U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) said tonight that President Barack Obama is on the right track to end the irresponsible decisions that led the country into a deep economic crisis and build a brighter future for generations of Americans. The President revealed his plan to end the country's financial woes and rebuild the economy in his message to a Joint Session of Congress Tuesday night.
"We need to fix our short-term economic crisis and lay the foundation for the economy of the 21st Century, and our President has given us a plan to do just that," said Rep. Tonko. "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a down payment on that future -- it will put people back to work, accomplish critical infrastructure work, and cut taxes for 95% of Americans. But that's just the start. We need to become energy independent, and invest in the research and development that will create an economy that is built on sustainable clean energy and high technology. We need to modernize our education system so that our children are prepared for the jobs of the future. Our health care system is badly in need of reform -- it's too expensive, there are too many people who don't have coverage, and it puts our companies at a competitive disadvantage.
"The President also spoke of the need to address the failings in our financial system that got us into our current financial crisis. We need common sense regulations in place that will reward drive and innovation, not short cuts and abuse. We all need to learn to live within our means.
"I applaud President Obama's leadership in recognizing that innovation and fiscal responsibility will pave the road to a renewed America, and I'm eager to meet the challenges ahead."
Rep. Tonko invited the Senior Vice President and Director of General Electric Global Research, Dr. Mark Little, to be his guest at tonight's speech. GE Global Research is headquartered in Niskayuna. "A public -- private partnership is critical to creating and sustaining long-term economic growth," said Rep. Tonko. "With companies like General Electric, the Capital Region is poised to be a leader in creating a 21st Century economy that is based on innovations in clean energy, health care, and high technology. Investment in research and development is crucial to that effort, and I look forward to a continuing dialogue with Dr. Little on accomplishing our shared goals."
"Nearly 3,000 researchers are working in the Capital Region to help deliver breakthrough technologies for the energy, communications, healthcare and transportation industries," said Dr. Little. "GE is uniquely positioned to partner with businesses and government agencies to help reinvigorate the nation's infrastructure, which is key to the success of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These technologies will reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, make renewable energy more abundant and affordable, and improve the cost, quality and accessibility of healthcare services."
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