New York’s U.S. senators are looking back on the year’s accomplishments and planning ahead for the next legislative session. Senator Chuck Schumer once again visited all 62 counties in the state for the 25th consecutive year. He says it keeps him on top of what each community has to offer, including how local companies are ready to support Micron.
“Wolfspeed near Utica isthe largest and only 200mm Silicon fabrication facility," Schumer said. "Edwards vacuum in Genesee County is the biggest dry pump manufacturer for clean rooms. They're going to employ over 600 people there. IBM is investing $20 billion in the Hudson Valley. Global Foundries is building, a second fab. Thousands of new jobs.”
Schumer says he also helped secure $15 million for workforce training and development connected to Micron.
Meanwhile, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says there’s momentum on several priorities for the coming year, not the least of which is immigration reform. She hopes to address issues that are impacting New York first.
“Getting emergency work visas would be the most important thing out of these negotiations if we could get them," Gillibrand said. "We have 200,000 open jobs. The governor is creating a clearing house. She already has 40,000 jobs lined up in her clearing house, so this would be a great way to get people off the streets and working in jobs where we desperately need good workers. So this is an opportunity if we have the resources and permission to do it.”
Also on Gillibrand’s list is a national paid leave program, which she hopes can move forward with Republican support in the first quarter of 2024. Gillibrand says she’s also working on a measure that would allow states to create strategic plans to support aging populations.
“That might include affordable housing, food security, aging in place, workplace rules I'm working with Lindsey Graham on anti-discrimination law so that you can't discriminate against people over 50.”
Gillibrand is seeking a third full term as senator in 2024. So far, her only challenger appears to be Republican Josh Eisen, a Westchester County entrepreneur who toured the state earlier this month. It’s likely to be an uphill battle. No Republican has won statewide office in over 20 years.
