “One year ago, the CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law thanks to the leadership of Senator Schumer, with sweeping bipartisan support. The legislation is already strengthening U.S. supply chain security, economic security, and national security, and GF stands ready as a strong partner to the U.S. government and our customers as the semiconductor industry doubles over the next decade,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, president and CEO of GlobalFoundries. David Anderson, President of NY CREATES, said: “On the one-year anniversary of the US CHIPS & Science Act, I commend Senator Schumer's visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to enhancing America's technological and scientific capabilities. Leader Schumer was the driving force behind the enactment of this groundbreaking legislation, which recognizes the critical importance of the semiconductor industry in upholding our nation's global competitiveness and security. The CHIPS & Science Act is not only revitalizing domestic semiconductor production, ensuring a dependable supply chain for these vital technologies, but it’s also igniting a wave of research and innovation across the country and especially here in New York. We’ve been preparing for decades – nowhere else in the U.S. has demonstrated more consistency in bringing together government, industry, and academia to collaboratively accelerate our nation's scientific progress. As the nation’s largest and most advanced semiconductor research and development facility, NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex stands ready to serve as the headquarters of the National Semiconductor Technology Center.” “One year ago today, the CHIPs and Science Act passed into law, fundamentally changing the landscape of American Manufacturing in the Semiconductor Industry. This landmark bill provided critical financial support to help New York compete internationally for the careers of tomorrow. Since then Micron has announced the largest manufacturing project in US History in Onondaga County and Edwards Vacuum has announced an expansion at STAMP in Batavia, NY. Public private partnerships at the local, regional, state, and federal level are vital to the success of a growing economy. As executive director of the Association tasked with developing policies that foster economic development and create/retain jobs while improving quality of life for all New Yorkers, our members thank Majority Leader Schumer and his entire team for their vision, leadership, and support. New York is poised to lead the next generation of semiconductor innovation and development,” said Ryan Silva, Executive Director of the New York State Economic Development Council. Southern Tier Russ Garcia, CEO of Menlo Microsystems said, “The CHIPS and Science Act is key to strengthening American competitiveness. Senator Schumer’s advocacy and understanding the need to onshore critical technologies was instrumental in Menlo Microsystems’ decision to make Tompkins County, New York the home of our Ideal Fab™. The onshoring of manufacturing jobs is a strong investment that will bolster our economy, protect our intellectual property, and safeguard our supply chain. We are appreciative the of Senator's efforts to safeguard semiconductors as an American stronghold."" “The CHIPS and Science Act is crucial to regaining US global competitiveness in semiconductors. We thank Senator Schumer for his laser focus on this issue and for advocating for New York as the place where this technology and these industries can flourish. Upstate has the infrastructure & workforce to lead the global semiconductor race. Binghamton stands ready to work with the Senator, our industry and academic partners on technology advances and solutions that secure the US and NY's leadership in this critical industry,"" said Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger. Western New York Satish K. Tripathi, University at Buffalo President, said: “In the year since Senate Majority Leader Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act was passed, there is palpable excitement across WNY. Innovation and collaboration, hallmarks of our region, are driving every sector of our WNY economy. As a SUNY flagship university, the University at Buffalo, is benefitting from increased federal investment in STEM research and infrastructure. Renewed emphasis on key technologies including clean energy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing means that UB will continue to be on the cutting edge of research and innovative technologies that will help America compete in a globalized world.” Rochester-Finger Lakes Steven G. Hyde President and CEO of Genesee County Economic Development Center said, “The CHIPS & Science Act is doing exactly as intended – bringing Semiconductor investment and jobs back to the United States in a big way! Here in Upstate New York, Senator Schumer’s advocacy has been nothing short of incredible in helping our region secure more than $1B in investment and the creation of up to 700 high paying jobs by Plug Power and Edwards Semiconductor to build their Factory of the Future at our STAMP Mega-Site situated in Genesee County between the Buffalo Niagara and Rochester and Finger Lakes regions.” Jeff Shealy, Founder and CEO of Akoustis said, “I want to thank Senator Schumer for authoring the historic CHIPS and Science Act. Because of the CHIPS and Science Act, Akoustis is planning a major expansion that will create end-to-end manufacturing in the Greater Rochester / Finger Lakes Region. This expansion will include a packaging facility that will bring hundreds of good paying jobs back from China to the Greater Rochester Area. Akoustis is thrilled to be partnering with nearby institutions of higher education to train and produce the next generation of great American manufacturers. This expansion will also help build a regional ecosystem, that will produce other job opportunities in the Greater Rochester area. We are proud to bringing these jobs back to New York.” Sharon Cunningham, Edwards VP of Communication said, “The CHIPS & Science Act legislation play a key role in Edwards’ decision to build a new, state-of-the-art dry pump manufacturing facility at the Science Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in Genesee County, New York. The CHIPs program enables us to invest in manufacturing capacity vital to support the continuity of our American customers and the growth of the US semiconductor industry.” Hudson Valley Arvind Krishna, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, IBM, said: “The landmark CHIPS and Science Act catalyzed investments that will strengthen U.S. leadership in semiconductor technology, and we commend Senator Schumer and leaders in Congress and the administration for making it possible. The bill was a critical first step that will impact communities nationwide, including in New York where IBM is proudly based, but more remains to be done. IBM looks forward to working with partners across the country to build the National Semiconductor Technology Center rapidly and efficiently to put America at the forefront of chip innovation worldwide.” “Senator Schumer has been a relentless supporter of the CHIPS and Science Act and advancing its progress over the last year to lay the foundation for a resurgence in semiconductor research and manufacturing in the U.S.,” said Hassane El-Khoury, President and CEO of onsemi. “Over time, this legislation will prove to be a seminal achievement that maintained American leadership in semiconductor technology.” Mohawk Valley Gregg Lowe, CEO of Wolfspeed said, “A year ago, Majority Leader Schumer and our nation’s leaders came together and crafted a law that ensures Wolfspeed can confidently make the type of long-range investments necessary to producesilicon carbide at scale for use in numerous applications such as EVs, fast charging and renewable energy and storage. Since then, Wolfspeed has started producing next-gen semiconductors in New York's Mohawk Valley at the world's first, largest, and only 200mm silicon carbide fab, where we are creating good paying jobs and ensuring that this American-made technology remains firmly rooted here at home.” “The CHIPS Act is already contributing to building a semiconductor corridor in Upstate New York with growth and commitments by Micron, GlobalFoundries, on-semi, Edwards Vacuum, Wolfspeed, NY CREATES and Albany Nanotech Complex, Danfoss, Applied Materials, TEL, and other supply chain companies” said Steve DiMeo, President of Mohawk Valley EDGE. ""We thank Senator Schumer for his ongoing advocacy and support.” Last year New York adopted the Green CHIPS Act which complements the Federal CHIPS Act and positions New York and the Mohawk Valley region for future growth in this strategic global industry.” North Country Wendell P. Weeks, Chairman and CEO, Corning Incorporated said, “As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hyper-pure polysilicon and advanced optics components, Corning is vital to nearly every step of the chip manufacturing process. We're grateful for Majority Leader Schumer’s leadership in implementing the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen the entire domestic semiconductor supply chain, and we are committed to making New York the nation’s leading hub for semiconductor R&D and manufacturing in the United States.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-nearly-1-million-for-city-of-syracuse-fire-department-to-train-firefighters-to-the-level-of-emt-and-parademics-to-combate-ongoing-shortages-and-keep-community-safe,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $1 MILLION FOR CITY OF SYRACUSE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO TRAIN FIREFIGHTERS TO THE LEVEL OF EMT & PARADEMICS TO COMBATE ONGOING SHORTAGES AND KEEP COMMUNITY SAFE",2023-08-10,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Like Many Communities Syracuse Has Been Impacted By EMT Shortages, But Now Senators Have Delivered Critical Fed Funding To Help Syracuse Fire Department Train All Incoming Fire Fighters To The EMT Level And Several Current Fire Fighters To The Paramedic Level To Bolster Emergency Response Schumer Helped Create The AFG & SAFER Grants Which Delivered Today’s Funding – And Says Boosts Like This Are Why He Fought To Pass The Fire Grants And Safety Act In The Senate To Save The Program From Lapsing This Year Schumer, Gillibrand: Fed $$$ Will Help Increase Training For The Brave Firefighters That Keep Syracuse Safe U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $918,953 in federal funding for the City of Syracuse Fire Department to train all incoming fire fighters, as well as current certified first responders, to the EMT level and several current fire fighters to the paramedic level. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Schumer and Gillibrand led the charge in the Senate to save these federal firefighting programs that are only authorized for funding through the end of this year, which delivered this funding to Syracuse. “Our firefighters in Syracuse risk their lives every day to protect our community, the least we can do is ensure they have the best training possible to keep themselves and our community safe. That is why I am proud to deliver this major nearly $1 million federal boost so firefighters in every corner of Syracuse have the skills they need to provide aid to the surrounding community,” said Senator Schumer. “I helped create and protect the AFG program because I know this funding is such a vital lifeline for communities in Central NY, and this is just the latest example of the program delivering for Upstate NY. I’ve fought my whole career to bring more federal resources to support our brave firefighters, including shepherding a reauthorization of AFG through the Senate earlier this year, and today’s funding will keep our Syracuse Fire Department prepared to take on any emergency.” “New York’s firefighters work tirelessly every day to protect our communities and save lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This crucial funding will provide Syracuse’s firefighters with critical training to help them keep area residents safe. I will continue fighting to ensure that New York’s fire departments have what they need to continue defending our communities on the front lines.” Syracuse Fire Chief Michael Monds said, ""I believe this historic grant will ensure that the visitors and citizens of Syracuse receive the highest level of emergency medical services, and this can only occur due to the assistance of AFG funds provided by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand. I am grateful for their unwavering support as the Syracuse Fire Department provides much needed Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support ambulance transport services, to not only our city, but to the entire region, when called upon. Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand's support of this grant application allows our dedicated Syracuse Firefighters to attain the highest level of EMS training to continue to provide world class, compassionate emergency services to our region's constituents."" Specifically, Schumer and Gillibrand explained the funding will go towards training all incoming Syracuse fire fighters, as well as current certified first responders to the EMT level. This training would consist of an academy style EMT course lasting 23 days including classroom, lab time plus ride along time of two days to complete required patient contacts. Additionally, the funds will be used to train 6 current Syracuse Firefighter EMT’s to the Paramedic level to assist in the staffing of ambulances operated by the Syracuse City Fire Department. Syracuse Firefighter EMT's will participate in the Upstate University paramedic program to achieve this certification. The senators explained that like most of the country, the City of Syracuse has been affected by the shortage of emergency medical workers, including Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) and Paramedics. This is resulting in dropped calls and increased response time for ambulance services state and nationwide, which has led to more Syracuse Fire engines responding to fire calls with less personnel because other firefighters are tied up on medical emergencies awaiting transport of their patient by delayed ambulances. As of January 2023, the Syracuse Fire Department began staffing an Advanced Life Support ambulance 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week / 365 days a year, to bolster the ambulance providers in the area. In order to maintain and grow this new critical service, the Syracuse Fire Department will need more EMTs and Paramedics, as the current model is not sustainable and will lead to burn out if not addressed. With the City's current and anticipated increase in population, economic development, reduction of emergency medical personnel, and transportation challenges, it is essential that the City of Syracuse train firefighters to fill the gap of ambulatory services with EMT’s and Paramedics. Schumer and Gillibrand have secured over $5 million for the Syracuse Fire Department through the AFG and SAFER programs, including $1,991,532 in August 2016 to hire 12 new firefighters, and $15,300 in July 2014 to purchase a BullEx Attack Digital Fire Training System, which allowed the Department to create a simulated fire in a high rise building so that firefighters can train in a realistic setting. Schumer originally created the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program in 1999, which funded the Town of Adams grant today, and which later expanded to also include the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. Currently though, both the AFG and SAFER program are at risk of being eliminated, endangering millions in funding for Upstate New York Fire Departments. Earlier this year, Schumer and Gillibrand led the charge to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 in the Senate, which would reauthorize funding for the U.S. Fire Administration, the AFG, and SAFER Grant Program through FY2030. The bill also extends the sunset for both SAFER and AFG from 2024 to 2032. The bill would increase the authorization for the U.S. Fire Administration by about $20 million, while maintaining the authorized funding level for SAFER and AFG at $750 million. The AFG and SAFER grant programs are administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to purchase essential equipment and help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-major-push-to-upend-flow-of-fentanyl-in-north-country_revealing-new-federal-efforts-to-sanction-china-for-its-role-in-spreading-fentanyl-and-deliver-resources-to-combat-overdose-epidemic-which-has-tragically-impacted-plattsburgh--clinton-county,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES MAJOR PUSH TO UPEND FLOW OF FENTANYL IN NORTH COUNTRY – REVEALING NEW FEDERAL EFFORTS TO SANCTION CHINA FOR ITS ROLE IN SPREADING FENTANYL & DELIVER RESOURCES TO COMBAT OVERDOSE...,2023-08-08,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After Several Recent Drug Busts In Plattsburgh, Where Law Enforcement Seized $24K Worth Of Illegal Drugs, And Over 2,500 Bags Of Fentanyl, Schumer Reveals A Bipartisan Push To Use National Defense Bill To Address Fentanyl & Opioid Crisis By Attacking Its Source Overseas, Far Before The Deadly Drug Reaches The North Country Schumer Says FEND Off Fentanyl Act, Which He included In Senate Passed Defense Bill, Would Place New Sanctions On China For Its Growing Role In America’s Fentanyl Epidemic And Declare International Fentanyl Trafficking A National Emergency Schumer: It Is Time Beat Back Deadly Fentanyl In The North Country By Attacking The Overseas Source Of This Drug Following several recent major fentanyl busts in Plattsburgh, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today launched a major new push to upend the flow of fentanyl in Clinton County and the North Country. Schumer detailed the new bipartisan legislation, the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, he included in the Senate-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would not only allow President Biden to place sanctions on China for its role in contributing to our nation’s fentanyl epidemic and declare international fentanyl trafficking a national emergency. Schumer is now demanding that the House pass the measure to combat the flow of fentanyl from China and Mexico before it reaches places like Clinton County and Upstate NY. “From Albany to Buffalo to right here in Plattsburgh, fentanyl continues to take the lives of far too many New Yorkers each and every day. We must make getting this deadly drug off of our streets and out of the U.S. a top priority, and the just passed Senate defense bill provides a rare window of opportunity to do just that,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m calling on the U.S. House of Representatives to quickly pass this measure and help upend the flow of fentanyl overseas, far before it reaches places like Clinton County and the North Country. With the FEND Off Fentanyl Act we can ensure tough sanctions on places like China for turning a blind eye to this issue and giving these deadly exports the green light. Too many lives have been lost, and too many others are at stake, especially here in Upstate New York.” “I commend United States Senator Schumer in his support to stop the flow of fentanyl into upstate New York through the FEND Off Fentanyl Act,” said Clinton County District Attorney Andrew J. Wylie. “The primary root of crime in Clinton County evolves around our community’s addiction to cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. Whether the crimes are petit larceny, assault, domestic violence, burglary, robbery or murder, the primary factor is generally drugs. Every effort to stop the flow of cocaine, heroin or fentanyl into the North Country will assist in preventing crime here in Clinton County. We continue to see the uptick of narcotics cases within the County, including drug overdoses that involve fentanyl. The Clinton County District Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our local, state and federal agencies to assist fighting the ongoing war against the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics in Clinton County.” Schumer said the Senate passage of the NDAA bill just days ago included a bipartisan plan to officially declare international fentanyl trafficking a national emergency and give the president special powers to impose tough sanctions on China, Mexico, or any other relevant fentanyl supply chain hub. The House passed its own version of the National Defense Authorization Act earlier in July, but now that Schumer has passed NDAA in the Senate, lawmakers will need to reconcile the Senate bill and the House bill by negotiating a compromise version that can pass both chambers. Fentanyl is trafficked into the United States primarily from China and Mexico, and is responsible for the ongoing fentanyl epidemic in Upstate NY and across the country. China is the world’s largest producer of illicit fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and their immediate precursors. From China, those substances are shipped primarily through express consignment carriers or international mail directly to the United States, or, alternatively, shipped directly to transnational criminal organizations in Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. Some officials estimate that China is responsible for over 90 percent of the illicit fentanyl found in the U.S. Schumer explained to disrupt the flow of illicit opioids into the United States, he pushed to include the FEND Off Fentanyl Act in to the just passed Senate defense bill. The bill does the following: Declares that the international trafficking of fentanyl is a national emergency. Requires the President to sanction transnational criminal organizations and drug cartels’ key members engaged in international fentanyl trafficking. Enables the President to use proceeds of forfeited, sanctioned property of fentanyl traffickers to further law enforcement efforts. Enhances the ability to enforce sanctions violations thereby making it more likely that people who defy U.S. law will be caught and prosecuted. Requires the administration to report to Congress on actions the U.S. government is taking to reduce the international trafficking of fentanyl and related opioids. Allows the Treasury Department to utilize special measures to combat fentanyl-related money laundering. Requires the Treasury Department to prioritize fentanyl-related suspicious transactions and include descriptions of drug cartels’ financing actions in Suspicious Activity Reports. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin. It is short acting and cannot be seen, tasted or smelled when mixed into other drugs. While pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain and end of life care, non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is produced illicitly and is now common in the illicit drug supply. The presence of non-pharmaceutical fentanyl in Plattsburgh, Clinton County, and the North Country has dramatically increased the number of overdose deaths, and fentanyl is now the “leading cause of death for Americans 18 to 45 years old.” Over the past two years, Clinton County has seen 29 deaths from opioid overdoses, 44 outpatient emergency department visits, and 1,017 admissions to OASAS-certified substance abuse disorder treatment programs. Several recent examples have underscored the prevalence and danger of fentanyl in Clinton County. In October 2022, five individuals were arrested in a Plattsburgh narcotics bust connected to an ongoing investigation into drug transportation and sales in Plattsburgh, where law enforcement seized 1,398 bags containing fentanyl, 58 grams of fentanyl ready to be packaged for resale, 6 grams of crack-cocaine and $3,765. Similarly, officials arrested a Plattsburgh man this past May with about 1,200 bags of fentanyl worth approximately $24,000. Looking at the broader region, in 2022 alone, the North Country saw 15 deaths from opioid overdoses, 6 outpatient emergency department visits, and 319 admissions to OASAS-certified substance abuse disorder treatment programs. Aside from Clinton county, the opioid crisis has grown worse in Franklin, where the county saw 6 deaths from opioid overdoses, 6 outpatient emergency department visits, and 223 admissions to OASAS-certified substance abuse disorder treatment programs in 2022. In 2021, nearly 107,000 Americans died from an overdose, and 65% of overdose deaths were caused by fentanyl. Last year alone, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized over 379 million deadly doses of fentanyl - enough to supply a lethal dose to every American. Schumer has a long history of fighting for additional resources to support law enforcement and boost addiction recovery services. Most recently, he secured $445 million for Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) grants, an increase of $30 million from FY22. He secured $16 million for the COPS anti-methamphetamine program and $35 million for the COPS anti-heroin task force that help ensure the safety of local communities. He also secured $302 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program in this year’s budget. In addition, Schumer led the fight to secure $44.9 billion to address opioid abuse in the most recent Omnibus, an increase of over $345 million over the previous year. That includes nearly $1.6 billion in State Opioid Response grants, $100 million more for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment program, $111 million for medication assisted treatment programs, $145 million for programs targeted towards rural communities and more. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-at-ribbon-cutting-for-the-rome-air-force-research-labs-new-state-of-the-art-extreme-computing-facility-announce-they-have-secured-44-million-in-senate-defense-appropriations-bill-to-supercharge-mohawk-valley-as-leader-in-quantum-computing,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, AT RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE ROME AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB’S NEW STATE OF THE ART EXTREME COMPUTING FACILITY, ANNOUNCE THEY HAVE SECURED $44+ MILLION IN SENATE DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS...",2023-08-08,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer & Gillibrand Delivered Critical Funding To Build Rome Air Force Research Lab’s New Extreme Computing Facility For Vital National Defense Research Using The Most Cutting-Edge Quantum Computing Technology Working In Partnership With The Griffiss Institute Now Senators Reveal They Have Secured $44M In New Funding For Rome In Senate Defense Appropriations Bill To Grow Quantum Computing Programs Even Further – Helping Supercharge AFRL As America’s Leader In Global Quantum Computing Race Schumer, Gillibrand: Major New Funding Will Supercharge Rome Lab & Mohawk Valley To Take Us To The Next Frontier – And Ensure America Remains #1 For Quantum Computing After cutting the ribbon on Rome Air Force Research Lab’s (AFRL) new state of the art Extreme Computing Facility, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand revealed they have secured $44 million in new federal funding in the Senate Defense Appropriations Bill. Schumer and Gillibrand said this new major infusion of funds will supercharge the growth of quantum computing, critical to maintaining the U.S.’s competitive edge, and solidifying the Mohawk Valley as home to America’s premier cutting-edge military research facility. “The Rome Lab and powerhouse workforce of the Mohawk Valley are going to be the ones to take us to the next frontier and ensure America leads the globe in the quantum computing super race. The Extreme Computing Facility opening today is only the beginning, I am proud to announce that I have secured over $44 million in the Senate Defense Appropriations Bill to supercharge these efforts, bolster our national security, and make sure Rome Lab is America’s leader in quantum computing and UAS technology,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding means that the next generation of the most advanced computers and technological research for our most sensitive military applications will happen right here at the Rome Lab. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that our nation stays ahead of our international competitors in virtual battle fields, and ensure the technology of tomorrow is developed right here in the Mohawk Valley.” “The Rome Air Force Research Laboratory has garnered a reputation as one of America’s premier military research facilities, and this new Extreme Computing Facility will ensure that we remain a leader in advanced computing,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to have worked to secure this new funding and will continue to fight to ensure the Mohawk Valley is leading the way in defense research.” “Today we are opening the new extreme computing lab here at AFRL. This facility continues on our strategic investments made by the county, state and federal government. We continue to see the growth of these investments including the world largest indoor UAS test site in Skydome, the Innovare Advancement Center and now this state of the art facility. Together, Oneida County is a national leader in quantum computing research and development. I want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their effort to bring this critical funding to AFRL here in Oneida County,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “We are very thankful for Senators Schumer and Gillibrand’s continued advocacy of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The establishment of the new Extreme Computing Facility furthers the critical research and development to foster the growth of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, UAS (drones) and more, all vital to our national defense structure. The Senators announcement of new funding for R&D totaling in the tens of millions of dollars ensures the AFRL professionals will have the tools necessary to develop new systems related to quantum computing and cybersecurity to protect our country from external threats,” said Rome Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo. “This Extreme Computing Facility marks a new era in the accelerated development, integration, and deployment of advanced computing technologies for the Department of the Air Force. The state-of-the-art laboratories for trusted computing, machine learning, neuromorphic and nanocomputing, and quantum networking will advance our competitive edge in extreme computing. We thank the Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, leadership, and our federal partners for championing the revolutionary technologies in development at the AFRL Information Directorate in direct support of our warfighters,” said Dr. Michael Hayduk, Deputy Director, Air Force Research Lab Information Directorate. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that this year in the Senate Defense Appropriations markup, the AFRL Rome received funding for five major projects that will continue the lab’s position as a premier cutting-edge military research facility. This includes: $10 million for Distributed Quantum Networking Testbed and Quantum Cloud Computing Environment $4 million for Photonic Quantum Computing, which will develop a next-generation ion trap computer. $10 million for a Trusted DoD/Federal UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Advanced Air Mobility Enhancements and Operational Readiness. This system will manage Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) traffic to support the emerging FAA/NASA Advanced Air Mobility vision and provide a real-time interface to Air Traffic Control. $10million for a Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) testbed which creates an operational-like environment which allows the warfighter to test cutting-edge technology and tools and provide feedback for researchers. $10 million for a Multi-Domain Radio Frequency Spectrum Test Environment. AFRL’s project are vital to ensuring the U.S. military maintains the technological edge over its adversaries. The senators said that as China invests heavily in quantum computing research, AFRL Rome’s work ensures that the U.S. pushes ahead on this critically important technology. AFRL’s newly completed “Extreme Computing” facility that the senators cut the ribbon on today is a direct result of 7.5 million in funding that Schumer and Gillibrand secured across the FY’20-22 budget. The new AFRL facility is the counterpart to the Griffiss Institute’s Innovare Advancement Center: the off-installation, open collaboration environment for advancing innovation with industry and academic partners that the senators also helped fund. The AFRL and Griffiss Institute facilities are complimentary, which affords AFRL the ability to do basic research off-installation that can be transitioned to analogous facilities on-installation for classified defense research vital to our national security, and vice versa, providing a streamlined mechanism for collaboration and technology transfer between DoD, industry partners, and academia. The AFRL Extreme Computing facility is focused on basic research for national defense applications and is headlined by two quantum computing laboratories for basic research in quantum computing, networking, and security and two neuromorphic computing laboratories for basic research in machine learning models approximating human neurocognition. Located in Oneida County, one of Rome Lab’s primary focuses is gathering and processing cyber intelligence. Since 1997, it has been the USAF’s “Superlab” and is considered the nation’s premier research organization for Command, Control, Communications, Cyber and Intelligence (C4I) technologies. The lab focuses on developing information technology for air, space and ground systems, in addition to partnering with other federal agencies, universities, private industry and other state and local governments. Schumer and Gillibrand have been especially supportive of the Lab’s quantum computing research in recent years, helping secure tens of millions of dollars that helped fund the ‘Quantum Information Science Innovation Center’ - also known at Innovare Advancement Center –in Rome. Additionally, the senators helped secure millions of dollars to help launch Sky Dome, an indoor UAS testing facility that is part of the UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in Rome. In 2021, following the senators’ direct advocacy Rome Lab was designated as the Quantum Information Science Research Center for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. This laid the foundation for the funding this year for the “Quantum Computing Test Bed” at the Innovare Advancement Center, which aims to be a global catalyst to converge world-class talent in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and quantum, to tackle the country’s greatest challenges to national security and economic competitiveness. Rome Lab is also a source of growth for the regional economy and a major source of employment. According to the U.S. Air Force’s 2020 economic impact analysis, Rome Lab employed over 1,200 workers with an annual payroll of $150 million and generated over $500 million in regional economic activity. The U.S. Air Force’s economic impact study can be found here. Because of Rome Lab’s strong commitment to excellence in developing and enhancing this nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure, as well as its commitment to employing local residents with good-paying jobs, Schumer and Gillibrand have long fought to ensure Rome Lab has what it needs to succeed and maintain its strong workforce. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-with-southern-tier-and-mohawk-valley-rural-electric-co-ops-poised-to-benefit-the-inflation-reduction-act-schumer-launches-major-push-for-feds-to-invest-14-million-in-new-delaware-county-line-worker-training-program_helping-lower-energy-costs-for-farms-and-families-and-giving-200-local-workers-skills-needed-for-good-paying-jobs-across-the-southern-tier-and-upstate-ny,"SCHUMER: WITH SOUTHERN TIER & MOHAWK VALLEY RURAL ELECTRIC CO-OPS POISED TO BENEFIT THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT, SCHUMER LAUNCHES MAJOR PUSH FOR FEDS TO INVEST $1.4+ MILLION IN NEW DELAWARE COUNTY...",2023-08-08,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Delaware County Electric Cooperative Provides Electricity To Thousands Of Rural Families & Small Businesses, And Now Schumer Wants To Help Them And Other Rural Electric Co-Ops In The Southern Tier & Mohawk Valley Expand Efforts To Provide Affordable Utilities To Underserved Communities Schumer Secured Major Fed $$$ In The Inflation Reduction Act That Rural Electric Co-Ops Like Delaware County, Otsego, Steuben, And Oneida-Madison Can Potentially Tap; Senator Reveals New Push To Expand Training To Hundreds Of Good Paying Jobs Maintaining And Modernizing Infrastructure In The Southern Tier And In Delaware County Schumer: Delaware County Is Ready For Fed Investment To Help Boost Good Paying Jobs, Lower Costs, And Bring Affordable Electricity To Rural Communities Across Upstate NY After leading the Inflation Reduction Act to passage with major investment to help boost rural electric co-ops like those in the Southern Tier and across Upstate NY, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today launched a new push to secure over $1.4 million from the Department of Labor’s Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative for the Delaware County Electric Cooperative’s (DCEC) new line-worker training program, which would train at least 200 hundred workers for good-paying, union jobs right here in the Southern Tier. “Rural electric co-ops across Upstate NY have long helped fill the gaps and provide affordable electricity to our farms and families in rural communities like here in Delaware County, the Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley. That is why I fought so hard to secure historic investment in the Inflation Reduction Act, including ‘direct-pay’ provisions so our non-profit rural electric co-ops can finally access the clean energy tax credits that have transformed investor owned utilities, helping create good paying jobs, all while lowering utility costs for our rural families,” said Senator Schumer. “Now is the time to supercharge the tremendous work of these co-ops like Delaware County’s, which is why I am pushing for the Department of Labor to invest over $1.4 million to develop the DCEC’s line-worker training program, to ensure the good paying jobs from these investments to modernizing our electric infrastructure goes to local workers here in Delaware County and the Southern Tier.” “Delaware County Electric Cooperative (DCEC) has submitted a grant request to the U.S. Department of Labor’s WORC Initiative to help us prepare for a better energy future. If federal funding is awarded, it will set the groundwork to enable us to provide the necessary training for workers that our community needs to ensure a reliable and resilient power grid as New York leads the nation in reaching a more sustainable energy future. We are very appreciative of Senator Schumer’s efforts to secure funding for programs that help us give workers access to good-paying, high-quality jobs that provide a core necessity to modern life: reliable and sustainable electricity,” said John Gasstrom, CEO/General Manager of the Delaware County Electric Cooperative. “SUNY Delhi plays an important role educating leaders for the workforce of tomorrow. This partnership with DCEC enhances our capacity to deliver education, training, and the continuing education needs of New York’s utility and electrical operations workforce. As demands on New York’s electrical grid and infrastructure grow—it will be SUNY Delhi graduates that lead the way to see that these demands are met. SUNY Delhi is grateful to Senator Schumer for his leadership in advancing workforce development efforts that will support the region’s economic growth,” said Dr. Mary Bonderoff, Acting President of SUNY Delhi. Schumer explained that the Delaware County Electric Cooperative (DCEC) is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving more than 4,800 member-owners in the rural counties of Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, and Chenango in Upstate New York. An electric cooperative is a not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric power provider. Rural electric cooperatives were created to address service gaps in rural communities after it became evident that investor-owned utilities were unlikely to extend electrification to rural areas. There are approximately 900 rural electric co-ops in the U.S., with several rural electric cooperatives in New York including Delaware, Oneida-Madison, Ostego and Steuben. DCEC’s proposed program that Schumer is pushing funding for, officially titled “Building a Skilled Workforce to Construct and Maintain Core Critical Electric and Broadband Infrastructure,” would provide structured training needed to maintain core critical infrastructure in rural communities to electric and telecommunications industry line-workers. The program would establish a line-worker apprenticeship program, offer training to both new and existing line-workers, and support outreach events in collaboration with workforce development organizations to showcase jobs opportunities. The proposal will help to address workforce needs in both the electric and telecommunications industries, building on other efforts in the region intended to help meet current and future workforce demands, such as the two-year electrical construction and utility operations degree program administered by SUNY Delhi. Schumer delivered historic funding for rural electric co-ops in the Inflation Reduction Act, and the senator said now is the time to double down on these investment with workforce training to maximize their effectiveness in creating good paying local jobs and lower utility costs for rural families. “Senator Schumer has delivered significant federal investment for the Southern Tier, including millions to deploy high-speed broadband to unserved households in rural communities. Now, we need to invest in innovative workforce development solutions, like that proposed by DCEC, that will prepare workers for high-quality jobs in New York’s Appalachian communities upgrading our electrical and telecommunications infrastructure. Southern Tier 8 is proud to support efforts like this project that improve workforce readiness and employment outcomes,” said Jen Gregory, Executive Director of the Southern Tier 8 Regional Board. “Thanks to the hard work of Senator Schumer, rural electric cooperatives now have direct access to federal resources, including new programs and direct-pay provisions made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, needed to compete with for-profit industry counterparts. These investments will help rural electric cooperatives reduce costs and expand services to power communities across the Southern Tier and Upstate New York. Otsego Electric Cooperative looks forward to taking advantage of these opportunities in support of our mission to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to our rural service area,” said Tim Johnson, CEO of Otsego Electric Cooperative, Inc. Schumer explained that included in the Inflation Reduction Act were nearly $11 billion in grants and loan opportunities to help rural energy and utility providers bring affordable, reliable clean energy to their communities across the country. Funding is available through two programs as well as numerous provisions made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act. Specifically, Schumer highlighted the ‘direct pay’ provisions in the IRA which allow non-profit rural cooperatives to get paid the value of the tax credit directly, rather than having to subtract the value from their taxes. Schumer said these provisions can help put rural electric coops on an even playing field with the private utilities, giving them access to the investment tax credit that covers 30% or more of qualifying clean energy projects like solar, wind, battery storage, as well as carbon capture projects, and grid modernization. Additionally, USDA recently opened a Letter of Interest process for the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program, which makes $1 billion available in partially forgivable loans to renewable-energy developers and electric service providers, including municipalities and cooperatives, to help finance large-scale solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower projects and energy storage in support of renewable energy systems. A copy of Schumer’s letter of support to the Department of Labor appears below: Dear Acting Secretary Su: I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the Delaware County Electric Cooperative (DCEC) to the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative titled, “Building a Skilled Workforce to Construct and Maintain Core Critical Electric and Broadband Infrastructure.” DCEC is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving more than 4,800 member-owners in the rural counties of Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, and Chenango in Upstate New York. The Delaware County Electric Cooperative is requesting $1,475,817.10 to develop a line-worker training program. The program would train at least 200 hundred workers for good-paying, union jobs in Appalachian communities by providing participants with the skills needed to maintain electric and telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas. The project is expected to impact at least nine of fourteen counties in the Appalachian portion of New York State. I am proud to have secured billions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law to strengthen and modernize America’s utility infrastructure. This historic investment will create and support high-quality American jobs building energy transmission lines, upgrading telecommunications infrastructure, and deploying clean energy technologies needed to power the economy. Therefore, it is crucial that targeted federal investments are made to support collaborative, cross-sector workforce development solutions like that proposed by DCEC. I applaud the Delaware County Electric Cooperative and local partners for their foresight and sincerely hope the application is met with your approval. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my grants coordinator at (202) 224-6542. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-higgins-announce-nearly-2-million-in-national-science-foundation-funding-to-set-wheels-in-motion-for-the-university-at-buffalos-stemcyclists-program-helping-underserved-students-learn-science-and-engineering-skills-and-build-a-strong-foundation-for-the-future,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, HIGGINS ANNOUNCE NEARLY $2 MILLION IN NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION FUNDING TO SET WHEELS IN MOTION FOR THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO’S ‘STEMCYCLISTS’ PROGRAM –HELPING UNDERSERVED...",2023-08-07,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Reps Say STEMcyclists Summer Camp Has Sparked A Complete Transformation In STEM Learning – Providing Underserved 9th and 10th Grade Students With Opportunity To Explore The Intersections Of Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics Through Bicycles And Bicycle Riding UB Will Help Underrepresented Students Learn Science, Engineering, And Biomechanics – Laying The Ground Work To Get Kids Interested In STEM Careers Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins: With A Boost From The Feds, UB Is Helping Kick Young Students Interest In Science And Engineering Into The Next Gear U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins today announced nearly $2 million in National Science Foundation (NSF) funding for SUNY at Buffalo to continue teaching historically underserved students about the field of STEM through a summer cycling program where students redesign, rebuild, and ride bikes. The lawmakers said this critical investment will help Western New York youth engage in STEM by creating spaces for them to explore topics like science, engineering, and biomechanics, giving them the knowledge and confidence to pursue a career in STEM in the future. “The best way to help students get prepared for good paying STEM careers in the future is get the wheels in motion at a young age, and I am thrilled to help deliver nearly $2 million in funding for the University at Buffalo to help kick their beloved STEMcyclists program into the next gear,” said Senator Schumer. “Now students from across Buffalo will be able to have better access to critical STEM education programs, all while having fun and a strong foundation for science and engineering that can help lead to good-paying jobs down the road.” “The University at Buffalo has been a leader in introducing underserved students to the field of STEM, and with this funding, it will be able to continue spurring interest in STEM subjects,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will help provide area students with the opportunities to explore STEM and get them on the path for good-paying careers in the future. I’m proud to announce this funding and I will continue to fight to provide underserved students with the resources needed to have successful careers.” “This program, supported with federal funding, provides a fun way for UB’s students and researchers to engage young Buffalo school students in the practical use of STEM in everyday life,” said Congressman Higgins. “The creative project gives kids a meaningful summer activity while inspiring continued interest and learning in a growing field with endless opportunities.” “All of us in the University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education are grateful and delighted that the National Science Foundation selected STEM Cyclists for funding. In keeping with UB’s commitment to bring the benefits of our research and scholarship to bear on the communities we serve, this project, spearheaded by Dr. Noemi Waight, uses an innovative approach to excite Buffalo high schoolers about STEM opportunities. STEM Cyclists creatively engages students in learning principles of engineering while emphasizing their own neighborhoods as asset-based learning environments. Thank you to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Higgins and our entire delegation for their steadfast support of UB and the Graduate School of Education,” said Dr. Suzanne N. Rosenblith, Dean of the Graduate School of Education at The University at Buffalo, SUNY. The representatives explained that the project, officially named “STEMcyclists: Black and Brown Youth Transforming Science and Engineering via Bikes,” utilizes cycling-related activities to teach traditionally underrepresented youth, specifically 9th and 10th graders, about the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. During the program, students will not only learn the biomechanics and engineering design principles behind bike riding, but will also safely ride bicycles and be encouraged to explore their communities through riding. The researchers, professors, and community organizations who designed the program worked to facilitate a summer program that could desegregate spaces in Buffalo, one of the most segregated cities in America, and also allow youth to engage in STEM opportunities right in their community, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in these fields. The goal of this project is to use bikes and biking learning experiences to advance STEM opportunities for students of color, provide youth the confidence and knowledge for STEM-related careers, and break down both conscious and unconscious barriers racial barriers in Buffalo. At the end of the program, campers bring home bicycles, helmets, and bike accessories that they keep after the program concludes. The program launched for the first time in July 2022; its success led to a second summer program in July 2023. A full project description can be found here. Last year, Schumer secured $9.87 billion for the National Science Foundation through an end-of-the-year spending package. The omnibus included an increase of over $1 billion for the NSF, the largest dollar increase for NSF in history, providing funds to begin implementation of the NSF STEM training and education programs. Schumer said the region’s top research schools like SUNY at Buffalo would be able to tap the increased investment for the NSF bolstering incredible research like this and investment in the local scientific and tech workforce. Schumer also noted that his CHIPS & Science Act also contains massive increased investment for National Science Foundation (NSF) Research and Development Programs, including through the newly created NSF Directorate of Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships, as well as STEM education and training programs. Schumer proposed the creation of this Directorate originally in his bipartisan Endless Frontier Act, with a focus on delivering investment in research, workforce training, and entrepreneurship. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces_thanks-to-american-rescue-plan-upstate-nys-ufcw-local-one-to-receive-764-million--restoring-pensions-for-19000-members-and-their-families-across-upstate-ny,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES – THANKS TO AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN– UPSTATE NY’S UFCW LOCAL ONE TO RECEIVE $764 MILLION – RESTORING PENSIONS FOR 19,000+ MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES ACROSS UPSTATE NY",2023-08-03,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"UFCW Local One, Which Represents Thousands Of Food and Commercial Workers At Major Upstate Employers Like Tops Supermarket, Were Victims Of A Pension System That Collapsed After 2008 Crash; Without Action, After a Lifetime of Hard Work, Many Could Not Retire Or Would Have Paltry or Zero Pension Benefits Remaining As Schumer’s First Major Act As Majority Leader, He Secured Pension Fix So Union Members, Who Worked Their Whole Lives But Risked Losing Payments Through No Fault Of Their Own, Got Hard-Earned Pensions; Now 19,000 Union Members Across Buffalo, Syracuse, The Southern Tier, Finger Lakes And Upstate NY Have Finally Got The Relief They Needed Schumer: Upstate NY UFCW Local One Union Families Can Breathe A Massive Sigh Of Relief With The Full Pensions They Rightfully Earned Again Providing Economic Security After years of relentless advocacy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local One, with 19,000+ members and their families across Buffalo, Syracuse, the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Upstate NY, will receive $764 million pension-fix payout from the American Rescue Plan. Schumer said that this will ensure that UFCW Local One members and their families receive the hard-earned benefits that they paid into their whole lives, but lost through no fault of their own. The senator said with these hard-earned pensions restored, UFCW members and their families can finally have the financial security they deserve. “From Tops Supermarkets to making world famous products like Gianelli’s sausages in Syracuse and Sahlen's hot dogs in Buffalo, UFCW Local One workers are the beating heart of Upstate NY’s food and commercial industry. Upstate New York union members of UFCW Local One and their families could have lost the benefits they earned over a lifetime of work – through no fault of their own – putting their financial security, retirements, and families’ futures at risk. When I became majority leader, I promised I would not stop fighting until our union brothers and sisters and their families got the pension relief they needed and earned,” said Senator Schumer. “Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, I can finally say a promise made is a promise kept to the tune of over $764 million for 19,000 UFCW Local One members across Upstate New York who will see their pensions restored.” “Prior to the Butch Lewis Relief Act, workers were at risk of losing the retirement security that they earned through a lifetime of hard work, “said Frank DeRiso, President of UFCW Local One. “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Schumer and the Biden Administration, 19,000 UFCW Local One members and their families can take a deep sigh of relief knowing that their hard-earned retirement savings are now protected from significant cuts. Senator Schumer continues to deliver for New Yorkers and we thank him for that. Make no mistake, working people are the backbone of America and when promises are made to working-class Americans, they must be kept.” According to PBGC, the plan was projected to become insolvent and run out of money in 2026. Without the SFA Program, the UFCW Local One Plan would have been required to reduce participants’ benefits to the PBGC guarantee levels upon plan insolvency, which is roughly 15 percent below the benefits payable under the terms of the plan. Schumer explained that after the 2008 financial crash, many union workers in multiemployer pension plans were in danger of collapse due to out-of-control speculation on Wall Street. Multiemployer plans are created through agreements between employers and a union, with plans typically involving multiple employers in a single industry or related industries. Countless families and workers faced the prospect of losing out on retirement savings – through no fault of their own. Senator Schumer fought to include the Butch Lewis Act in the American Rescue Plan – securing pension solvency in his very first major bill as majority leader. Before the American Rescue Plan over 200 multiemployer plans were on pace to become insolvent in the near term, risking benefits for millions of workers and their families. The law created the Special Financial Assistance program administered by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to protect benefits for millions of workers, reverse harsh pension cuts, and put existing plans on a path to solvency through 2051. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-after-years-of-upstate-ny-hospitals-being-shortchanged-announces-he-has-secured-massive-nearly-1-billion-increase-in-payments-from-feds-for-hospitals_every-single-year--under-new-finalized-rule-to-medicare-wage-payments-schumer-breaks-down-region-by-region-major-fed--for-impacted-hospitals-across-upstate-ny,"SCHUMER, AFTER YEARS OF UPSTATE NY HOSPITALS BEING SHORTCHANGED, ANNOUNCES HE HAS SECURED MASSIVE NEARLY $1 BILLION INCREASE IN PAYMENTS FROM FEDS FOR HOSPITALS – EVERY SINGLE YEAR – UNDER NEW...",2023-08-02,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Has Fought For Years To Fix The Medicare Wage Index, Which For Decades Has Denied Hundreds Of Millions In Medicare Payments For Upstate NY Hospitals That They Rightly Deserved, Contributing To Financial Woes And Worsening Doctor And Nurse Shortages Across The State After Launching An All Out Push Earlier This Year, Schumer Says Finalized CMS Rule Will Have Game Changing $967+ Million Estimated Impact On Upstate NY Every Single Year– Touching Rural And Urban Hospitals In Every Region Helping To Improve Healthcare For All Schumer: Upstate NY Hospitals Receiving The Fair & Full Reimbursements They Have Been Denied For Far Too Long Means Better Healthcare For Communities And Families Across New York Following years of relentless advocacy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially finalized a rule that will have an estimated nearly $1 billion impact for increased payments to Upstate New York hospitals every single year from the federal government. “This is one of the biggest shots in the arm for federal funding Upstate NY hospitals have seen in decades. This will be a monumental boost to healthcare for our families and to help our healthcare providers fix budget shortfalls, address doctor and nurse shortages and so much more. For years, our hardworking healthcare providers have faced unfairly low Medicare payments, receiving cents on the dollar for the care they provide, but now after over a decade of fighting I am proud to announce I have secured the rules change which will bring nearly $1 billion every single year to hospitals across Upstate NY,” said Senator Schumer. “Years from now, we will look back at today as a pivotal moment for our Upstate New York hospitals. From Albany to Buffalo, and Binghamton to Watertown, hospitals big and small, in rural and urban areas, will finally get the support and full reimbursements they have long deserved and have been denied for too long.” “CMS’ adjustment to the calculation of the wage index rural floor will have a tremendous positive impact on many of upstate New York hospitals and health systems,” said HANYS President Bea Grause, RN, JD. “We are tremendously grateful to Sen. Schumer and Rep. Tonko for their steadfast dedication to New York’s hospitals and for ensuring CMS finalized this important provision. The resulting increased Medicare reimbursement to our providers will immediately help to sustain and bolster vulnerable New Yorker’s access to healthcare services.” Schumer explained that the Medicare Wage Index rate is used to determine how much money the U.S. government pays hospitals for labor costs when they treat Medicare patients. Each metro area is assigned a rate that dictates whether they receive more or less than the national average for health care labor costs, however, historically hospitals in Upstate NY had received less than the true cost of providing healthcare for the areas they served. For example, since the 1980s, hospitals in the Albany area have received only 86 percent of what the average hospital receives to account for wages, which is not reflective of the true wages and labor market in Albany. The new FY24 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) rule will now increase the Capital Region’s adjustment to 122 percent of what the average hospital receives in wage adjustments, finally acknowledging that the region needs much higher than averages wages to compete and bring in the best providers, thereby bringing hundreds of millions in federal funding to Capital Region hospitals each year helping to improve healthcare for the communities they serve. You can find an estimated region by region breakdown below: Overall, Schumer explained that the new finalized rule change which was announced today will amend the Medicare formula to include an estimated $967+ million in increased federal funding for hospital systems across Upstate New York. This past May, Schumer launched an all-out push to ensure that the proposal would be finalized by CMS, working with fellow representatives, New York hospitals and other stakeholders to support the proposal. Later that month, the senator rallied with major healthcare and hospital leaders from across the Capital Region and personally wrote to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks- LaSure to finalize the proposed rules change. Hospitals in every region of Upstate New York are expected to benefit from this rules change. A full breakdown on the impact for all regions across Upstate New York annually can be found below: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-major-push-to-upend-flow-of-fentanyl-in-western-new-york-and-finger-lakes-rochester-area_revealing-new-federal-efforts-to-sanction-china-for-its-role-in-spreading-fentanyl--deliver-resources-to-combat-overdose-epidemic-which-has-hammered-orleans-county-and-western-ny,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES MAJOR PUSH TO UPEND FLOW OF FENTANYL IN WESTERN NEW YORK & FINGER LAKES-ROCHESTER AREA – REVEALING NEW FEDERAL EFFORTS TO SANCTION CHINA FOR ITS ROLE IN SPREADING FENTANYL & DELIVER...,2023-08-01,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After Several Recent Drug Busts In Orleans, Where Law Enforcement Seized $9 Million Worth Of Illegal Drugs, And 114 Fentanyl Pills Disguised As Other Drugs, Schumer Reveals Bipartisan Push To Use National Defense Bill To Address Fentanyl & Opioid Crisis By Attacking Its Source Overseas, Far Before The Deadly Drug Reaches Western NY Schumer Also Provides Update On New Federal Efforts To Combat Dangerous, Skin-Rotting Drug Xylazine, Also Known As ‘Tranq,’ That Is Spreading In Upstate NY & Across The Nation-And New Federal Action Being Taken After He Started Sounding The Alarm On The Rise Of This Drug In Upstate NY Schumer: It Is Time Beat Back Deadly Fentanyl In Western NY By Attacking The Overseas Source Of This Drug Following several recent major fentanyl busts in Orleans County, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today launch a major new push to upend the flow of fentanyl in Orleans, Western NY, and the Finger Lakes-Rochester area. Schumer detailed the new bipartisan legislation, the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, he included in the Senate-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would not only allow President Biden to place sanctions on China for its role in contributing to our nation’s fentanyl epidemic and declare international fentanyl trafficking a national emergency. Schumer is now demanding that the House pass the measure to combat the flow of fentanyl from China and Mexico before it reaches places like Orleans County and Upstate NY. “From Buffalo to Rochester to right here in Orleans County, fentanyl continues to take the lives of far too many New Yorkers each and every day. We must make getting this deadly drug off of our streets and out of the U.S. a top priority, and the just passed Senate defense bill provides a rare window of opportunity to do just that,” said Senator Schumer. “That’s why I’m now calling on the U.S. House of Representatives to quickly pass this measure and help upend the flow of fentanyl overseas, far before it reaches places like Orleans County and Western NY. By including the FEND Off Fentanyl Act in the NDAA and ensuring that we can place tough sanctions on China for turning a blind eye to this issue and giving these deadly exports the green light, I am working to keep our communities safe in Upstate NY and across the nation. Too many lives have been lost, and too many others are at stake, especially here in New York.” “The opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis is a significant public health and public safety issue,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Over the past five years, there have been 53 fatal overdoses in Genesee County and 23 fatal overdoses in Orleans County, with additional deaths still pending official causes of death. In 2022, 83% of all fatal opioid overdoses in both counties involved fentanyl, which demonstrates how serious this problem is in our communities. This trend is something that is also seen across New York State and throughout the nation. I applaud Senator Schumer for his support of this amendment that will include stopping the spread of illegal fentanyl at its source.” Joseph V. Cardone, Orleans County District Attorney said, “In my 31 years as District Attorney this fentanyl crisis is by far the most devastating issue law enforcement has had to combat. While not one gram of this poison is produced in this Country it is daily killing our youth in every community in America. Clearly stopping fentanyl from entering our country needs to be a priority.” Schumer said the Senate passage of the NDAA bill just days ago included a bipartisan plan to officially declare international fentanyl trafficking a national emergency and give the president special powers to impose tough sanctions on China, Mexico, or any other relevant fentanyl supply chain hub. The House passed its own version of the National Defense Authorization Act earlier in July, but now that Schumer has passed NDAA in the Senate, lawmakers will need to reconcile the Senate bill and the House bill by negotiating a compromise version that can pass both chambers. Fentanyl is trafficked into the United States primarily from China and Mexico, and is responsible for the ongoing fentanyl epidemic in Upstate NY and across the country. China is the world’s largest producer of illicit fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and their immediate precursors. From China, those substances are shipped primarily through express consignment carriers or international mail directly to the United States, or, alternatively, shipped directly to transnational criminal organizations in Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. Some officials estimate that China is responsible for over 90 percent of the illicit fentanyl found in the U.S. Schumer explained to disrupt the flow of illicit opioids into the United States, he pushed to include the FEND Off Fentanyl Act in to the just passed Senate defense bill. The bill does the following: Declares that the international trafficking of fentanyl is a national emergency. Requires the President to sanction transnational criminal organizations and drug cartels’ key members engaged in international fentanyl trafficking. Enables the President to use proceeds of forfeited, sanctioned property of fentanyl traffickers to further law enforcement efforts. Enhances the ability to enforce sanctions violations thereby making it more likely that people who defy U.S. law will be caught and prosecuted. Requires the administration to report to Congress on actions the U.S. government is taking to reduce the international trafficking of fentanyl and related opioids. Allows the Treasury Department to utilize special measures to combat fentanyl-related money laundering. Requires the Treasury Department to prioritize fentanyl-related suspicious transactions and include descriptions of drug cartels’ financing actions in Suspicious Activity Reports. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin. It is short acting and cannot be seen, tasted or smelled when mixed into other drugs. While pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed for severe pain and end of life care, non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is produced illicitly and is now common in the illicit drug supply. The presence of non-pharmaceutical fentanyl in Orleans County, Western NY, and the Finger Lakes has dramatically increased the number of overdose deaths, and fentanyl is now the “leading cause of death for Americans 18 to 45 years old.” Since 2020, Orleans County has seen 14 deaths from opioid overdoses, 76 outpatient emergency department visits, and 558 admissions to OASAS-certified substance abuse disorder treatment programs. Several recent examples have underscored the prevalence and danger of fentanyl in Orleans County. Earlier this year, 48 members of a local drug ring were charged for selling fentanyl and other opioids across the Finger Lakes region and Orleans. Law enforcement seized more than 10 kilograms of fentanyl and 10 kilograms of cocaine, $9 million worth of illegal drugs. Similarly, a raid earlier in the year seized 114 fentanyl pills disguised as other drugs, and just last month, U.S. Attorney Trini Ross announced the guilty plea of a dealer who intended to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl into both Medina and Rochester. Back in 2018, the rate of overdose deaths jumped to 27.1 per 100,000 – much higher than state and national averages. That number prompted health department officials and others to allocate more resources to the problem. Looking at the broader region, in 2022 alone, the Finger Lakes saw 295 deaths from opioid overdoses, 843 outpatient emergency department visits, and 5,744 admissions to OASAS-certified substance abuse disorder treatment programs. Similarly, the Buffalo/Western New York saw 410 deaths from opioid overdoses, 856 outpatient emergency department visits, and 5,036 admissions to OASAS-certified substance abuse disorder treatment programs. In 2021, nearly 107,000 Americans died from an overdose, and 65% of overdose deaths were caused by fentanyl. Last year alone, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized over 379 million deadly doses of fentanyl - enough to supply a lethal dose to every American. Additionally, Xylazine has been a contributing factor in fatal overdoses across Monroe County for years, with over 180 deaths tied to the lethal drug since 2019. Xylazine opioids caused 59 fatal overdoses in Monroe County and 3 in Wayne County in 2022 and was suspected in 10 fatal OD cases earlier this year in Wayne County. Erie County had 17 confirmed Xylazine deaths since 2022. Xylazine has also been found in drugs seized in cases in Orleans and Genesee County beginning in 2019. Xylazine was involved in four opioid-related deaths In Orleans County and Xylazine was involved in 6 opioid-related deaths in Genesee County. Schumer has also been sounding the alarm on the spread of Xylazine, a dangerous, skin-rotting drug that has been making its way to Upstate NY streets, already taking the lives of hundreds of New Yorkers. After a horrific wave of overdoes and deaths in Upstate NY tied to Xylazine earlier this year, Schumer stood with local law enforcement and health officials in communities across the Finger Lakes and Upstate NY to call for further federal action. In April, the Biden Administration heeded Schumer’s calls and declared xylazine an emerging threat to the United States, a major step in eradicating the illicit supply of the deadly drug once and for all. This past June, the Senate took another major step in the fight against xylazine by passing the ‘TRANQ Act,’ which directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support research and other activities related to identifying xylazine, develop new tests for detection, and establish partnerships with organizations on the front lines of this battle. Most recently, the Biden Administration took even further action implementing many of the actions Schumer highlighted releasing a new Xylazine Response Plan, to coordinates an inter-agency governmental response to help build the treatment, data, and research capabilities that are needed to help those impacted by xylazine. “I’m glad the Biden administration has laid out a plan to fight the insidious spread of this narcan-resistant, skin-rotting, zombie drug. This is a major step in the fight to eradicate this awful scourge in Orleans and across Western NY once and for all,” Schumer added. “This plan will save lives. I know it won’t be easy to get xylazine off our NY streets for good, and ultimately, we will need more funding for prevention, recovery, and treatment programs for those struggling with addiction. That’s why I am committed, now more than ever, to continuing to push for Congress to provide the necessary funding to increase resources that fight this epidemic on the front lines and rid communities in Upstate NY and across the nation of this terrifying drug.” The new action taken outlined in the Xylazine Response plan includes increased resources for: Testing Improve the xylazine testing being conducted in community and law enforcement settings, which is currently uneven across the United States, impeding the development of a full national threat picture. Improved clinical testing to detect xylazine in drug products and postmortem toxicology settings will provide important information about this emerging threat. Epidemiology and Comprehensive Data Systems Gather additional information to inform, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive and coordinated public health and public safety response, including xylazine sourcing and determining to what degree persons are encountering xylazine alone or xylazine-adulterated products. Evidence-Based Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Treatment Implementation and Capacity Building Address the concerning health challenges associated with xylazine by developing and disseminating best practices based on emerging clinical efforts with patients exposed to xylazine, evaluating potential xylazine overdose reversal strategies, and prioritizing efforts to educate and equip healthcare providers and first responders on best practices to treat flesh wounds associated with xylazine. Source and Supply Information and Intelligence; and Supply Reduction Actions Help inform public health and public safety officials about the sources of xylazine in the illicit drug supply chain and markets in the United States by determining whether it is diverted from legitimate supplies and/or synthesized for illicit use, enhancing ability and jurisdiction to regulate the supply chain, and identifying and develop additional targeted and coordinated law enforcement actions and efforts to reduce the illicit supply of xylazine. Regulatory Control and Monitoring Options Assess regulatory options to disrupt the production, distribution, illegal sale and trafficking, and exposure to illicit xylazine, as the particular chemical nature of this non-opioid tranquilizer may pose challenges for traditional methods of testing drugs in scheduling decisions. Basic and Applied Research Conduct research to evaluate as quickly as possible potential xylazine antidotes in humans, drug-drug interactions, population-level health, social, equity, and economic drivers and consequences of exposure to fentanyl adulterated with xylazine, and identify the most promising clinical stabilization, detoxification, and treatment protocols. Schumer has a long history of fighting for additional resources to support law enforcement and boost addiction recovery services. Most recently, he secured $445 million for Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) grants, an increase of $30 million from FY22. He secured $16 million for the COPS anti-methamphetamine program and $35 million for the COPS anti-heroin task force that help ensure the safety of local communities. He also secured $302 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program in this year’s budget. In addition, Schumer led the fight to secure $44.9 billion to address opioid abuse in the most recent Omnibus, an increase of over $345 million over the previous year. That includes nearly $1.6 billion in State Opioid Response grants, $100 million more for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment program, $111 million for medication assisted treatment programs, $145 million for programs targeted towards rural communities and more. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-at-schuyler-county-business-park-reveals-new-onshore-act_bipartisan-bill-to-create-critical-new-federal-investment-to-breathe-new-life-into-upstate-nys-industrial-sites-strengthen-infrastructure-and-train-workforce-to-bring-critical-supply-chains-and-good-paying-jobs-back-from-overseas-to-places-like-the-southern-tier,"SCHUMER, AT SCHUYLER COUNTY BUSINESS PARK, REVEALS NEW ONSHORE ACT – BIPARTISAN BILL TO CREATE CRITICAL NEW FEDERAL INVESTMENT TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO UPSTATE NY’S INDUSTRIAL SITES, STRENGTHEN...",2023-08-01,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"With Upstate NY Seeing Historic New Investment From Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation Reduction Act – Senator Says Now Is The Time For The Feds To Double Down To Bring Jobs Back From Overseas, With The Southern Tier Primed To Lead The Way Bipartisan ONSHORE Act Will Give Municipalities Fed Assistance Needed For Workforce Development, Infrastructure, And Site Readiness For Complexes Like The Schuyler County Business Park, Wayland Business Park, And Former Chemung Foundry Site in Elmira To Land New Tenants Including Critical Supply Chain Companies Schumer: It Is Time To Bring Good-Paying Manufacturing Jobs Back From Overseas To The Southern Tier! Standing at the Schuyler County Business Park, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed new federal legislation, the bipartisan ONSHORE Act, that would create a new federal investment program to breathe new life into industrial sites across Upstate New York and bring good-paying manufacturing jobs back from overseas to places like the Southern Tier. Schumer said that this new bipartisan bill will provide much-needed federal support to help bolster site-readiness and workforce development efforts that America needs to onshore critical industries, including semiconductor and clean energy technology supply chains, being spurred from the CHIPS & Science Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act. Schumer explained that sites like the Schuyler County Business Park are primed to take advantage of this new program proposed in the ONSHORE ACT, and said that with this boost in federal investment, Schuyler County and the Southern Tier can lead the resurgence of American manufacturing in high-tech sectors. “The bipartisan ONSHORE Act is a vital piece of legislation that, when combined with the historic investment for domestic manufacturing I passed into law in the CHIPS & Science Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act, will help bring manufacturing back from overseas to Upstate New York, and in the process create thousands of good-paying jobs for New Yorkers. By developing shovel ready sites for new factories at places like Schuyler County Business Park in the Southern Tier, we are tapping New York’s manufacturing legacy from the last century to ensure New York powers the revival of American manufacturing and critical industries like chips and clean energy are Made in America, including right here in Upstate New York,” said Senator Schumer. “The ONSHORE Act will build on the historic new investments and manufacturing boom that Upstate NY is already seeing from the bills I pushed through into law last Congress, and I will fight tooth and nail to lead the ONSHORE Act to passage in my role as Majority Leader to continue to deliver federal investment in manufacturing across Upstate NY.” “From semiconductors to batteries, new manufacturing investments are being made in communities across Upstate New York because of the leadership of Senator Schumer. Now, the bipartisan ONSHORE Act presents an opportunity to bring supply chain companies to places like the Schuyler County Business Park. By providing much-needed federal support for site-readiness and workforce development efforts, the ONSHORE Act will help rural communities be more competitive, encourage manufacturers to establish new facilities locally, and create high-quality jobs needed to build a thriving and sustainable economy,” said Judy McKinney Cherry, Executive Director of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development. “As Steuben County responds to current, and prepares for future, business development opportunities, site readiness and workforce development are key areas in which additional federal support is urgently needed. We thank Senator Schumer for championing efforts to bring companies in highly competitive industries to communities across the Southern Tier and Upstate New York. We look forward to the opportunity to utilize resources provided by the ONSHORE Act to develop a clean energy technology industrial park that will help attract new manufacturing investment and create good-paying jobs in Steuben County,” said Jamie Johnson, Executive Director of the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency. “The ONSHORE Act championed by Senator Schumer will help the Southern Finger Lakes Region by proactively providing federal support for much-needed site-readiness and workforce development. Ultimately, this initiative will assist in our ability to recruit new business into the region, specifically supply chain industries for clean energy and other manufacturing. Locating competitive businesses at the forefront of clean tech will further reinforce our identity as a manufacturing hub and provide quality jobs and resources to the region,” said Kamala Keeley, President of Three Rivers Development Corporation. Schumer explained that strengthening domestic manufacturing is critical for economic and national security. Following the passage of Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act, as well as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, companies from across industries have shown a renewed interest in bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. and rebuilding their supply chains in America, presenting a significant opportunity to revive manufacturing in Upstate New York. However, one of the primary factors that affects where a new manufacturing facility is built is site-readiness, or whether a site has the basic infrastructure and workforce to enable a company to quickly construct a facility and hire enough qualified workers to begin operations. Schumer explained that investment in the readiness of industrial locations across New York will further position the state to bring manufacturing jobs back to America and build resilient and robust supply chains right here at home. Schumer said the bipartisan Opportunities for Non-developed Sites to Have Opportunities to be Rehabilitated for Economic Development (ONSHORE) Act would provide much-needed federal support to prepare sites for new manufacturing investment. Specifically, the new federal legislation would provide $100 million per year for 5 years in dedicated funding for a Critical Supply Chain Site Development Grant Program within the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Through this program, EDA would provide assistance for site and utility readiness, workforce development, distribution, and logistics, to prepare strategic mega sites and regionally impactful sites across places like Upstate NY for new industrial investment. The Southern Tier would be able to tap these resources to prepare strategic sites, like the Schuyler County Business Park and others, to be market-ready and able to rapidly scale new domestic manufacturing facilities, better positioning the U.S. to compete against international competitors like China and the European Union. Schumer said the Southern Tier is uniquely positioned for this kind of federal investment, given the region's legacy manufacturing sites and workforce, as well as the region’s universities, and current manufacturing base that make it a prime location to onshore critical industries. For example, the Schuyler County Business Park has nearly 50 acres of developable land across three parcels as well as an existing production facility with approximately 14,000 square feet of available, unfinished space ready for manufacturers to customize to fit their needs. In neighboring Tompkins County, Menlo Micro recently announced they would invest over $50 million to build their first domestic microelectronics fabrication (“fab”) facility, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. Schumer said there are countless other examples across Upstate New York that underscore how site development can lead to major investment, such as the successful attraction of new manufacturing investment to Western New York’s STAMP, including Edwards Vacuum’s over $300 million, 600 job investment and Plug’s green hydrogen production facility, the largest in North America. As further evidence of the importance of commercial site readiness, after years of preparation at the White Pine Commerce Park, Micron announced an historic $100 billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York, the largest planned industrial investment in U.S. history. Schumer has been the leading champion of bringing manufacturing back to America and Upstate New York in particular. In addition to the major new federal incentives to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to America, Schumer’s CHIPS and Science Act, which he created and led to passage as Majority Leader, established the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional “Innovation Engines” Competition, a new program intended to ensure the U.S. remains globally competitive in key technology areas. Schumer recently announced that Binghamton University has advanced to the next round of consideration, competing for up to $160 million in federal investment to power their nation-leading efforts in battery technology that were jumpstarted after Schumer secured $63.7 million in federal investment last year. Schumer said that the Innovation Engines program, just like the ONSHORE Act, is about bringing industry back to America, creating good-paying jobs, and preserving America’s competitive advantage in critical technologies. Binghamton University’s New Energy New York Storage Engine (NENYSE) proposal would establish a tech-based innovation hub to strengthen the battery industry across Upstate York State, including by attracting private investment and clean energy technology supply chain companies to the Southern Tier. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-reveals-with-critical-fed-program-in-limbo-dairy-cliff-could-hit-st-lawrence-county-farmers-and-consumers-halting-critical-monthly-payments-and-raising-milk-prices-senator-launches-new-push-to-ensure-ny-dairy-industry-isnt-put-out-to-pasture-and-vital-fed-dairy-program-for-north-country-is-protected,"SCHUMER REVEALS: WITH CRITICAL FED PROGRAM IN LIMBO, DAIRY CLIFF COULD HIT ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY FARMERS AND CONSUMERS, HALTING CRITICAL MONTHLY PAYMENTS AND RAISING MILK PRICES; SENATOR LAUNCHES NEW...",2023-08-01,2023,2023-08,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"“Dairy Margin Coverage Program” Schumer Helped Enact In 2018 Farm Bill Will Expire This September, Meaning Without Fed Action Monthly Payments To Dairy Farmers Could Cease, Hitting North Country And St. Lawrence County – With 230+ Dairy Farms, NY’s #3 Milk Producing County – The Hardest Schumer Says Upstate Dairy Farms and Consumers Will Be First Impacted If We “Go Over The Dairy Cliff” – Reverting Back To 1940's Era Policy, Leading To Severe Supply Chain Disruptions, Doubling The Price Of Milk, And Causing Billions In Avoidable Fed Spending Schumer: We Cannot Afford To Let Fed Support For North Country Dairies Spoil, It’s Time To Churn Up Support To Protect This Program For Upstate NY Farmers and Consumers Standing at Keystone Dairy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed that the vital Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program North Country dairy farmers rely on is in limbo as the program is set to expire, which could have farmers facing a “dairy cliff,’ – an outcome that could double wallop farmers and consumers. Schumer explained that the 2018 Farm Bill enacted the DMC, which offers monthly price support payments from the feds to dairy farmers, will end in September and if no action is taken would lead to less support for our farmers, severe supply chain disruptions and an increase in the price of milk. Schumer is now launching a new push to protect this program, as Congress begins negotiations for this year’s farm bill, to ensure Upstate New York dairy farmers have the support and safety net they need. “St. Lawrence County is the heart of Upstate New York’s dairy industry, with over 230 dairy farms, and by the end of this year many could be looking over a ‘dairy cliff’ that threatens lifeline payments, puts the industry in limbo, and increases the price of milk,” said Senator Schumer. “The Dairy Margin Coverage Program is essential to support our farmers, like Twin Mills Farms, and to keep best quality milk made from New York farms flowing to families across America. I helped enact the Dairy Margin Coverage Program in the 2018 Farm Bill and I will not stop fighting to churn up support to protect this critical program for our Upstate dairy farmers.” “Right now, margins for dairy producers are about as tough as I’ve ever seen them. Thankfully, the DMC program is built for times like these,” said Keystone Farms Co-owner Eric Fonda. “In recent years, the DMC program has provided our 7-million-pound dairy farm with much needed support in the face of milk prices falling below the cost of production, providing as much as 10% of our farm’s income some months. With the DMC set to expire this September, it is critical that we get this program reauthorized to avoid the dairy cliff scenario that Senator Schumer has warned of here today. I would like to thank Senator Schumer for coming to my family’s farm to raise awareness about this important issue and advocate for St. Lawrence county’s dairy farmers.” “Dairy farmers are critical to our rural economies and regional food security. Today they are facing extreme financial challenges, suffering through the lowest margins in over a decade, said Catherine de Ronde, Vice President of Economics & Legislative Affairs, Agri-Mark Dairy Cooperative. “The Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program is a vital safety-net that has proved invaluable in recent months. Congress must act to reauthorize the pending 2023 farm bill and ensure that the DMC program remains intact and evolves to fit the needs of today’s dairy farmers. We thank Senator Schumer for his ongoing leadership and support of New York’s dairy farm families.” “As one of the top milk producing counties in the entire country, our dairy farmers are at the very heart of St. Lawrence County. Through conversations with friends and neighbors, I recognize and appreciate the hard work and long days that St. Lawrence County dairy farmers put in season after season, year after year. Going over the dairy cliff would make their work even harder, and that is something we should all fight against,” said St. Lawrence County Administrator Ruth Doyle. “If it comes to pass, the Dairy Cliff scenario will not only hurt our dairy farmers, but it will also have a serious impact on county residents. Supply chain disruptions may make it difficult for consumers to find dairy products on store shelves and the price of milk could increase by as much as 100%, making it all the more critical for Congress to reauthorize the DMC in this years farm bill. I want to personally thank Senator Schumer for coming here today to fight for reauthorization of the Dairy Margin Coverage program. On behalf of us all in St. Lawrence County, we support you in this endeavor.” Schumer explained the ‘dairy cliff’ refers to the expiration of the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, a risk management tool that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. If Congress doesn’t pass a 2023 Farm Bill and the DMC is allowed to lapse, the dairy industry would be the first impacted, as dairy farmers would lose out on monthly payments through the DMC, whereas farmers participating in other support programs are paid just once per year around harvest time. If we were to “go over the dairy cliff” that would mean: An end to monthly price support payments to dairy farmers who participate in the Dairy Margin Coverage program Massive supply chain disruptions that could reduce access to fluid milk, increase the price of dairy products by more than double current prices, and have lasting impacts on farmers, families, and food banks Billions of dollars in avoidable federal government spending These impacts would be felt especially hard in the North Country and places like St. Lawrence County, which is New York’s #3 milk producing county and according to the most recent USDA Census of Agriculture, #52 in America. St. Lawrence County sells about $139 million worth of cow’s milk every year, representing roughly 72 percent of all profits from agricultural products sold in the county. St. Lawrence County is home to 35,000 dairy cows and markets over 73 million pounds of milk annually for use in milk products, such as milk powder, protein powder, and fluid milk. Schumer said that St. Lawrence is vital to New York’s dairy industry, and is the home to over 230 dairy farms. Keystone Dairy is a second and third-generation family owned dairy farm that that has been operating in St. Lawrence County for over seven decades. The Fonda family, owners of Keystone Dairy, milk over 300 happy and healthy St. Lawrence County dairy cows and produce more than seven million pounds of milk each year. According to co-owners Eric and Phillip Fonda, the DMC has become vital to Keystone Dairy, especially during years like 2023 when milk prices are lower and margins are significantly tighter. Keystone Dairy is a member of Agri-Mark, Inc., a family owned dairy cooperative marketing more than 376 million gallons of milk each year to be made into Cabot and McCadam branded products, including cheese, yogurt, butter, and more. The cooperative consists of 575 dairy farm families across the Northeast, of which 290 are located in New York State and 174 are located in the North Country. Agri-Mark dairy farmers are avid users of the DMC program, so much so that reauthorization of the DMC is Agri-Mark’s top priority in this year’s farm bill. Agri-Mark recently completed a $30 million expansion modernization project at its manufacturing facility Franklin County, which produces award-winning cheeses using milk from cows at St. Lawrence County farms like Keystone Dairy. Failing to reauthorize the Farm Bill and going over the dairy cliff would not only negatively impact payments to dairy farmers, but it would also cause massive market disruption for larger factories as well as smaller dairy operations like Keystone Dairy, major price increases for consumers, and avoidable increases in government spending. Schumer explained that the only way to avoid going over the dairy cliff is for Congress to come together in a bipartisan fashion, as they have always done, to reauthorize these programs in the 2023 Farm Bill. The senator explained that the Farm Bill is usually enacted every five to seven years. The current Farm Bill, which was passed in 2018, is set to expire on September 30th, 2023. The dairy industry would begin to see severe impacts at the start of the year on January 1st, 2024. If no Farm Bill is passed and the DMC is allowed to lapse, the country would be forced to revert back to 1940’s agriculture policy. Farmers would lose the support and protection offered by DMC and the law would require the federal government to stabilize prices by taking milk off the market through milk purchases. The government would be required to purchase milk at a price that is more than double the current market price, which could cost the federal government billions of dollars in otherwise avoidable spending and could result in price increases being passed onto consumers, which would have devastating impacts on consumers and nutrition programs that offer milk and dairy products to people in need. The availability of fluid milk and dairy products could also be impacted; consumers could see fewer options in stores and food manufacturers could see less dairy product availability for products like baby formula, protein powder, and other products that use dairy ingredients. The widespread supply chain and market disruption caused by the DMC’s expiration would have devastating impacts to the dairy industry, farmers, and consumers across the country. The dairy industry is one of New York's largest contributor to the agricultural economy. According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Dairy statistics, there are approximately 3,600 dairy farms in New York that produce over 15 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fourth largest dairy state. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-following-major-push-announces-the-historic-john-d-mckean-fireboat-in-rockland-county-has-been-added-to-the-national-register-of-historic-places_securing-access-to-critical-funding-to-help-preserve-the-vessel-and-anchoring-the-retired-fdny-fireboats-place-in-history-for-generations-to-come,"SCHUMER, FOLLOWING MAJOR PUSH, ANNOUNCES THE HISTORIC JOHN D. MCKEAN FIREBOAT IN ROCKLAND COUNTY HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES – SECURING ACCESS TO CRITICAL FUNDING TO...",2023-07-28,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"As FDNY Marine Co. #1, The McKean Fireboat Rushed To Emergencies Including The 9/11 Attacks, Miracle On The Hudson, & The Staten Island Ferry Terminal Fire, Schumer Says Fireboat’s History Will Now Be Preserved For Generations To Come After Rallying Support To Secure This Fireboat’s Federal Place On The National Register of Historic Places, Schumer Said That This Critical Designation Will Unlock Critical Federal Funding To Help Preserve The Vessel And It’s Impactful Story Schumer: After 58 Years Of Serving New Yorkers, This Hardy Vessel Is Charting A New Course & Setting Sail Towards Preservation! Following his relentless advocacy and personal meeting with the Fireboat McKean Preservation Project’s David Rocco, U.S Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that the National Park Service (NPS) has approved the nomination of the historic John D. McKean Fireboat, a retired New York City Fire Department (FDNY) vessel, to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Schumer explained that the McKean Fireboat served the FDNY for 58 years, responding to countless emergencies including the 9/11 attacks, the ""Miracle on the Hudson"" in 2009, and the 1991 Staten Island Ferry Terminal fire. The historic boat, which now docks in Stony Point, NY, played a critical role in protecting New York’s waterfront communities, and this federal designation will now enshrine this vessel as a piece of America’s history and unlock access to critical federal funding to preserve the fireboat and its long-lasting legacy. ""Today marks an exciting step towards anchoring the John D. McKean fireboat’s place in history – With the retired FDNY fireboat finally securing its well-deserved place on the National Register of Historic Places, this timeless symbol of the bravery and heroism of our first responders in the New York City Fire Department will be preserved for decades to come, honoring the important role the McKean played in our nation's history – including its critical emergency response to the 9/11 attacks, Miracle on the Hudson, and beyond – while celebrating the firefighters who served aboard it,” said Senator Schumer. “Earlier this year, I personally met with Fireboat McKean Preservation Project’s David Rocco and launched an all-out push to urge the National Park Service to anchor the McKean fireboat’s place in history by listing this important vessel on the National Register of Historic Places. I want to thank NPS for heeding my call and recognizing the McKean's contributions to our nation’s history and ensuring that its legacy sails on for generations to come.” Schumer explained that the goal of the McKean organization is to reach out to community schools along the Hudson River from NYC up to Albany and engage students about the possibility of a maritime career. The boat was purchased at an FDNY surplus auction in 2016 and will be restored by a group of Hudson Valley-based volunteers for museum and educational purposes. On December 8, 2022, the McKean Fireboat was unanimously approved for listing on the State Register of Historic Places (SRHP) by the New York State Review Board as “a significant historic resource under Criterion C in the area of Engineering.” The retired vessel was also signed to the State Register that day. Since then, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has prepared the McKean's nomination for submission to the NPS for listing on the NRHP. However, this process was initially delayed because the homeport location changed to Stony Point in Rockland County subsequent to the SRHP listing approval. Fortunately, this past May, the Fireboat McKean Preservation Project got word that New York State would submit new maps and the change of address, formally launching the NPS approval process. Schumer immediately called on the NPS to promptly approve the John D. McKean fireboat's nomination and add it to the NRHP. Schumer explained that with the John D. McKean Fireboat finally added to the National Register of Historic Places, the retired FDNY boat will see a myriad of benefits. This includes access to the historic rehabilitation tax credit and grants through the Historic Preservation Fund which can be used for maintenance and upkeep of the fireboat, which was originally built in 1954, to ensure its story lives on for generations to come. Schumer said the designation will also now help increase the name recognition of the boat, bringing new tourists to the site, helping add another piece of treasured history to the Hudson Valley’s tourism economy and preserving the McKean’s story for future generations of New Yorkers to learn about. A copy of Schumer’s original letter to Secretary Haaland appears below: Dear Secretary Haaland, I write to urge you to stand ready to promptly approve the John D. McKean Fireboat's nomination and add it to the National Register of Historic Places. Located in Rockland County, New York, the McKean Fireboat is a vital piece of New York City's maritime history and a symbol of the bravery and dedication of the firefighters who served aboard it. The John D. McKean Fireboat served the New York City Fire Department for 58 years, responding to countless emergencies including the events of September 11, 2001, and the ""Miracle on the Hudson"" in 2009. It was a critical component of the city's firefighting fleet, playing a vital role in protecting the city's waterfront communities and industries. Moreover, the McKean represents the pinnacle of fireboat technology and engineering of its time. Its advanced firefighting equipment, powerful engines, and spacious deck make it an important and unique piece of our nation's maritime history. On December 8, 2022 the McKean was unanimously approved for listing on the State Register of Historic Places (SRHP) by the New York State Review Board as a significant historic resource under Criterion C in the area of Engineering. The McKean Fireboat was signed to the State Register that day. Since then, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has prepared the McKean's nomination for submission to the National Park Service (NPS) for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This process was initially delayed because the homeport location changed to Stony Point, New York, subsequent to the SRHP listing approval. This change of homeport address does not impact either the current State Register listed status, or its status as eligible for listing on the NRHP. With New York State’s formal submission to the NPS expected in the coming weeks reflecting the McKean’s updated address, I urge the NPS to stand ready to promptly approve the John D. McKean fireboat's nomination and add it to the NRHP. This important designation will ensure its preservation for future generations while also recognizing and celebrating the important role the McKean played in our nation's history as we honor the firefighters who served aboard it. Thank you for your attention to this matter, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-25-million-in-national-science-foundation-funding-for-syracuse-university-to-lead-research-institutions-from-across-upstate-ny-in-connecting-underserved-populations-to-good-paying-jobs-and-strengthening-americas-stem-workforce,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $2.5 MILLION IN NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION FUNDING FOR SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY TO LEAD RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS FROM ACROSS UPSTATE NY IN CONNECTING UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS TO...",2023-07-28,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"With Upstate NY Seeing Historic New Investment And A Manufacturing Boom From Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Act – Like Micron’s Landmark $100 Billion Investment In CNY Memory Chip Fab – Senators Say Now Is Perfect Time To Invest In Upstate NY’s Universities That Are Molding Next Generation Of Tech Workforce Senators Say Major Investment Into Syracuse University, With Partnerships At Clarkson University, Cornell, Monroe Community College, Onondaga Community College, RPI, and RIT, Will Increase Support And Research Opportunities For Underrepresented Students To Give Them The Skills They Need To Get Connected To Good Paying Jobs Schumer, Gillibrand: Syracuse University And Schools Across Upstate NY Can Lead The Charge To Give Tools To Next Generation Of America’s STEM Workforce U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2.5 million in National Science Foundation (NSF) funding for the Upstate Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (“USLAMP”), led by Syracuse University, to help increase access for underserved populations and diversify the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce in New York and across America. This program will help institutionalize practices to attract and retain underrepresented populations of students with STEM majors, refine practices to increase the number of students pursuing STEM careers or graduate-level STEM degrees, and measure the impact of research experience for undergraduates. Schumer and Gillibrand said this investment will be integral to providing increased support and research opportunities to underrepresented students entering STEM careers or graduate-level programs and leading schools across Upstate New York to help underserved populations get connected to good paying jobs, spurred by the federal legislation like the CHIPS & Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law. “Syracuse is already leading our nation in bringing high-tech and semiconductor manufacturing back to our shores, and now thanks to this $2.5 million federal boost, SU will continue to lead Upstate NY community colleges and universities in connecting underrepresented students to good paying STEM careers. I am proud to deliver this nearly $2.5 million federal investment to help Syracuse University and its six partner institutions from Rochester to the North Country increase the nation's STEM workforce, and further boost Central New York’s research leadership,” said Senator Schumer. “This critical NSF investment will spur collaboration between several blossoming Upstate industries and multiple world class research institutions over the next five years, helping give the next generation the skills they need to build America’s future here in Upstate NY.” “Syracuse University is a national leader in training the nation’s STEM workforce, and with this funding, it will be able to continue providing underrepresented students with the training needed to get good-paying STEM jobs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will help the university keep up its work with other New York research institutions to bring good-paying jobs to Upstate New York. I’m proud to have worked to pass the CHIPS and Science Act to help boost STEM manufacturing and I will continue to fight to increase the nation’s STEM workforce.” Gretchen Ritter, Syracuse University Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, says: “Syracuse University is proud to have this important grant renewed for a fourth time. Its objectives mirror the University’s crucial missions to expand education in the STEM fields, broaden educational opportunities for underrepresented communities, boost levels of research and creative activity and continue productive alliances with the wider community. We are proud to have led this initiative for 16 years now and to work with alliance partners Clarkson University, Cornell University, Monroe Community College, Onondaga Community College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Rochester Institute of Technology on these important goals.” Schumer and Gillibrand explained that the USLAMP project, officially named “Louis Stokes Renewal STEM Pathways and Research Alliance: New York State's Upstate LSAMP,"" is led by Syracuse University and includes six other partner institutions in New York: Clarkson University, Cornell University, Monroe Community College (MCC), Onondaga Community College (OCC), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). The project will generate new knowledge related to the recruitment, academic success, and retention of underrepresented populations and investigate the aspirations, pathways and outcomes of alliance students preparing for entry into STEM graduate programs. Several industries will collaborate with the alliance over the next five years to provide research opportunities to students, including Micron Technology, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and National GRID, among others. This is the fourth time that Syracuse University and its partners have received an LSAMP award. The program has been highly successful in increasing the enrollment, retention, graduation, and graduate school enrollment of underrepresented STEM students, having awarded 6,853 STEM degrees to underrepresented STEM students over its sixteen year history. In 2007, USLAMP institutions enrolled 1,943 underrepresented STEM students in undergraduate programs and awarded 249 bachelor’s degrees to underrepresented students. By 2020, those numbers more than doubled to 3,891 students enrolled and 700 degrees awarded. “A critical element of Cornell Engineering’s success is our deeply rooted recognition that the innovations and workforce required to solve humanity’s grandest challenges require a range of perspectives and a collective effort that achieves results greater than the sum of our parts,” said Lynden Archer, the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering at Cornell University. “Collaborative alliances like USLAMP are essential for making meaningful progress towards these goals, and we appreciate the work of Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand to create and maintain conditions that bring all innovative minds to the table as we work together to forge a better future.” “Bringing high-tech jobs back to America and to upstate New York depends upon all of us working together to prepare STEM talent who can pursue innovation and solutions that matter. Senator Schumer and his colleagues in Washington are making that happen right now with game-changing investments in research and higher education,” said Marc P. Christensen, Ph.D., P.E., President of Clarkson University. “Programs like the Louis Stokes Alliances empower people with different perspectives and experiences to join our STEM workforce.” “Onondaga Community College is a proud partner in STEM education with Syracuse University and the other collaborating institutions. Thanks to Senator Chuck Schumer and his support, this award ensures the continued growth of experiential learning opportunities and enrichment for our diverse student population as we build the community college-to-university pipeline in disciplines that offer exceptional careers in the CNY region,” said Dr. Warren Hilton, OCC President. “Monroe Community College is proud of our 15 year partnership with other New York higher educational institutions to help develop and promote ways to increase the number of underrepresented students entering STEM careers, said MCC President DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Ph.D. “Today’s National Science Foundation Award is a recognition of our collective efforts and its continued value in the years ahead” “We are grateful to Leader Schumer for continuing to champion the need to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Keith Jenkins, RIT Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion. ""This funding will allow RIT to provide meaningful support to students from under-represented groups as they prepare for in-demand STEM careers and graduate degrees in cutting-edge fields.” A full project description can be found here. This past April, Schumer personally brought Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation, to Central New York to meet with local stakeholders and see firsthand the excitement and vast coalition coming together to build the region’s incredible workforce. Schumer explained that his CHIPS and Science Act authorizes billions in new investment for the NSF’s STEM workforce training and education programs, and that he wants those federal dollars to be used to prepare the next generation of workers for the thousands of good-paying construction, manufacturing, and innovation jobs on the horizon. Last year, Schumer secured $9.87 billion for the National Science Foundation through an end-of-the-year spending package. The omnibus included an increase of over $1 billion for the NSF, the largest dollar increase for NSF in history, providing funds to begin implementation of the NSF STEM training and education programs to fill good-paying jobs at Micron and beyond. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-25-million-hooked-to-restore-fish-habitats-across-the-great-lakes-in-upstate-ny_through-bipartisan-infrastructure-and-jobs-law--to-protect-the-enviroment-and-safeguard-aquatic-life-of-one-of-upstate-new-yorks-greatest-natural-beauties,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $2.5 MILLION HOOKED TO RESTORE FISH HABITATS ACROSS THE GREAT LAKES IN UPSTATE NY – THROUGH BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE & JOBS LAW – TO PROTECT THE ENVIROMENT AND...",2023-07-28,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Senators Secured An Unprecedented $1 Billion, The Largest Ever Single Investment For the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative; Now This Funding Will Help Restore & Protect Fish Habitat From Lake Erie To Ontario, Preserving Tourism, Recreation & Fishing Industries Funding Will Help Restore Great Lakes Aquatic Ecosystems, Cleaning Up Waters And Environment To Support Native Fish & Wildlife Schumer, Gillibrand: $2.5 Million+ Investment Is A Great Catch For Great Lakes’ Fish Habitats U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced over $2.5 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding to restore fish habitat across the Great Lakes. This investment comes from the historic funding in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Senators Schumer and Gillibrand championed and which included $1 billion – the largest ever single investment in the GLRI – to breathe new life into one of the greatest natural beauties of Upstate NY. “For years the Great Lakes and its priceless aquatic life have been reeling from the impacts of pollution, but now thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law we championed, which included a historic $1 billion to restore the Great Lakes, we are turning the tide on this trend. I’m proud to have hooked the ‘catch of the day’ with this critical $2.5+ million in funding to protect and restore vital habitat for fish and wildlife in the Great Lakes,” said Senator Schumer. “From the shores of Lake Erie in Buffalo to the scenic rivers flowing from Lake Ontario in Oswego County, this funding will help clean up our waterways, restore fish habitat, and protect our environment. Investing in the Great Lakes means investing in the future of Upstate New York, and I will continue to fight to ensure that generations to come can continue to enjoy the full natural beauty and economic energy of the Great Lakes.” “The Great Lakes provide natural beauty and serve as a cornerstone of local economies, attracting tourists from across the country for fishing and recreational activities, and it is critical that we restore and protect its habitats,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This important funding will help revitalize and bring new life to the Great Lakes and I will continue fighting for federal resources to preserve New York’s natural beauties.” Schumer and Gillibrand said that this funding will go specifically go towards three different projects across Upstate New York: Since its inception in 2010, Schumer noted, the GLRI has already managed to have a positive and significant impact on Upstate New York. The Buffalo River, which is currently listed as an area of federal concern due to excessive pollution, is on its way to being de-listed thanks to a decade long cleanup effort that was funded by the GLRI and undertaken by multiple federal, state, and local agencies. Schumer noted that this should serve as a model for what is possible, particularly with regards to the clean-up of the much larger Niagara River. The GLRI recently allocated $300,000 towards the river’s clean-up, and a cut in funding would have imperiled the progress that has been made. Instead, Schumer said, clean-up efforts like the ones being undertaken in Western New York can continue in earnest. Schumer has long been a champion for the Great Lakes, fighting off budget cuts to the GLRI in 2019 and working to secure a multimillion dollar increase in authorization levels for the program in 2018. Initiated in 2010, the GLRI has received roughly $3.48 billion since its inception, with the funds distributed across 16 different federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Over the last decade, the GLRI has controlled invasive species on at least 115,000 acres and kept more than 402,000 pounds of phosphorus out of the Lakes. GLRI has also played a critical role in fish and wildlife protection. Efforts to improve the population of Lake Sturgeon are currently underway after a $90,000 investment to study their travel patterns, and the trout population is climbing once again thanks to the investment in bloater chub revival, a critical food source for the popular sport fish. Schumer noted that the $1 billion in funding, the largest the program has ever received in a single appropriation on top of the normal annual appropriation, will help the agencies and their auxiliary partners prepare for the future. The GLRI has also benefited additional sites in New York State. In September 2017, $900,000 worth of GLRI funds were awarded to the Great Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith College to fight invasive threats, including an infestation of hydrilla in Cayuga Lake. In 2015, Clarkson University was awarded a $6.5 million five-year GLRI grant to continue its partnership with SUNY Fredonia and SUNY Oswego to conduct the Great Lakes Fish Monitoring and Surveillance Program. The funding allowed Clarkson and its partners to continue monitoring Great Lakes fish for contamination from legacy pollutants such as PCBs, banned pesticides, mercury and from emerging chemicals of concern like flame retardants and personal care products. In 2015, Schumer also helped secure $9.5 million in GLRI funding to restore Braddock Bay in the Town of Greece after decades of decline to ecological and recreational activities on the bay. The USACE used the funding to restore wetlands, habitat and to reconstruct a barrier beach that has been washed away, leaving the bay exposed to Lake Ontario’s damaging waters that destroyed habitat and the bay’s navigation channel needed for boating. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-4-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-rome-memorial-hospitals-covid-response,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $4 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT ROME MEMORIAL HOSPITAL’S COVID RESPONSE",2023-07-28,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Rome Memorial Hospital – Which Has Been Serving CNY Patients Since 1884 –Heroically Provided Medical Staff To Help With Increased Patient Loads, Severity And Length Of Stay During COVID Outbreak Senators Say New FEMA Funding – At A 100% Federal Cost Share – Will Reimburse Hospital For Costs Related to Pandemic Response Schumer, Gillibrand: Federal $$$ Will Help Rome Hospital Recover From Economic Impacts Of COVID-19 Pandemic And Keep Up Lifesaving Care U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced a total of $4,314,895 for Rome Memorial Hospital from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover costs associated with the hospital’s COVID responses. The funds reimburse the hospital for expenses related to temporary medical staffing to support a substantial increase in patient load, increased severity and length of stay, and backfill of employees moved to COVID-19 care units. This will help cover the cost of temporary staff hired at the height of the pandemic including registered nurses for medical care of COVID-19 patients in the Emergency Department, Medical/Surgical Department, and ICU. This funding is provided at a 100% federal cost share, which Schumer fought hard to include for NY since the pandemic began. “During a time of crisis, Rome Memorial Hospital heroically stepped up to fight the pandemic on the front lines and provide lifesaving care to Covid-19 patients in and around Oneida County,” said Senator Schumer. “RMH stepped up to hire the additional registered nurses needed to support the increased load of patients, ripping holes in their budget while experiencing significant revenue losses, and undoubtedly saving lives. That is why I am proud to deliver this over $4 million federal boost to help reimburse those expenses and ensure that Rome Memorial Hospital has the resources it needs to bounce back from the pandemic and continue to provide critical care to CNY residents.” “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the staff at Rome Memorial Hospital provided lifesaving care for patients in Oneida County,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will help reimburse the hospital for pandemic-related costs and allow it to continue saving lives. I will continue to fight for funding to ensure that New York’s hospitals have the resources they need to care for patients.” “I applaud today’s announcement of over $4 million in FEMA funding for Rome Health. I saw first hand the hard work of their staff, nurses, doctors and administrators in responding every day to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their heroic efforts saved many lives in this community. This funding will address the real financial costs to increased patient loads and severity of length of stay prevalent during the pandemic. I thank Senator Schumer for making this funding to Rome Health possible and his ongoing commitment to quality healthcare,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente. ""Rome Health is grateful for Senator Schumer's and Senator Gillibrand's advocacy to provide federal reimbursement for the increased staffing costs we incurred to care for our community during the pandemic,"" said Rome Health President/CEO AnneMarie Czyz. ""Because of the dedication of our colleagues, Rome Health exceeded the community's expectations to maintain access to the full breadth of healthcare services throughout the pandemic. The FEMA dollars will help offset the losses incurred as a result of the high cost of supplemental agency staff to preserve that access."" “I would like to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their efforts to secure almost $4.4M in FEMA reimbursement for Rome Memorial Hospital. In a time of extreme crisis, Rome Health never missed a beat changing their entire healthcare response to one of fighting a single virus which was ravaging our city. Our dedicated healthcare professionals provided lifesaving care at great expense to the hospital’s operating budget. Our city is very fortunate to have a highly functioning healthcare system with emergency room and intensive care services available to our residents, and this reimbursement will go a long way to stabilizing the hospital’s finances,” said Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo. Today’s funding is in addition to the $2.5 million in ‘hot spot’ funding the senators announced for Rome Memorial Hospital in 2020 to help cover the hundreds of millions of dollars per month the hospital was losing because of cancelled elective procedures, increased staffing and overtime costs, expanded bed capacity, and increased spending on supplies and equipment to meet the surge in COVID-19 patients. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-delivering-historic-federal-investment-to-jumpstart-the-center-for-discoverys-childrens-specialty-hospital-schumer-delivers-over-620000-federal-grant-to-support-construction-for-400-job-project-to-bring-first-of-its-kind-hospital-for-children-and-families-to-the-hudson-valley,"AFTER DELIVERING HISTORIC FEDERAL INVESTMENT TO JUMPSTART THE CENTER FOR DISCOVERY’S CHILDREN’S SPECIALTY HOSPITAL, SCHUMER DELIVERS OVER $620,000 FEDERAL GRANT TO SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION FOR 400+ JOB...",2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Has Relentlessly Championed The Center for Discovery’s Children’s Specialty Hospital In Sullivan County, Delivering Unprecedented $35M USDA Loan To Ensure The 400+ Job Project Could Begin Now Senator Keeps Delivering With More Fed $$$ To Deliver Sorely Needed Resources For New York’s Most Developmentally Complex Children Schumer: More Fed $$$ Will Help Turn Center For Discovery Into A Center Of Hope For NY Families and Children After securing an unprecedented $35 million federal loan to jumpstart the project, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced a major $622,954 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program to support the design and construction The Center for Discovery’s (TCFD) first-of-its-kind Children’s Specialty Hospital in Sullivan County. The funding will boost ongoing efforts to build New York’s first short-term inpatient assessment program for children with complex conditions, creating over 400 good-paying healthcare jobs and access to critical care for children and their families in the Hudson Valley and across New York State. ""The Center for Discovery is a pillar of the Sullivan County economy, and now, thanks to this major federal investment I helped secure, we are boosting it as a beacon of hope for our most vulnerable people with complex disabilities,"" said Senator Schumer. ""With the upcoming school year just around the corner, I am thrilled to announce this critical $620,000 USDA grant that will enable the Center to bring lifesaving care to our children and create new jobs that expand the world-class care provided at the Center and support the countless families who depend on its services. This first-of-its-kind hospital is not just about improving the lives of our most vulnerable individuals and their families; it is about paving the way for a healthier future for all residents in the Hudson Valley and across New York, ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible for generations to come."" “We thank Senator Schumer for his leadership on our project from the beginning and for being a true champion of the Center for Discovery and the population of people with complex disabilities,” said Patrick H. Dollard, CEO of The Center For Discovery. “ The USDA in Washington and USDA RD team in New York have been incredible partners as well and a perfect example of the positive impact government can have in working together to lift rural communities. We are enormously grateful.” Schumer has a long history of fighting to deliver the federal resources needed to make this critical project for Sullivan County a success, going back to the project's inception in 2019 when he first met The Center for Discovery's leadership in Washington D.C. on the project. In early 2020, USDA’s New York State Director of Rural Development, Richard Mayfield, visited the site at Schumer’s request to discuss the USDA Community Facilities Program. A few days after the visit, COVID-19 cases surged in Sullivan County creating unprecedented challenges for TCFD and its employees and those they serve. The pandemic’s disruptive health and economic impacts resulted in roughly $5 million in lost revenue for TCFD on top of the disabilities nonprofit experiencing millions in additional costs so it could continue safely caring for 360 medically and highly vulnerable patients. These added costs included additional PPE, compensation, benefits, emergency childcare, and more. As TCFD faced unprecedented financial burdens, Schumer helped secure a critical $35 million USDA loan to keep the Children’s Specialty Hospital project on track. The project broke ground later that year. Specifically, today’s funding will boost construction of an educational wing with classrooms, a Wellness Therapy Gym, a test Kitchen, a Rural Health Extension Health Clinic, as well as a Learning Center. The renovation impacts approximately 78,950 square feet of combined renovation on the first floor and lower level, with a 6,300 square foot addition on the first floor. Other areas will be used to create a state of the art facility for research and development as well as areas to recruit and train new staff. The Center plans to use these facilities to develop individualized treatment plans and ensure the personal needs of patients and students are met. TCFD expects students to begin arriving in the Fall of 2023 and the first hospital patients by early Winter. Once the hospital portion of the building is up and running, 18 beds will be made available for students making short term stays, 12 beds for people with autism and 6 beds for those with medical frailties. Students will be able to access these amenities with staff members, building practical skills in a safe and supportive environment. In 2022, Schumer also delivered $605,000 in federal funding to help the development of the Food Is Medicine Greenhouse for The Center's Children's Specialty Hospital. The Food Is Medicine Greenhouse will support The Center for Discovery by strengthening the standard of care for their highly complex and vulnerable population through high quality, nutrient-dense food, and improve health outcomes through better food security. Students will learn to work, grow edible plants, and enjoy the fruits of their labor through the instruction and support of the Center’s professional staff. The Center's farm which helps support the greenhouse project currently spans over 300 certified organic and biodynamic acres in rural Sullivan County. According the TCFD, the first-of-its kind Children’s Specialty Hospital will provide critical care for those with complex conditions eventually bringing 400 new healthcare jobs to Sullivan County. TCFD currently has 1,700 dedicated doctors, nurses, direct care workers, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physical therapists, adaptive recreation experts, therapists, special educators, farmers, orchardists, nutritionists, chefs, researchers, and other support staff. Schumer has long championed The Center and helped TCFD expand their work throughout the Hudson Valley and recover from the pandemic. After learning that TCFD only received $14K from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) CARES Act Provider Relief Fund, he brought the issue directly to Secretary Azar at HHS, eventually delivering over $1M to support the Center throughout the pandemic. Furthermore, the Senator helped TCFD cut through red tape with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) securing over $1.5M for PPE, quarantine housing, and for other critical supplies that were log-jammed in the system for months. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/governor-hochul-and-senate-majority-leader-chuck-schumer-announce-completion-of-renowned-clothing-manufacturer-tom-james-acquisition-of-former-hickey-freeman-facility-in-rochester,GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND SENATE MAJORITY LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER ANNOUNCE COMPLETION OF RENOWNED CLOTHING MANUFACTURER TOM JAMES ACQUISITION OF FORMER HICKEY FREEMAN FACILITY IN ROCHESTER,2023-07-26,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Governor and Senator’s Intervention Ensures Continued Operations at the Storied Factory and the Creation and Retention of 245 Majority Union Jobs $ 7 Million NYS Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the completion of renowned clothier Tom James Company’s acquisition of the 112-year-old former Hickey Freeman manufacturing facility which will proudly be recognized and branded as Rochester Tailored Clothing. Tom James will utilize the highly skilled workforce to produce tailored suits for other brands as well as its own clothing line at the North Clinton Avenue facility in the City of Rochester. As part of the acquisition, Tom James will retain 200 jobs previously at risk had the factory closed and has committed to growing employment on site to 245 net jobs over the next five years. Governor Kathy Hochul said, “This agreement with the Tom James Company marks the start of a new chapter at the historic Hickey Freeman Building and will ensure that its legacy as an economic driver endures in Rochester. For more than a century, this facility has been Rochester’s gateway to the world of fashion and an important source of stable, union jobs. Now, thanks to state investment and the support of the Majority Leader and partners at every level of government, Tom James will continue to make the quality products and employ hundreds of workers in the heart of Rochester.” U.S. Senator and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “It’s official Rochester will continue its long tradition of making high quality suits, powered by our top notch union tailor workforce! This 112-year old factory is a Rochester institution – woven into the very fabric of the community – and that is why I’ve fought time and again to keep it in business whenever it faced challenges. Last month, after I had personally called the CEO to urge him to look at Rochester, I announced Tom James Company’s plans to acquire this iconic factory, and today, I’m thrilled to announce that Tom James has officially closed on its purchase of this Rochester institution – not only providing stability for its 200 world-class union employees, but also adding additional jobs in the coming years,” said Senator Schumer. “When I visited this Rochester facility a few years ago and walked the floor alongside the factory’s hardworking employees, many of whom have worked there for decades, I committed to making sure their future was secure for years to come. Tom James Company, fueled by its own Workers United union workforce, has become an industry leader and is tailor-made to sew success now for Rochester’s future. Now that the deal is officially closed, I’m excited to see what the future holds for this beloved Rochester factory and its hundreds of skilled Rochester union workers.” Schumer and Hochul announced Tom James’s plans to acquire the Rochester factory earlier this summer. This official closing comes after a personal appeal to Tom James CEO Todd Browne from the Schumer after the factory was put up for sale earlier this year. Schumer called on the company to move forward with plans to take over the factory and provide stability and growth for this long-time Rochester facility. The Hickey Freeman Tailored Clothing factory was struggling and running out of capital to continue operations. Tom James Company was approached to consider acquiring the assets and establishing operations at the factory. Tom James then committed to acquiring the facility’s assets and to continue to operate the downtown retail factory store. To ensure the factory’s future, New York State is providing up to $ 7 million over the next five years through the regionally designed Upstate Revitalization Initiative to support the company’s success. The total project cost of the acquisition, capital investments and upgrades to the facility has been placed at $15 million. Founded in 1966, the Tom James Company is a made to measure clothing manufacturer headquartered in Tennessee with factories in 8 other states. The company employs 3,000 workers globally, with locations in the U.S, Canada, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom and in the Netherlands. The company is 100% employee-owned and is the largest custom clothing manufacturer in the world. The Rochester factory will mark the company’s 10th domestic facility. Todd Browne, CEO of Tom James said, “Tom James is very excited to welcome the legacy of fine tailoring from Rochester Tailored Clothing into the Tom James family. Tom James remains firmly committed to preserving, and enhancing, the art of garment-making in the United States. We know of no workforce more qualified to further this mission than the men and women of Rochester Tailored Clothing. Tom James expresses its gratitude to Senator Schumer, Governor Hochul, and a host of supporters in New York, for helping to level the playing field for garment manufacturers in the United States, allowing us to compete fairly on the merits of our products and our people against any product made anywhere in the world. If it were not for the combined efforts of Senator Schumer, Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, and many others, we would not be where we are today."" “The Hickey Freeman factory has been an iconic part of Rochester’s community fabric for more than a century, and I am pleased that legacy will now continue under the Tom James Company,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I am especially grateful for their commitment to retaining local jobs and investing in our skilled workforce. I look forward to working alongside Tom James as well as Governor Hochul, Senator Schumer, and all of our local partners to continue growing the future of our regional economy.” In addition to the Tom James operation, in August of 2022, Empire State Development also provided a $2.5 million Regional Council Capital Grant to Home Leasing, LLC to support the reuse of part of the site for senior housing. That project is being spearheaded by NYS Homes and Community Renewal and is called “Tailor Square”. The project will convert part of the historic four-story manufacturing building home into 134 affordable apartments, including 45 homes for seniors in need of supportive services. The energy-efficient design will incorporate geothermal and photovoltaic solar technology to manage the heating and cooling systems. Empire State Development President and CEO and Commissioner, Hope Knight, said, “I want to thank Tom James for their investment in this historic facility- one that will support the continued operations at the site where generations of skilled workers have crafted top-quality products. Known around the world for its top-notch products, the company’s commitment will also create and retain high-quality jobs and support the continued, promising future for this celebrated facility that truly functions as the heart of that important city neighborhood.” Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said, “Governor Hochul and Senator Schumer continue to work seamlessly with local leadership to ensure that we retain critical jobs for residents, and for that, I am grateful. We are all dedicated to creative solutions as industries adjust and change in an ever-evolving economic landscape. Creating opportunities for companies like Tom James and the hundreds of people they employ is integral to creating a hope-filled city that will attract further investment.” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said,“By acquiring the iconic Hickey Freeman factory and preserving its legacy, Tom James Co. is safeguarding an important piece of Rochester’s history while becoming a key part of its future. I am grateful to Tom James for their commitment to continuing operations at the North Clinton Avenue location and creating or retaining union and salaried jobs for more than 240 workers skilled in the art of garment-making. Thanks to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer for his longtime support for Hickey Freeman, and to Empire State Development and Gov. Kathy Hochul for supporting this acquisition and their continued commitment to expanding our region’s economy.” State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “I am pleased to see Rochester’s proud tradition of fine clothing manufacturing will continue under Tom James. I am grateful to see a company committed to local jobs and workers, with a worldwide reputation, choosing our community for investment. I look forward to working with them and thank Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Governor Hochul for their efforts to keep jobs in Rochester, and jump start a new chapter in our manufacturing history.” State Assemblyman Harry Bronson said, “As Chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Economic Development, I am thrilled to see the Hickey Freeman legacy reinvigorated and expanded due to the investment from Tom James Co. Their commitment ensures that new jobs are created, and existing skilled trade jobs remain in our community. Additionally the 100+ year-old historic building and storefront will be utilized for a new generation of Rochestarians.” State Assemblyman Demond Meeks, “I would like to thank Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Workers United for their efforts in ensuring the continued operations at the former Hickey Freeman Facility in Rochester. The creation and retention of these 245 majority-union jobs is crucial to the members of our community. Congratulations are in order for Todd Browne, CEO of renowned clothier Tom James Co. for acquiring the facility. I am grateful for the commitment and investment in our city's workforce. I would also like to thank Empire State Development as well as NYS Homes and Community Renewal for securing quality and affordable housing for our seniors through their collaboration on project Tailor Square."" Lynne Fox, International President of Workers United union, along with Rochester Regional Joint Board Manager, Gary Bonadonna, Jr. said, “Many thanks to Senator Schumer for staying focused on preserving the Rochester Tailored Clothing factory jobs, together with the support of Governor Hochul. We are also grateful to the Tom James company for our excellent working relationship and staying the course until completion. We look forward to the future. “ Home Leasing CEO Bret Garwood said, “Home Leasing welcomes Tom James to Rochester and is thrilled that they will join our project at Tailor Square. With their experience and investment, the former Hickey Freeman facility will continue the manufacturing operations as we compete the transformation of the facility to also include much needed affordable housing.” Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, parent company of RG&E and NYSEG said, “Preserving skilled labor jobs in our service areas is one of the top priorities of our economic development programs and an example of RG&E’s commitment to continue investing in New York. “The support we provided for the redevelopment of the former Hickey Freeman facility will reinforce many families in the Rochester area and contribute to the healthy economy of Upstate New York.” Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Bob Duffy, said, ""We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Schumer and Governor Hochul for their tireless efforts in preserving over 200 jobs at the historic Hickey-Freeman factory in Rochester. Their exceptional teamwork and leadership have paved the way for this accomplishment, securing the factory's future under the world-class ownership of Tom James and the talent of its dedicated employees. The factory's significance to the neighborhood cannot be overstated, and we recognize that this win would not have been possible without the relentless advocacy of Senator Schumer and Governor Hochul. This moment is truly cause for celebration, as it demonstrates the power of collaboration and the positive impact it can have on our community."" Greater Rochester Enterprise President and CEO Matt Hurlbutt, said, ""We are pleased that the Tom James Company senior leadership team has made the decision to expand its operations in the Greater Rochester, NY region. This expansion will not only leverage the assets and talent available in Rochester, but also continue the city's long history of crafting high-quality clothing. Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here. ​ About Empire State Development Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-reveals-verizon-breakthrough-utica-and-new-hartford-are-now-in-contact-with-company_a-plan-to-construct-a-new-cell-tower-is-in-the-works-senator-says-dead-zone-has-plagued-residents--businesses-for-years-and-he-is-watching-like-a-hawk-to-get-progress,SCHUMER REVEALS VERIZON BREAKTHROUGH: UTICA & NEW HARTFORD ARE NOW IN CONTACT WITH COMPANY & A PLAN TO CONSTRUCT A NEW CELL TOWER IS IN THE WORKS; SENATOR SAYS ‘DEAD ZONE’ HAS PLAGUED RESIDENTS &...,2023-07-26,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"One Of Utica’s Busiest Streets — Oneida Street — Has Been Plagued By A Verizon Dead Zone For A Very Long Time; Residents, Small Biz & Public Officials Have Complained BUT Nothing Was Changing; Senator Stood With Locals & Publicly Called On Verizon To Investigate & Fix The Problem – Now Construction Plans For New Tower Is In The Works In April, Schumer Stood With A Baker, Pasta Shop Owner, Grocer, Hair Dresser, Dry Cleaner, Many Neighbors, Elected Officials & Public Safety Professionals To Make Case For Verizon To Fix This Dead Zone That Impacts A City Of 60,000 People & A Major Suburb Schumer: Verizon Can Hear Us Now! After standing side-by-side with local residents, small business owners, elected officials, and public safety professionals this past April to call on Verizon to fix the cell phone dead zone plaguing South Utica and New Hartford, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed the company has heeded his calls and is officially taking steps to fix the mobile dead zone that stretches wide in the middle of Utica, impeding local residents from making calls, taking mobile payments and even risking public safety. “After meeting with South Uticans and New Hartford residents at their wit’s end with a cell phone dead zone that’s seemingly unfixable, I turned up the volume on Verizon in hopes that they would get the message and fix this longstanding issue. I am proud to say: Verizon heard me loud and clear and is already taking action to investigate the problem, meet with local officials, and develop a plan to generate a solution,” said Senator Schumer. “Plans are in place to build a new cell tower to bring high-quality mobile service to Utica and New Hartford, and I will not stop fighting until this dead zone is fixed for our local residents, Ridgewood business owners and first responders once and for all.” This past April, Schumer personally visited Oneida County, advocating for South Utica and New Hartford residents and small business owners, who were at their wit’s end after dealing with Verizon’s cellular dead zone, and called on the company to fix the issue immediately. More specifically, Schumer publicly called on Verizon to do three things: 1) investigate the problem 2) meet with local officials and 3) come up with a plan to fix the problem ASAP. Shortly after Schumer’s call to action, Verizon representatives engaged with the City of Utica, the Village of New Hartford, and Schumer’s staff to work on solving the issue. The Village of New Hartford’s Board recently approved Verizon’s application to construct a new tower which will mitigate coverage issues for South Uticans, residents of New Hartford, and drivers traveling along Oneida Street. Verizon engineers have visited the area and the project has seen more progress in the past few weeks than in the previous few years on additional ways to address the mobile dead zone. Local leaders are hopeful that with the progress finally being made on the problem following Schumer’s advocacy that they and Verizon can continue to work together to finally bring high quality cellular service that the Utica area has long deserved. “Thanks to Senator Schumer’s intervention, the Village of New Hartford and Verizon are making real progress towards a new cellular tower at the New Hartford Recreation Center. In recent months, the Village Board has fast-tracked approvals, Verizon engineers have conducted a site visit, and a Land Lease Agreement is imminent,"" said Village of New Hartford Mayor Donald J. Ryan. “While there is more to do, this new pace of progress will benefit our entire region. On behalf of the Village of New Hartford and members of our community, I would like to thank Senator Schumer for keeping his eye on the ball and the pressure on Verizon to make sure that dead zones in our community are identified and remedied."" “Senator Schumer sure does get results, and taking up the issue of our dead zone on Oneida street has been no exception. For years, pleas for help from community leaders, small business owners, and local residents mostly fell on deaf ears at Verizon,” said City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri. “Thanks to Senator Schumer, they sure can hear us now, and we have made more progress working towards a fix in the last few months than we ever have before. Ensuring wireless coverage is essential to improving quality of life for Utica residents and businesses, and I am grateful that we have a steadfast supporter like Senator Schumer leading the charge.” According to Schumer, mobile dead zones are areas where there is no cellular signal, either because the signal is being blocked, the tower is too small for the area or because the cell phone tower is too far. Causes for these dead zones may vary. For example, cell phone signals are facilitated by a radio frequency (RF) signal via a towers transmit. If the RF signal is too far or is blocked by obstacles, then a cell phone dead zone is created. The most common culprits are cell phone tower distance, to topography like hills, mountains, ridges, and foliage because they can absorb or reflect the signal waves, but there are other reasons too, like in New York City, where skyscrapers can create dead zones. A copy of Schumer’s original letter to Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg appears below: Dear Mr. Vestberg, I write today amid reports of a cell phone dead zone in a busy and bustling area of Utica and New Hartford New York that is causing major problems for residents, small businesses and public safety officials in Oneida County. In the City of Utica and Town of New Hartford, people are plagued with poor network performance, specifically a lack of service in areas covered by Verizon. The dead zone at issue extends primarily from the corner of Oneida Street and Higby Road to the corner of Oneida Street and Ballantyne Brae. The dead zone, at times, even stretches well into other parts of South Utica and New Hartford neighborhoods. Oneida Street is a high trafficked road by locals who routinely complain about dropping, or being entirely unable to place calls while driving through the dead zone. To make matters worse, located along the effected stretch of Oneida Street, there is residential housing, a community center, and several small businesses – a Grocery Store, a pasta shop, a bakery, an auto mechanic, a dry cleaner, and a preschool. The dead zone is of particular concern to the effected small business owners, whose livelihood is directly impacted by Verizon’s inability to provide service. Over many months, each of these folks has tried to seek Verizon’s help, but it hasn’t been easy. Today, wireless connectivity is a necessity for residents and owning and operating a successful business depends on adequate and reliable mobile service. Quality wireless service has become an essential part of modern U.S. infrastructure, just like water, housing and clean air. Customers rely on the coverage maps advertised by the carriers to make their purchasing decisions. That is why it is critical that the maps provided in stores and on the carriers’ websites are accurate. Unfortunately, on the Verizon Wireless website, the stretch of Oneida Street effected by this dead zone is listed as having both 4G and 5G wireless connectivity. However, this wide dead zone across portions of Utica and New Hartford proves otherwise. In conversations with those effected by the Oneida Street dead zone, I learned that residents and small business owners have been complaining to Verizon for a very long time. These folks have practically begged Verizon to come and provide them with the service the pay for, and some of them have complained time and time again to no avail. For some reason, their complaints continue to fall on deaf ears. While I understand from the City of Utica and Town of New Hartford, that discussions with Verizon have been ongoing for years, no permanent solution to this issue is yet underway. Both the City of Utica and Town of New Hartford are ready and willing to work with Verizon to provide service to those effected by the Oneida Street dead zone. It is my hope that this letter will spur you to finally getting this issue resolved. Again, I urge Verizon act now to meet with locals, investigate and fix the dead zone plaguing members of the Utica and New Hartford communities. I have every confidence that Verizon will take action to quickly and effectively provide service to those effected by this stressful and potentially dangerous dead zone. I thank you for your time, and I look forward to seeing this issue get the fix it deserves. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-major-disaster-declaration-secured-unlocking-critical-federal-funds-to-help-impacted-hudson-valley-and-upstate-ny-communities-recover-from-historic-flooding,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION SECURED, UNLOCKING CRITICAL FEDERAL FUNDS TO HELP IMPACTED HUDSON VALLEY AND UPSTATE NY COMMUNITIES RECOVER FROM HISTORIC FLOODING",2023-07-22,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"On July 9th and 10th, A ‘Once In A Thousand Year’ Flooding Event Ravaged The Hudson Valley and Several Other Communities Across Upstate NY, Devastating Homes, Bridges, Roads, And Tragically Resulting In The Loss Of Life Schumer Fought Non-Stop To Elevate New York’s Requests For Help To Highest Levels of Government, Personally Writing To Both The FEMA Administrator And President BidenTo Ensure Impacted Got The Help They Needed Schumer: Federal Dollars Will Provide Support Needed To Get Hudson Valley And Upstate Communities On Long Road To Recovery New York, N.Y. – Following his repeated calls and visit to Orange County earlier this week, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that President Biden has approved New York’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for communities impacted by the severe flash flooding that rampaged through the Hudson Valley and areas across Upstate New York, officially providing the state and local municipalities with federal support needed to boost recovery efforts. While FEMA and New York continue to work through the Preliminary Damage Assessment process, the damage in some counties was so significant, the President was able to issue an initial Major Disaster Declaration while that process continues. This initial declaration will make critical federal funding available to support recovery and reconstruction efforts for the significant public infrastructure damage in Clinton, Dutchess, Essex, Hamilton, Ontario, Orange, Putnam, and Rockland Counties. “The historic rainfall that battered communities in the Hudson Valley, and across Upstate New York from the Finger Lakes to the North Country earlier this month resulted in a once in a generation flooding event causing millions in widespread damage, and millions of dollars in expected repairs. I fought non-stop to elevate the voices of our impacted communities to the highest levels of government, personally writing to both the FEMA Administrator and President Biden, because I knew our state needed this funding, and this is a critical step on the long road to recovery from this devastating storm,” said Senator Schumer. “I sincerely thank President Biden for heeding my calls to ensure communities across New York impacted by this historic flooding have the support they need to rebuild stronger than ever, and I will continue to fight to deliver all of the federal support needed to the Hudson Valley and Upstate New York.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-hochul-gillibrand-officially-break-ground-on-transformational-i-81-viaduct-project-in-syracuse,"SCHUMER, HOCHUL, GILLIBRAND OFFICIALLY BREAK GROUND ON TRANSFORMATIONAL I-81 VIADUCT PROJECT IN SYRACUSE",2023-07-21,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After More Than A Decade of Planning, Syracuse Is Breaking Ground For Game Changing $2.25 Billion Project to Build Community Streets, Bringing Thousands Of Good Paying Construction Jobs To Reconnect Neighborhoods And Improve Mobility Across The City Schumer Led Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law To Passage With Syracuse’s I-81 Transformation At Top Of Mind, And Now With Shovels In The Ground Fed $$$ Can Start To Flow To Help Realize Long Held Community Vision For A More Interconnected, Energized and Equitable Syracuse Schumer: Syracuse, Put On Your Hard Hats And Get Your Shovels Out, The Transformation Of I-81 Begins Today! Following years of advocacy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer joined Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, and NYCLU Director of Racial Justic Lanessa Owens-Chaplin today to officially break ground on the transformational Interstate 81 Viaduct Project in Syracuse, formally launching one of the largest and most ambitious construction projects ever undertaken in Upstate New York. “Syracuse, put on your hard hats and get your shovels out, the transformation of I-81 begins today! Our infrastructure should connect, not divide our communities and the transformation of I-81 will lay the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future for all of Syracuse,” said Senator Schumer. “When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act to passage, I did so with projects like Syracuse’s I-81 transformation as my north star. Now, with shovels officially in the ground the federal funding can start flowing, creating thousands of good paying union construction jobs, hired from here in the community, to reconnect Syracuse and bring more opportunity to residents across the city. I thank Governor Hochul and Mayor Walsh for their partnership and leadership on this vital effort.” “With this groundbreaking, we are righting the wrongs of the past, creating jobs, and bringing a new era of opportunity and inclusion to Syracuse and all of Central New York,” Governor Hochul said. “The Interstate 81 Viaduct Project is a historic undertaking that will serve as a national example of how thoughtful infrastructure can bring people together, promote growth and increase prosperity for all communities. The time has come to begin weaving back together the neighborhoods that were torn apart decades ago – healing the wounds that have festered for far too long and creating more livable, affordable and sustainable communities.” Senator Gillibrand said, ""After years of relentless advocacy, I'm so excited to finally see the groundbreaking of the I-81 project. This will be transformative for the City of Syracuse and the region as a whole. I am proud to have fought to secure longtime priorities of mine in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide the resources needed to help revitalize and reconnect Syracuse, and I will keep working to see this project through.” ”For far too long, transportation infrastructure in this country has cut communities off from opportunity, health care, essential services, and family. That’s unacceptable, and that’s why President Biden has been laser-focused on ensuring the I-81 project has the funding it needs to finally reconnect Syracuse.” said Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. “It’s been great to stand with Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Governor Hochul, and Senator Gillibrand to celebrate this historic groundbreaking – a perfect example of how when we work together, we can do big things. This project is going to increase access to good paying union jobs, boost the local economy, and dramatically increase safety for all residents. It is Bidenomics in action.” The $2.25 billion project, led by NY State Department of Transportation under Governor Hochul’s leadership, will create a Community Grid to reconnect downtown neighborhoods divided by the 1950’s viaduct that was built through the heart of Syracuse, disproportionately impacting residents of color for decades. The project will be one of the largest in New York State’s history, and will also create a new Business Loop 81 to increase connections to downtown, improve traffic flow, enhance mobility, safety, and equity, and boost economic opportunity for all across Central New York. Schumer, Gillibrand and Hochul have been passionate advocates for the redevelopment of Syracuse’s I-81. As majority leader, Schumer led the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act to passage with projects like Syracuse’s at the top of mind. Two years ago, the senators brought Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to Syracuse to visit I-81 and to push for the use of a local hire program to connect disadvantaged workers to construction jobs created by the I-81 project. A local hire program was eventually included in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs law after Schumer and Gillibrand’s leadership to add to the bill. New York State will be one of the first in the nation to utilize the local hire program, providing training and new, high-quality job opportunities to disadvantaged workers, including some who may reside in the neighborhoods impacted by past infrastructure investments. The Reconnecting Communities Program was created by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to help communities, like Syracuse, remove barriers like old highways and other transportation infrastructure that has limited the connectivity of the community. Syracuse became one of the first communities to receive funding in the historic first year of the $1 billion dollar program in February of this year, when Senators Schumer and Gillibrand announced a $500,000 planning grant to assist the ongoing transformation to reconnect communities in Syracuse. Schumer and Gillibrand also played key roles in funding Syracuse Build, the City of Syracuse’s inclusive workforce pipeline, which leverages a suite of training programs and pathways specifically designed to place Syracuse residents, particularly people of color and women, at in-demand construction jobs and apprenticeships. In the Fiscal Year 2022 bipartisan spending package, the Senators were able to secure $300,000 in federal funding for the Syracuse Build program to train Syracuse youth for I-81 construction jobs and apprenticeships. Schumer explained that, with construction now underway, this I-81 construction job training is key to helping young people enter the labor market and start good-paying careers in construction. According to the City of Syracuse, to date, over 100 people of color trained through Syracuse Build have been hired for jobs or apprenticeships working directly on I-81. Under Governor Hochul, New York has become a national leader in reconnecting communities through infrastructure with more than $3 billion allocated in the Department of Transportation’s capital plan to transform such areas in East Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany and the South Bronx. The transformation of I-81 in Syracuse can also benefit from several additional programs included in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs law. This includes $11.5 billion for New York State in new federal aid highway funding. At Schumer’s urging, the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program – a program similar to Reconnecting Communities was included in the Inflation Reduction Act and funded at $3.2 billion. According to Schumer, the state and city will be able to apply for Neighborhood Access and Equity funding in the future. President Biden has been the leading advocate for investing in infrastructure to reconnect communities starting in his American Jobs Plan, which directly cited Syracuse’s I-81 as an example of building a more equitable future for transportation infrastructure. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-reveals-congress-and-the-us-army-to-invest-over-17-billion-in-watervliet-arsenal-over-next-20-years_the-largest-investment-in-the-history-of-the-facility--to-modernize-facility-upgrade-equipment-and-bolster-workforce-to-secure-watervliet-as-heart-of-army-cannon-manufacturing-for-generations-to-come,"SCHUMER REVEALS: CONGRESS AND THE U.S. ARMY TO INVEST OVER $1.7 BILLION IN WATERVLIET ARSENAL OVER NEXT 20 YEARS – THE LARGEST INVESTMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE FACILITY – TO MODERNIZE FACILITY,...",2023-07-21,2023,2023-07,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After Years Of Advocacy For Historic Watervliet Arsenal, Schumer Will Reveal Largest Investment By Army In Arsenal’s History In Over 200 Years Of Operation, With More On The Way To Breathe New Life Into Watervliet For Centuries, Watervliet Has Played A Vital Role In America’s Defense, But That Has Not Always Translated Into Funding, With Cutbacks Often Putting Future Of Facility In Doubt; Now Schumer Says Congress And The Army Are Investing BIG To Breathe New Life Into Watervliet To Secure Its Long Term Future As An Essential Part Of The Army’s Mission Schumer: BOOM! Watervliet Arsenal Will Be The Heart Of The Army’s Cannon Production For Generations To Come Building on years of advocacy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the Watervliet Arsenal will receive the largest investment in the facility’s two-hundred-year history, totaling over $1.7 billion to upgrade and modernize the facility over the next two decades. Schumer said the Arsenal has played a vital role in America’s defense as the nation’s sole producer of large-bore cannons and other critical artillery, but for nearly half a century that rarely translated into funding for the 800 civilian employee workforce, often putting the future of the Arsenal in doubt. Senator Schumer said, “BOOM! This record-breaking $1.7 billion – the largest investment in the history of the Watervliet Arsenal – will bring critical funding to modernize the Arsenal’s buildings and machinery over the next twenty years, promoting job retention and creation in the Capital Region, bolstering the base’s almost 800 civilian employees, and making this rare Army-operated industrial manufacturing facility in Upstate NY the heart of our nation’s cannon production for generations to come.” “Built during the War of 1812, the Watervliet Arsenal has been a pillar of America’s defense, producing cannons and artillery to support our troops and allies, but for nearly half a century the facility has changed very little with aging equipment and infrastructure, that often left the community to doubt what the future would look like for the Watervliet Arsenal. Now that is all changing. Watervliet is receiving the largest investment in the Arsenal’s history, nearly $1.7 billion over the next two decades to its long term future as an essential part of the U.S. Army’s mission,” said Senator Schumer. “For years, we had to fend off other states who wanted to try and establish alternatives to Watervliet’s status as the sole source of our nation’s large caliber cannon, but now it is clear that Watervliet is the unequivocal home of the Army’s cannon production.” “I’m thrilled to celebrate this infusion of federal funding that will secure Watervliet and our Capital Region as a vital center for our military operations,” Congressman Paul Tonko said. “Thanks to years of combined advocacy, the Watervliet Arsenal is now poised to receive hundreds of millions of dollars over the next two decades to upgrade critical machinery and equipment and bring this historic facility into the twenty-first century. I’m proud to be here alongside Majority Leader Schumer to witness the results of our efforts, and I look forward to seeing this funding bolster the Arsenal’s status as a state-of-the-art facility and key employer in our region.” Schumer explained this historic $1.7 billion over the next two decades will go towards several modernization projects to update the Watervliet Arsenal’s buildings and machinery, which first opened during the War of 1812 and has produced critical cannon for America’s Army over the past 200 years. Starting this year, the U.S. Army plans to invest $230 million for five active modernization projects and 5 additional planned projects. Highlights of these projects include: replacing the rotary forge, quality inspection improvements, crane refurbishments, infrastructure improvements and upgrades to various machines throughout the Arsenal. Schumer added, “This historic new investment, with over $230 million already flowing to the facility this year to jumpstart modernization efforts in the factory, will substantially upgrade the manufacturing equipment and production facilities at the installation to prepare it to stay an essential part of the Army’s mission for generations to come.” Next year, the Army plans invest another $130.5 million for modernization at the facility and will distribute the rest of the $1.7 billion over the next two decades up until Fiscal Year (FY) 38. The arsenal plans to soon order a new rotary forge, replacing the existing one from 1976. This locomotive-sized machine, which extends one story underground, hammers and rotates white-hot steel billets, forming them into the large cannon barrel tubes the Watervliet Arsenal has long been known for producing. Around it, other equipment will be organized for maximum efficiency. Building 35, is where the roughly forged cannon tubes are sent to be smoothly machined. Schumer explained how the Arsenal has always been a world class machine shop, however most of the units date back to the 1980’s when Congressman Samuel Stratton championed the last major investment into the campus under Project REARM - or Renovation of Armament Manufacturing. While the last major modernization effort was done during the 1980’s, Schumer said that still other machines date all the way back to World War II. These older machining units are actively being replaced with high tech, computer aided machining pods, each of the recently installed units replaced roughly three older machines, boosting productivity and cutting space needed. Schumer said this historic investment demonstrates the Army Materiel Command’s strong commitment to the Arsenal and will set up Watervliet’s committed workforce for success for decades to come, providing the resources needed for them to continue to produce the best and most technically advanced cannon barrels in the world for our brave service men and women as they defend our nation, as well as contracted work for our allies. Constructed in 1813, the Watervliet Arsenal has played a vital role in America’s defense throughout its long history producing large caliber cannon, different sized mortar tubes, and the breeches for each. In addition, the facility has the capability to efficiently take on emergency projects, such as when it produced armor hardening kits for Humvees, after they became targets of IED attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 1991, during the Gulf War, the Army found it needed a more robust explosive device to reach Iraqi’s deeply buried command and control bunkers. In just 23 days’ time, the Watervliet Arsenal developed and produced the first “Bunker Buster” bombs, by modifying Howitzer tubes into 5,000 pound bomb casings. But more than land, equipment, and buildings, the Arsenal represents thousands of great Americans who have proudly served their country since 1813 by supporting our nation’s war fighters and allies for over 200 years. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z