| Under the Democratic majority, the New York State Senate along with their partners in the Assembly have stressed the importance of "One New York." At times, certain outside (and inside) influences can divide this state into multiple parts. But that is not how the leaders in this state want the state to function.
Today, it was announced that Sen. Darrel Aubertine will serve as the chairman for the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources. This commission is in place to develop economic development policies that will spur growth in rural upstate New York.
Under the leadership of Aubertine and Vice-Chair, Assemblyman David Koon (D-Perinton), the Commission will be dedicated to creating policies that will boost economic revitalization in rural communities throughout Upstate. The commission works directly with a network of more than 10,000 rural residents, advocates, researchers and community and business leaders across Upstate.
"Because of his personal and legislative experiences, Senator Aubertine is a natural choice to lead this commission and help us in our efforts to promote policies that will benefit Upstate New York," said Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith. "For the long-term economic growth and revitalization of rural New York, we need a strong commitment to job creation and sound economic development. This commission, driven by substantive public policies initiatives will help cultivate a new economy for Upstate New York," said Smith.
This is the second leadership post for Senator Aubertine, who in January, was chosen to lead the Senate's standing Committee on Agriculture.
"Certainly, I'm honored to have been chosen by the leader to head this commission," Sen. Aubertine said. "As chair of the Agriculture Committee and now as chair of this Commission on Rural Resources, I will continue to promote our state's agriculture industry and advocate for the day to day needs of our rural communities. But in addition, this Commission can play a tremendous role in creating policy and legislation to get our green economy, the industries of the future, up and running."
With Assemblyman David Koon serving as the vice-chair of the commission, Aubertine will be charged with pushing ideas that will lead to economic growth and job creation in rural New York.
According to the press release, the commission will be charged with creating legislation that focuses on these areas:
1) Farm to Fork: This Commission will promote programs which build bridges between our state's farmers and organizations, such as schools, colleges, nursing homes and correctional facilities. This opens up new markets for our state's agriculture industry and provides healthy, local food for these organizations.
2) Green Energy: Agriculture and rural New York can play a key role in the development of alternative energy technologies, manufacturing and production of wind, nuclear, hydropower, solar, biodiesel, cellulosic fuels including ethanol, and other clean energies. With global warming and international conflict forcing our nation to look beyond foreign oil and other fossil fuels, Upstate New York can capitalize on this market trend to create jobs.
3) Green Jobs/Green Partnerships: In addition to green energy, Upstate has a growing industry for environmentally sustainable products which we need to cultivate. By developing incentives for these industries to locate here in New York, working with local small businesses, and through partnerships with SUNY and private universities to advance these innovations, this Commission will work to bring manufacturing jobs back to Upstate.
4) Re-thinking Upstate Infrastructure: If Upstate New York's economy is going to grow, we need to make sure we can by laying the necessary groundwork for economic viability. This includes maintaining and improving infrastructure for water, sewer, roads, and mass transit, as well as broadband Internet.
5) Rural Healthcare: A key component for improving the quality of life for rural New Yorkers and enticing business investment is improving access to healthcare through programs to recruit more doctors to rural areas, telemedicine and increased awareness of programs available to maintain demand for specialized services. |
