Today’s action by the US Senate on SA 4575 on FMAP, Education, and SNAP funding for state governments is a welcome sign Washington understands the fiscal pressures New York and other states are struggling to overcome.
Today’s procedural vote means New York’s healthcare systems will continue to provide quality care, school districts will receive needed funding restorations, and hunger programs will continue to serve those in need. I want to thank Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, the Senate Leadership, and Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins for their bipartisan leadership in delivering the resources we need.
I also want to thank Governor Paterson, Speaker Silver, and Mayor Bloomberg for bringing our Congressional delegation together two months ago to highlight the need for greater federal funding for the states. I particularly want to thank Mayor Bloomberg for going to Washington and personally lobbying Congress to help New York get our fair share.
Once the Senate takes final action, the decision turns to the House of Representatives. I urge Speaker Pelosi to bring this to the floor as soon as the House returns, and I implore all 29 Members of our Congressional delegation to show the same bipartisan cooperation to get New York the funding we desperately need.
