Assemblymember Kevin A. Cahill: Legislation Would Extend Power for Jobs Program

Job-creating businesses and not-for-profits would receive low-cost power

July 8, 2004

Assemblymember Kevin A. Cahill (D-Ulster and Dutchess Counties) announced Assembly passage of legislation he supports that would extend the Power for Jobs program, which provides low-cost power to businesses and not-for-profit corporations that create and retain jobs, for three more years (A.11645-A). To help move this legislation along, the Assembly called for a Conference Committee to meet to iron out differences between the Senate and Assembly bills.

"The Power for Jobs program has been successful in helping businesses keep up with sky-rocketing energy costs and create jobs for working families," Assemblymember Cahill said. "It’s essential that we continue making this program available to the employers who help revitalize our local economies."

In 1997, the Assembly established Power for Jobs to provide reduced-rate power for employers who pledged to use it to create or retain jobs. The program was so successful that it was expanded in 1998, 2000 and 2002. However, a number of contracts issued under those expansions began expiring this spring.

Locally, this program has helped businesses retain hundreds of employees. "Power for Jobs has been an important part of our effort to protect and create jobs in Ulster and Dutchess Counties since 1997," Mr. Cahill said. "By extending the program, we’ll continue helping our area economy," he concluded.

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