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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TODAY: 3/03/09
Contact: Suzanne Redmond (315) 255-3045
Column by Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C,I -
Springport)
DEFENSE CUTS WILL HURT OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
Recently, President Barack Obama announced that he will
increase spending on national defense. However, if you look closely at
the numbers, if the President kills the supplemental spending instituted
after 9/11, we would actually be spending about $70 billion less next
year. Much of the equipment used by our Armed Forces is dangerously
outdated. While we are facing tough economic times and must tighten our
belts, in an era of constant technological advancement we cannot afford
to let our guard down.
In 2005, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, located
in Owego, was commissioned by the U.S. government to a multi-billion
dollar deal to create 28 new Marine One helicopters. Much of the
equipment used to transport and secure the President is extremely
outdated, some still from the 1960s. This project is crucial for
protecting the leader of our country.
It is also huge for the economy of the Southern Tier.
The project employs around 800 people in or around Owego and has brought
in significant revenue to the area. Also, a large majority of the
components used in the project are American made. In addition, as a
part of this deal, Lockheed agreed to build a $30 million,
176,000-square-foot integration center and additional hangars solely for
the production of Marine One helicopters. Now, the President has stated
that he will freeze the project and stop the influx of funding to our
area.
New York is facing a financial crisis. Worries about
job security have ballooned over the past year. The 800 people employed
by this project have to worry about their future. In a dwindling job
market, we must do all that we can to create and retain jobs in New
York. The only way to stimulate the economy is to create good-paying
jobs in order to keep businesses in our state.
We cannot allow President Obama to cut funding for this
important project. Many families and communities in the Southern Tier
rely on it as a source of income and revenue and the consequences of its
closure would be disastrous. Stimulating the economy must begin from
the ground up, and creating and retaining jobs must be our top priority
in order to ensure a better future for all New Yorkers.
-30-
Mike Avella Jr.
Press Coordinator
NYS Assembly Minority
(518) 455-5981
F (518) 455-5057 |
