Federal Approprations Requests
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.