Paralyzed State Senate Could Jeopardize Power For Jobs Program

Tools

Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

By Diane Rutherford

Story Published: Jun 22, 2009 at 2:17 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 22, 2009 at 8:23 PM EDT

A program designed to help New York businesses that are at risk of closing, downsizing or moving their operations out of the state is in jeopardy.

We're talking about the Power For Jobs program, which offers low-cost electricity for companies that promise to employ a certain number of workers.

Power For Jobs has been in place since 1997 and is credited with saving and creating thousands of jobs.

The program is set to expire at the end of the month if state lawmakers don't take action.

Local economic developers say losing Power For Jobs would be devastating for area businesses.

"To have one more nail in the coffin by inaction by our own legislature suggests that's not a good thing," said Don Alexander, Chief Executive Officer of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency.

The state Assembly has passed legislation to extend Power For Jobs through May 15, 2010.

However, a power struggle has gridlocked New York's Senate for the past two weeks, which means there has been no action to extend the program on the Senate level.

"If for some reason this weren't renewed, it would be very difficult for a lot of companies to stay in business and to keep the level of jobs that they have now," said Senator Darrel Aubertine (D. - 48th District).

Aubertine said he's confident the Senate will be able to work out some kind of deal before Power For Jobs expires.

A number of north country businesses, including Samaritan Medical Center, Clarkson University and Corning in Canton, participate in the program.

Those businesses and others, including some in Oswego County, have committed to maintain 4,920 jobs in exchange for the low-cost power.
 

On Demand

On Wall Street

AP Video
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On Tonight