Dear Friend:

Welcome! Each month, I would like to take the opportunity to update you on my activities as well as important community events that may interest you. It is my hope that this bulletin will function as a constructive contribution to your understanding of the work I do to serve the good people of the 101st Assembly District.

I welcome your input, questions or concerns in response to these items or any other issue. The thoughts and views of my constituents are important to me in my efforts to best represent you both in Albany and here at home. We are all in this together and my work depends on your opinions. Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors! If you know of anyone who would like to be included on our recipient list, feel free to forward us their email address.

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Addressing the Budget and Needed Reforms

As you may know, I have spent the last several weeks in Albany deliberating over how to best addresses the fallout of this recession, and the impact it has had on the state's finances and families across New York. I want to take a moment to update you on the enormous progress my colleagues and I made on a number of important issues in our communities.

In the last week, the Legislature passed several fundamental reforms that will produce real, recurring and significant savings for New Yorkers. The new PACE loan programs, as a companion to our Green Jobs program, will help households and businesses lower energy costs across the board.

Our dramatic actions to reform public authorities, and the creation of a new Tier V in our public pension system will not only save state and local governments money right away, but literally billions of dollars in the years ahead. Comptroller DiNapoli sounded the alarm that we must address our long term fiscal obligations. By taking on our authorities and pension system, we answered that call.

The stated purpose of this Extraordinary Legislative Session was to deal with our looming budget crisis by enacting a deficit reduction plan. After long weeks of discussions and deliberations, my colleagues and I agreed on a plan to address our state's budget shortfall. In the face of such a daunting economic climate, tough choices needed to be made. Throughout the negotiation process, I maintained my commitment to fight for New York's most vulnerable residents.

My top priorities were protecting vital public services and ensuring our children continued access to a quality education. As our educators, school boards and administrators demanded, there are no mid-year cuts to education or new taxes in our plan. We also protected federal matching dollars for New Yorkers' health care.

Every state in our nation is struggling. New York is weathering this crisis by taking timely and decisive action to address our fiscal concerns. We have been able to avoid drastic cuts such as furloughs, the elimination of pre-kindergarten classes and issuance of IOUs that we have seen in other states.

Of course, some sacrifices had to be made. But, by avoiding cuts that disproportionately affect one segment of the population, I believe we passed a responsible plan. Our fight is not over. We will remain vigilant in our efforts to renew New York's economy, maintain the state's fiscal stability and protect the many families struggling to make ends meet.

To read more about the measures advanced by the Legislature in the Extraordinary Session click on the links below:

Pension Reform/Tier V

Foreclosure Protections

New License Plates Repeal

Authorities Reform

PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY FINANCING PROGRAMS

During the recent Extraordinary Session, the Legislature passed legislation that will allow for municipalities across the state to establish Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing programs. This important measure will enable our state and local governments to take advantage of significant amounts of federal funding that will assist in lowering energy costs. Municipalities will have the opportunity to create Sustainable Energy Loan Programs and utilize federal funds for energy efficiency improvements and the installation of renewable energy systems on properties located within its borders. These fixed rate loans will be paid back through a separate charge on the property tax bill.

To read more about PACE programs and other federal energy efficiency incentives, click here.

HEARING ON LOW COST POWER PROGRAMS

Assemblymember Cahill, as Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, hosted a public hearing on the future of energy incentive programs designed to create and sustain jobs throughout New York on December 2. The event was part of a series of hearings and roundtable discussions the Legislature has held across the state to examine the issue and collect input that will help shape policies to best utilize the resources of the New York Power Authority (NYPA.) The goal is to lower energy costs for businesses as an incentive to create and retain jobs for new Yorkers.

The testimonies presented at the hearing provided a variety of perspectives on the future of low cost power programs in the state. NYPA and the Economic Development Corporation were able to give recommendations for improvements to the existing law while sharing their experiences of administering economic development programs under current statute. Energy companies spoke on the benefits of hydropower to consumers, while businesses and labor organizations stressed the importance of fixed, low cost power in keeping and creating jobs. Not-for-profit organizations highlighted the advantages of low cost power and environmental advocates urged increased energy efficiency eligibility standards.

To read more about the Legislature's discussions on low cost power programs, click here.

Last month, Assemblymember Cahill took part in the annual radio-a-thon hosted by WGHQ for their Happy Christmas Fund. This charity drive is set up to help raise monies used to purchase toys, clothing and other items for families in need in the Hudson Valley. The radio-a-thon was a huge success, garnering $21,943 dollars in pledge money. Now in its 42nd year, the WGHQ Happy Christmas Fund has continually strived to make the Holiday Season one to remember for those who may be less fortunate. The latest and greatest news is that the Fund's goal of $36,000 has already been exceeded by over $2000! There is still time to donate if you would like to do so. Donations can be made payable to the WGHQ Happy Christmas Fund and mailed to 82 John Street, Post Office Box #4364, Kingston, New York 12401. These locations can also take donations in person until December 24th:

Rondout Savings Bank
Ulster Savings Bank
Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union
Ulster Federal Credit Union
Boice Bros. Dairy Milk House

In addition to the Christmas Fund, the following are some other ways that you can help make a difference in the lives of others this holiday season and beyond.

• Donate your time or non-perishable food items to a soup kitchen, food pantry or homeless shelter. There are many churches and centers in our region that continuously assist those in need throughout the year. (See our item below on The Queens Galley soup kitchen.)

• Contact local volunteer organizations such as Ulster Corps, accessed online or the United Way in Ulster County or Dutchess County.

• Take part in the Toys for Tots Program which is run by the United State Marine Corp. To find a local drop off site or inquire about volunteering visit their Web site.

• Learn how to become one of the iconic bell ringers for the Salvation Army, an organization which donates an annual average of $16 million across the country with their kettle program alone. Call 845-331-1803 to reach The Salvation Army headquarters in Kingston.

These are just a few of the many opportunities available to us this Holiday Season in order to make a difference. If you have any questions about this issue or any other please feel free to contact the office of Assemblymember Kevin Cahill at 845-338-9610.

Assemblyman Cahill was honored to be guest speaker at the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce Holiday Breakfast on Thursday, December 17 at the Kingston Holiday Inn. In addition to enjoying Holiday tunes from the Kingston High School Choral Ensemble, and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus (aka Stacy Rein, President of Ulster County United Way) the audience gave their full attention to the Assemblyman's presentation. Assemblyman Cahill reported on the Legislature's recent budget deficit program, his energy efficiency initiatives, improving school resources in the coming year, and the district's economic prospects. After his speech, the Assemblyman took questions and comments from the audience including praise on his support of local service organizations such as Gateway Community Industries the and Ulster Literacy Program.

Tuesday December 8 was an exciting day as Assemblyman Cahill was joined by Archbishop Timothy Dolan, head of the New York Archdiocese, in a formal announcement of $2.15 million in grant money to be used to convert this former parochial school into a multi-agency community center in Kingston. With the combined efforts of Agri-Business Child Development (A.B.C.D.,) the Archdiocese, Catholic Charities, Catholic Youth Organization of Ulster County (C.Y.O.) and St. Mary's and St. Peter's parishes, this center will serve to provide day-care for children of agricultural workers, offices for Catholic Charities and create a facility for a soup kitchen/food pantry. The upstairs auditorium will come alive again as home to the many physical education programs of C.Y.O. including their popular basketball program. The over 100 dignitaries, program officials and constituents who attended were inspired by the spirit of cooperation that made this dream for many a forthcoming reality. Carey Construction, the prime contractor for the project, did enormous work to prepare the 1911 building for the presentation. The mood of the day was best summed up by Archbishop Dolan, who said "we are coming together to provide a place of welcome, warmth, grace and care for those who need it."

The fifth-grade boys of Zena Elementary School in Woodstock got a history lesson when Assemblyman Cahill dropped on December 15 to read The Battle of Bunker Hill by Mary Englar. After reading to the attentive group, Assemblyman Cahill noted "I am so impressed with the focus of these young men and the insightful questions they asked afterward. Principal Higgins, the administration, teaching staff and students of Zena Elementary have the right stuff when it comes to learning."

Serving hot, nutritious meals to those in need is challenging, and The Queen's Galley soup kitchen in Kingston accepts that challenge, serving up three squares a day. Director Diane Reeder (left) invited Assemblyman Cahill's Chief-of-Staff Jodi Longto (right) to serve their 100,000th meal of 2009 on December 15th. Said Jodi, "the efforts of Diane and her staff are appreciated by so many people year round, and especially at the Holidays." Diane added that the kitchen always needs volunteers, and can accept donations of food in bulk around the clock. To volunteer or donate, call The Queen's Galley at (845) 338-3468 or visit their website.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about the recent activities of my office and I look forward to expanding and improving our communication in the months to come. Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors! If you know of anyone who would like to be included on our recipient list, please forward to us their email address. Should you have any questions regarding the content of this newsletter or any issue which requires my assistance, I encourage you to call, email, write or stop by my district office.