Chair, Sullivan County Democratic Committee

To the editor:

Politics have become extremely divisive over the last number of years and it seems that there’s no end in sight.  The result is that governance has suffered.  Gone are the days of compromise in Congress.  The politics of fear and hatred have made the pragmatic act of meeting in the middle to achieve a legislative goal a footnote in history. 

In spite of the roadblocks over the last two years, Democrats have been able to achieve a substantive set of goals that benefit all Americans.  Democrats act for the people with positive result.

The American Rescue Plan delivered massive relief to communities all over the country to help people get back on their feet.  Thanks to our former Congressman, Antonio Delgado, over $400 million in direct funding was delivered to communities in our Congressional District, including our own.

As a result of this and other actions taken at the federal level, our country has experienced the greatest job growth in US history.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once in a generation investment in infrastructure that will create over a million jobs a year for the next ten years to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and make communities safer.

Veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals while deployed will now receive the kind of expanded healthcare that they need.

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act implements changes in the mental health system, school safety programs and gun safety laws that will make our communities more safe and get help to those who need it.

The Inflation Reduction Act will work to curb inflation by lowering prescription drug prices, reduce the deficit and invest in clean energy programs.

The Chips and Science Act will boost research and manufacturing of semiconductors in the United States, reducing our reliance on other countries and increasing job growth here at home.

Here in New York, the Democrats in Albany have delivered for communities as well. 

Nourish New York better connects agricultural producers with food relief organizations.

There has been continued expansion of investment in broadband infrastructure through the WIRED Act.

Funding for childcare expansion has increased statewide.

Restore NY encourages community development and growth through the elimination and development of blighted structures.

The Forward NY program supports smaller and rural downtowns with a focus on hamlets and villages.

The Environmental Bond Act, if passed, will further leverage federal funds to protect our water, upgrade our infrastructure, and conserve wildlife habitats and farms while providing nearly 100,000 life-sustaining jobs.

The Reproductive Health Act protects the right of women to make their own healthcare decisions.

The Safe Staffing Act, championed by our Assemblywoman Gunther, protects workers and patients in hospitals and nursing homes.

Veterans Services have been expanded, including veterans treatment courts designed to get them the help they need.

Over $3 million in direct aid has been sent to Sullivan County in the last two years.  Middle-class tax cuts, the gas tax holiday and small business tax relief have all impacted us positively. 

The Homeowner Tax Rebate Program resulted in an average rebate of $710 to over 12,000 Sullivan County taxpayers. 

Demonstrably, Democrats work to deliver a better quality of life for the people.  It’s why I’m voting Row “A” and in favor of the Bond Act. I encourage you to do the same.