Carmel, NY – With the largest recovery package in American history being signed into law this week, U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-Dover) began today a week long tour to break down how different parts of the stimulus package will affect local residents and industries. Rep. John Hall will highlight a different aspect of the bill each day this week. He will be meeting with working families, educators, students, business people and elected officials to both hear how the current economic crisis is affecting them and describe the ways in which help will soon be arriving.

 

"Our first priority as a Congress and as a community here in the Hudson Valley needs to be getting our economy back on track," said Hall. "We need to invest in our infrastructure, our schools, our healthcare, and we must keep people employed while also creating new jobs."

 

To help explain the federal economic assistance that is now on its way to the Hudson Valley, Hall will be holding the following events this week, from February 16th to February 23rd:

 

Monday, February 16 – Families First
Hall kicked off his economic recovery tour on Monday by sitting down with area families to hear how they have been affected by the economic downturn and discuss how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will impact them personally, as well as their communities. Hall visited families in Westchester, Orange and Dutchess Counties.
 
Tuesday, February 17 – Building a Stronger Education
With the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act providing substantial funds for New York’s cash-strapped school districts, Hall will visit a local school to see how this construction funding will improve local educational facilities while also creating local jobs.

 

Thursday, February 19 – Fighting to Fund "Shovel-Ready" Projects
On Thursday, Hall will visit sites in Orange and Westchester Counties that have applied for the "shovel-ready" project funding of the economic recovery package in order for him to better fight for their full funding by Governor Paterson in the days ahead. He will be accompanied by County Executives and other local elected officials at each location.

 

Friday, February 20 – Weatherization "Work-a-Day"
Friday will feature Hall rolling up his sleeves and helping Orange and Dutchess County contractors weatherize area homes in an economic recovery-themed continuation of his "work-a-day" series. Hall will use these opportunities to highlight the significant increase in funding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides to income-eligible New Yorkers who wish to save money and energy by getting home energy audits and weatherizations. Hall will also be joined by a representative from NYSERDA who will help explain how area citizens can apply for government assistance in getting their homes weatherized.

 

Saturday, February 21 – Economic Recovery "Congress on your Corners"
Hall will hold more of his signature "Congress on your Corner" Town Halls in Dutchess County on Saturday to discuss the local impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Saturday's Congress on Your Corners will give residents of Dutchess the opportunity to meet with Congressman Hall and share thoughts and concerns on the economy directly with him in their community, as well as seek assistance with casework without having to travel to one of the Congressman’s district offices.

 

Monday, February 23 – A Stronger Economy for Our Children's Future
Hall will conclude his economic recovery tour on Monday with a visit to George Fischer Middle School in Putnam County, where he will meet with over 100 7th grade students to discuss the stimulus bill and what it means for their future. These students are learning how a bill becomes law, and have been following the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as a real-world example to compliment their studies. Hall will also engage in a question-and-answer session with these students.

 

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