Current Events

If I didn't know any better and partisan politics wasn't something I pay attention to, I'd say that Senator Obama's speech last night was optimistic and encouraging for a possible Obama Presidency. Unfortunately for the Democratic nominee, it's not 1992 and this time, I'm not about to fall for a string of embellishments and inaccuracies on the current state of the union and a flawed path on improving America.

This morning I’ve read through about two pages of Senator Obama’s 45 minute sermon and in between some very nice and effective rhetoric, I’ve already stumbled on some irresponsible and silly language.

“More Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less.” 

Studies have shown that a large number of unemployed are either teenagers or seniors who generally work part-time jobs. When unemployment rose from 5.5% to 5.7% from June to July this year, the percentage of teenage unemployment grew from 18.1% to 20.3%. Why is unemployment higher among these groups? It is because Congress, led by the Democrats, voted to increase the minimum wage.

If you're a homeowner in the Empire State and can't keep up with your property tax bill – blame the democrats in the assembly. When they had a chance on August 19th to do the right thing and provide New Yorkers with real tax relief, they tried to raise the income tax by 2.6 billion dollars instead. This is the height of irresponsibility for assembly democrats – blocking the real property tax cap from even getting to the floor of the assembly.

The tax cap would keep your property taxes from rising above 4 percent or the rate of inflation every year, whichever is lower. The growth of property taxes is out of control in New York State. In some areas, homeowners see double digit percentage increases. New Yorkers also pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation.

East Fishkill, NY/July 20, 2008 - Kieran Michael Lalor, the Republican candidate seeking to unseat freshman Democrat Congressman John Hall, today announced the launch of EnergySecurity2008.com. The website is dedicated to solutions to the energy crisis.

"American energy security is a vital component of our economic security and national security," said Lalor. "For too many years, America's approach to energy policy has been rooted in pure complacency. Congress has over-regulated and taxed energy consumption, strangled the supply of oil and electricity, and now let the American taxpayers foot the bill for the resulting high prices."

Fossella Presents Caez with Congressional Certificate of Recognition for Service to Fort Hamilton and the Nation
 
[Brooklyn, NY] – Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY13) joined the men and women of the Fort Hamilton Army Garrison, community officials, residents, and veterans in honoring Sergeant Major Juan A. Caez at a Farewell Cookout last Friday. 

Fossella presented Caez with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for his service to Fort Hamilton and our nation. Caez has been at Fort Hamilton since 2003 and is retiring after 30 years in the Army.