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Mr. BLUMENAUER.We have been joined by my colleague from New York, Congressman Tonko from Albany who, in a prior life, as I recall, was CEO of the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority. You have got some practical applications, both in your private sector experience and your work for years in the New York State Assembly. We will welcome thoughts and observations that you… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) said today that President Obama’s plan to unfreeze credit markets will be good news for small businesses, which have had a tough time getting loans as the nation’s economy has slowed. Rep. Tonko attended the President’s announcement in the East Room of the White House this morning.The President’s plan will raise government loan… Read more »

Rep. Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) said today that New York will receive $517,796,513 in grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for weatherization and and energy efficiency programs for low-income individuals, following an announcement by President Obama and the Department of Energy this morning detailing those funds.  According to the Department of Energy, New York will… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) is calling on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to reassess the dangers associated with years of pollution at the NL Industries site in Colonie, following today's hearing by the Subcommittee of Investigations and Oversight of the House Science and Technology Committee. The subcommittee heard testimony on several cases… Read more »

The House Education and Labor Committee today approved an amendment to the GIVE Act offered by U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) and Committee Chairman George Miller (D-California) which would establish a "Social Innovation Fund" for people who identify unique and innovative solutions to community issues. The fund would provide seed money to so-called "social… Read more »

This amendment establishes the Social Innovation Fund, which would support our nation’s social entrepreneurs.  As we heard last month in our hearing on national service, Cheryl Dorsey of Echoing Green explained that social entrepreneurs, “identify and take responsibility for an innovative and untested idea for positive social change, and then usher that idea from concept… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko today praised Governor David Paterson's 2009 New York State Rail Plan, saying he is thrilled that the state is moving forward on a strategy for high speed rail.   Governor Paterson unveiled the plan during a news conference this morning at the Rensselaer Train Station. It details a strategy to improve New York's rail infrastructure with the goals of… Read more »

I rise to recognize the importance of the National School Breakfast Program and to express my support for the resolution by the Gentlelady from Wisconsin that we passed this evening.School breakfast programs, particularly where breakfast is served in the classroom, have shown to increase student attentiveness, academic performance and decrease tardiness and disciplinary… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) today praised President Obama and New York Governor David Paterson after the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster funds will be made available to nine counties devastated by the ice storm on December 11th of last year. The major disaster declaration makes federal aid available to state and local governments and certain… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) voted in favor of a bill today that will bring hope to families who are facing the possibility of losing their homes through foreclosure. The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act is a key piece of President Obama's Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan."Keeping people in their homes and stabilizing the housing market is a big step toward… Read more »