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SHELDON SILVER
Speaker
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THE ASSEMBLY
STATE OF NEW YORK
ALBANY
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Room 932
Legislative Office Building
Albany, New York 12248
(518) 455-3791
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November 26, 2001
Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President,
New York City is more than a symbol of the American way of
life, it is a cultural and financial center for our country
and the world. The attacks on September 11th were a
deliberate attack on the freedoms and values that bind all
of us together as Americans. We need to send a clear message
that these acts of terrorism will not deter Americans. We
must show them that we can bounce back better and stronger
than ever before.
New Yorkers are trying to go on with their lives since the
devastating attacks of September 11th, however failure by the
federal government to commit to an amount and timeframe for aid has
made it very difficult. After all that New Yorkers have suffered, we
cannot allow for this uncertainty to continue. With new economic
figures even worse than originally predicted, it is time for
immediate action to provide New York State the help that is
desperately needed.
New York City is facing an unstable economy that includes the loss of
over 100,000 jobs as a result of the attack on the World Trade Center.
Even if Congress approves $14 billion dollars for Ground Zero cleanup,
the city still stands to lose $16 billion in economic output. New York has
already lost jobs to surrounding states and many other residents and
businesses are being forced to decide whether or not to stay. We need to
assure them that we will have what they need to rebuild the city and our
economy.
Reports out of Washington have us gravely concerned that the aid package
under consideration will not meet our urgent needs. We need a detailed
commitment as soon as possible so that New York can begin to heal, rebuild
and plan for the future.
New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world. We will recover
from this tragedy but we need help, and we need it now. New Yorkers cannot
wait any longer. I urge you to schedule an immediate meeting with New York's
congressional delegation and state and city leaders to outline a plan that
meets the pressing needs of New York.
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Sincerely,
SHELDON SILVER
Speaker
New York State Assembly
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