Small Business Outreach Tour Continues
Last week, I announced my Small Business Outreach Tour to connect with small business owners across New York's 22nd District. This outreach tour has been a great way to hear directly from businesses, learn about their challenges, and talk about their priorities.
During my first roundtables of the tour, I spoke with members of the Cortland County Chamber of Commerce and the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce. Business owners shared many of the challenges they face, including child care as more people return to work, reductions in staff and employee shifts, and obstacles minority-owned business owners experience when trying to get loans. I will be taking this input from our small business owners directly to Washington to highlight the real difficulties so many face.
My next Small Business Outreach Stops:
- Friday, March 26: Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce
- Tuesday, March 30: Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce
- Wednesday, March 31: Commerce Chenango
- Stay tuned for more!
|
|
House Passes Bipartisan Small Business Legislation Cosponsored by Tenney
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged millions of American small businesses in countless ways. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I am committed to finding practical, bipartisan solutions that deliver targeted relief to small businesses that are hurting.
That's one of the main reasons I cosponsored the PPP Extension Act in Congress, which extends the crucial Paycheck Protection Program through June 31, 2021. The PPP has been tremendously effective at providing direct relief to small businesses across the 22nd District. This type of legislation is exactly the kind of constructive, bipartisan solution the American people expect Congress to deliver and I’m glad that did.
|
|
Standing With Burma and Their Pursuit of Democracy
Since February 1, 2021, Burmese military leaders have been in control of the country after a violent coup. They have used this unlawful control to violently oppress ethnic minorities, including firing artillery into Burmese villages and displacing over 7,000 people, and now killing and suppressing peaceful protestors. I am deeply concerned by reports of peaceful protestors being killed in Burma by military leaders who have taken control of the country. These violent crackdowns and blatant abuses of human rights have led to the deaths of more than 120 protestors. The United States, and the international community, must fully condemn these atrocities. It is clear that U.S.-imposed sanctions are not enough when innocent people continue to be killed in their communities. This week I called on our partners around the world, including the United Nations Security Council, to join the United States in standing with the people of Burma and to call out these grave violations of fundamental human rights.
In light of this urgent situation, the House passed two other bipartisan bills I cosponsored: the Protect Democracy in Burma Act of 2021 as well as a resolution condemning human rights abuses in the country. New York’s 22nd Congressional District is home to more than 4,000 Burmese refugees and new Burmese-American citizens who have been coming to our region for over 20 years. They are demanding action and a return to civilian rule in Burma – I stand with them, and all of my colleagues, in condemning the gross human rights abuses that are taking place at the hands of the military coup last month.
|
|
#ICYMI: Cuomo Failed New York & the Attorney General Must Investigate
This week, I joined Lisa Kennedy on Fox to discuss New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout in the state. I can’t emphasize enough how long I’ve been calling for the resignation of Andrew Cuomo. He has failed New Yorkers on many fronts - the pandemic, the sexual misconduct, and his misguided policies that continue to leave our most vulnerable populations unprotected. That's why I joined several of my House colleagues in requesting the U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland launch an investigation into whether the civil rights of those with disabilities in New York State’s group homes have been violated. We’ve already raised serious question about the catastrophic results of Governor Cuomo’s negligent nursing home mandates and coverup. Now we are learning that the same tragedy likely unfolded in group homes as well.
Given New York’s poor track record, there is reason to believe the total number of COVID-19 deaths in group homes is more than what has been reported. When it comes to protecting the lives of the most vulnerable, especially our seniors and those with disabilities, we must demand full transparency. I’m also calling on Governor Cuomo to immediately rescind his group home directive. Read our letter here as well as a piece in Newsweek on our effort.
|
|
Congressional Art Competition is Open
This week I announced the details for the 2021 Congressional Art Competition! This competition is open to 11th and 12th graders who reside in the 22nd Congressional District. Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has been held every spring to showcase talented art students across the nation. Each member of Congress receives submissions from students throughout their district.
It is always an honor to host the Congressional Art Competition and recognize the talented students across the 22nd District. I encourage all students to participate in this competition and show off their creativity and look forward to seeing the wonderful pieces from our district.
|
|
Honoring Bryce Sinclair of Maine-Endwell High School
I spoke on the House floor this week to recognize Maine-Endwell High School Senior Bryce Sinclair.
Bryce was selected among a highly competitive pool of applicants from around the country. HIs decision to attend West Point comes as no surprise to those who know him well. He is a young leader with exceptional talent and potential and is already a dedicated member of our community.
I wish Bryce the best as he moves closer to his next incredible step to joining the Corps of Cadets!
|
|
Utica Observer Dispatch: Tenney warns of looming fiscal crisis related to government COVID spending
I'm glad I was able to join the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce with my friend Elise Stefanik to speak about critically important issues facing our nation - including the bipartisan PPP Extension Act that passed the House this week, the ongoing border crisis, and relations with China.
On the looming fiscal crisis: "Tenney said she supported a lot of what was included in the American Rescue Plan, but warned of a looming fiscal crisis related to so much government spending during the coronavirus pandemic.
“When we see the end of this fiscal stimulus coming into the market, you’re going to see a cliff,” she said. “ … When the money starts running out, we’re going to be back in a tough position again and that concerns me, that we’re not kind of watching our spending because it’s as if we don’t have a debt, a deficit already.”
|
|
Remembering the Life of Ambassador Doug Barclay |
|
Contact my offices for help with a federal agency
One of the most important responsibilities I have as your representative in Congress is to ensure you get the help you need when dealing with a federal agency. If you are experiencing any difficulties or have questions regarding eligibility for COVID-related benefits, I encourage you to contact any one of my three offices, which are open for business and ready to serve you.
|
|
Have news or updates to share? Email me! |
If you have updates regarding events in the community or other news to share from across New York's 22nd Congressional District, please visit the "Contact Me" page on my website to share it with me. My team will try to include as many of your updates from around #NY22 as we can each week.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
