Paul Tonko: “Thank you, Representative Wasserman Schultz. It's a pleasure to join with you and Representative Ryan on the floor here…”

“Thank you, Representative Wasserman Schultz. It's a pleasure to join with you and Representative Ryan on the floor here to talk about what's happening. You talked about Representative Ryan's district and mine being about making things. I thought tonight I would share some numbers that personalize it to the 21st Congressional District in New York, the greater capital region. Let's look at some of the numbers. Beechnut, which produces baby foods, a tremendously powerful economic engine in our Mohawk Valley. Their total jobs right now, new positions, are at 106; 52 in the management position and some 54 in new factory positions. These are workers that will be producing on the line. It is a strength to our region. X-ray Optical. The X-ray Optical system says that they need to share with the world that throughout this recession they have maintained their workforce. In their order of business, they believe this is a monumental feat. So we are thrilled that they are able to survive throughout this economic climate without any layoffs, any firings. Certainly the jobs in the capital region are plentiful, or becoming more plentiful. The Albany Medical Center has more than 400 openings, including nurses, technicians and other specializations. General Electric company needs some 200 engineers, researchers and financial analysts. Certainly GlobalFoundries is hiring some 69 people, mostly engineers and technicians.”