Nearly a month after the Senate passed a Power for Jobs bill, Assemblyman Tom O’Mara (R,I,C-Big Flats) is urging his colleagues in the Assembly to pass a Power for Jobs bill that will both enhance and make the Power for Jobs program permanent.  To date, the Assembly has only been able to pass legislation extending the program.

            “I have been a longtime supporter of this program because of its ability to create jobs and make New York a more attractive place to do business,” said O’Mara.  “The program has been and continues to be instrumental in strengthening the manufacturing industry and the job market in New York.  The Assembly must work to pass a bill and make the program permanent in order to provide businesses a definitive time frame for receiving this important assistance and will enhance their ability to plan and implement capital improvements to ensure the long-term viability of manufacturing in New York state.” 

            Last month, the New York State Senate extended the Power for Jobs program through June 30, 2011 after which the program will become permanent.  Since 1997, the Power for Jobs program has been providing low-cost power to businesses in return for the creation and retention of jobs.  The program is a great give and take that enriches both private industry and the people of New York.  Renewing Power for Jobs will ensure that New York continues to reap the benefits of this excellent program.

            Assemblyman O’Mara noted that 440 businesses across the state participate in the Power for Jobs program and the program supports 240,000 jobs. 

            “It is easy to see from these numbers how successful and necessary the program is to so many people and companies.  Not only has the program created robust benefits for companies and employees alike, but also has served as an attraction for further business development,” said O’Mara.   

            Currently, this program has to be renewed annually by the Legislature.  However, Assemblyman O’Mara argues this process weakens the intent of the program by placing businesses in a tenuous situation having to worry every year if the program will be renewed.