Statement from Governor David A. Paterson Regarding the Senate's Passage of Power for Jobs Reform

ALBANY, NY (06/21/2010)(readMedia)-- "Today, the Senate passed my Program Bill No. 254RR, in a vote of 59-2, to create a permanent low-cost power program for job creation and economic development across the State. The bill replaces the Power for Jobs and Energy Cost Savings Benefit programs, which have long been criticized for not providing the necessary certainty to businesses to encourage investment in the State, with a new 910 megawatt program called Energize New York. The new program will offer low-cost power to businesses and institutions in up to seven-year contracts in exchange for job commitments and capital investment.

"I commend Senators Aubertine and Maziarz for their work in developing this legislation, and I thank the entire Senate for taking this historic step to put people back to work in New York State.

"The bill will soon be sent from the Senate to the Assembly. I believe that when members of the Assembly review this legislation, they will conclude, as fifty-nine Senators have concluded, that this is a balanced solution to a longstanding problem. We have an opportunity to create a transformational self-sustaining economic development tool that will allow us to protect hundreds of thousands of jobs in New York State, and create tens of thousands of additional jobs. I call on the Assembly to seize this opportunity, and pass Energize New York before the end of session."

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