Governor Paterson Calls on Congress for Additional Stimulus Funds to Support Employment and Other Programs

Press Release

Governor David A. Paterson today called on Congress to approve additional Federal funding to expand subsidized employment programs that are expected to put thousands of New Yorkers back to work. The success of New York's subsidized employment efforts were highlighted at the White House today as an employer from a Schenectady home improvement company joined Vice President Joe Biden to discuss the importance of these programs to the nation's economic recovery.

Federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) have been critical in supporting a variety of subsidized jobs programs throughout the State. Congress is currently considering legislation that would extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Contingency Fund, created under ARRA, making $2.5 billion available nationally to help public assistance recipients and other low-income families meet basic living needs with a job that is supported by the subsidized employment programs and other tools.

"In New York, high unemployment is still a concern and it is critical to our State and national economic recovery that we do all we can to help people get into the workforce and maintain employment," Governor Paterson said. "New Yorkers working in subsidized jobs are earning a paycheck and providing for their families while building skills and gaining the valuable experience that will allow them to advance in the workforce over time. I thank President Obama, Vice President Biden, and our entire Congressional delegation for working to secure the important TANF Emergency Contingency Funds we've already received. I call on Congress to approve additional Federal funding for these effective programs and provide us with the resources to help New Yorkers get back to work."

ARRA and other Federal funding has supported $57 million in subsidized jobs programs across New York, with as many as 5,000 people expected to be employed by the end of September. These funds, administered through the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, have been put to work in almost every county in the State.

Subsidized jobs programs are helping low-income adults earn a paycheck through employment opportunities that likely would not have been available due to the lack of jobs in the current economy. These programs provide employer wage subsidies as an incentive to hire individuals who are unable to secure a job through conventional means. Additionally, many of the programs provide opportunities to improve jobs skills through participation in education and job skills training programs.

Eric Minkiewicz, President of Huff 'N Puff of Schenectady, participated today in the roundtable with Vice President Joe Biden. By utilizing subsidized jobs program funding, Minkiewicz was able to hire five individuals and provide them with valuable on-the-job training while expanding his home improvement business.

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