One of the main jobs of a U.S. Senator
is to fight to make sure that their state receives its fair
share from the federal government. New Yorkers work hard
and pay their taxes and they deserve the best return possible.
However, New Yorkers currently send more money to Washington
then all but four states. With that in mind, Chuck has long
tried to bring back to New York as much federal money as
possible. This federal money comes in many different forms
including large programs such as highway and mass transit
funding; emergency programs such as the September 11th recovery
money; disaster funding to help farmers and municipalities
cope with extreme weather conditions; loan programs for
veterans, students and small businesses; competitive grants
for universities, businesses, museums and libraries; and
aid to local governments and institutions to address community
needs.
Of course, the government should not be
spending scarce resources on frivolous, unproductive projects
or wasteful, ineffective programs which is why Chuck has
been a strong advocate for earmark reform.
And earmarks have been reformed. From 1995
to 2006, the number of earmarks skyrocketed and the process
spiraled out of control. However, this year’s appropriations
bills will, for the third year in a row, cut the number
of earmarks from the 2006 level.
Further, the overall process is more transparent
and open than ever before. Each Member of Congress must
make public, on their website, every request that they submit
to the Appropriations Committee.
This year, Chuck’s office received
nearly 1,500 requests from communities and organizations
across New York. Chuck and his staff are reviewing these
requests and will submitting some of them to the various
appropriations sub-committees listed on the right of this
page. Unfortunately, many worthy projects will not be submitted
and not all of those submitted will receive funding. Our
country is facing tough economic times and Chuck knows that,
just like families across New York, the federal government
must make choices as well.
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