Governor Paterson Announces Continued Success of New York State's Stimulus Programs

ALBANY, NY (10/25/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York has completed the most successful Federal Stimulus quarter to date. Twenty-two State agencies receiving American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds reported 41,582 jobs funded in New York State during the 3rd quarter of 2010 (July 1 – September 30). This report marked a 13 percent increase over the prior quarter, which had stood as the most successful quarter to date.

"Our State continues to demonstrate that the results of smart stimulus investments are providing New Yorkers with tens of thousands of good-paying jobs," Governor Paterson said. "The sustained success and continuing improvement of New York's ARRA programs shows that we are committed to utilizing these Federal funds to create jobs and build the infrastructure necessary for our State's long-term growth and success. I applaud President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for their work to secure these critical funds that promote economic recovery and reinvestment. The Empire State will emerge from this economic crisis stronger and better prepared for the future."

Several of the State's ARRA programs which contributed greatly to job creation in the 3rd quarter include:

• The ARRA Education programs, administered by the State Education Department, continued to support the jobs of teachers and support staff across the State, and directly funded 29,531 positions.

• The Weatherization Assistance Program, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal, continued to improve the energy efficiency of thousands of low-income housing units across the State and directly funded 990 jobs.

• The Community Services Block Grant, administered by the Department of State, focuses on developing and implementing programs to support employment-related services to create and sustain economic growth. The Community Services Block Grant program directly funded 3,727 jobs, an over 600% increase from the previous quarter.

• Highway Infrastructure and Urban Transit, administered by the Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, continued to fund thousands of jobs in construction projects around the State and directly funded 2,735 jobs.

• The Child Care and Development Fund, administered by the Office of Children and Family Services, provides child care financial assistance to low-income working families and funds activities to improve the quality of child care and directly funded 2,319 jobs.

In addition to utilizing stimulus funds for job-growth opportunities throughout the State, Governor Paterson ensured these funds would be dispersed transparently by creating the New York State Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Cabinet on February 10, 2009. The Cabinet continues to search for innovative ways to reach the public, including new features on its website (www.recovery.ny.gov) and its new Facebook page, launched in September. The Cabinet also produces a quarterly report to the public, describing State progress.

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