Chris Gibson RSS Articles

New York Priorities, Gibson Legislation Included in Bipartisan House Farm Bill

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced this morning that he voted in support of the bipartisan H.R. 1947, Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act of 2013. The legislation was passed by the House Committee on Agriculture by a strong bipartisan vote of 36-10 and included a number of provision authored by Congressman Gibson that will benefit New York farmers and rural communities. The FARRM Act sets agriculture policy for five years.

“Representing our New York farmers on the House Agriculture Committee is an honor and a privilege. I believe we have the hardest working farmers in the nation here in New York and, in concert with their input and advice, this Farm Bill includes provisions that will ensure they have the ability to sustain and grow their operations. This bill represents a significant victory for our local farmers, overhauling the safety net program for dairy farmers, encouraging the growth and sustainability of local and regional agriculture and organic farming, protecting conservation programs, and helping beginning farmers access the capital they need to enter the field,” said Congressman Gibson. “For our rural communities, much of my legislation on expanding access to broadband was included in the bill and we also make reforms to better address Lyme Disease, a public health scourge in our area. While not perfect, the FARRM Act came together with a number of bipartisan and regional partnerships. Moving forward, I think we can continue to improve the FARRM Act to address remaining concerns when it reaches the House Floor this year.”

Provisions championed by Congressman Gibson that were included in the bill are:

· A robust safety net for dairy producers through a new marginal insurance framework

· Promotion and improvement of local agriculture markets

· New important risk management options that level the playing field for specialty crop producers

· Reforms and language to support local conservation groups

· Support for organic farmers and specialty research

· Reforms that will allow Lyme disease to be included under Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, which will improve the research and development of surveillance methods, diagnostic tests and vaccines for tick-borne diseases like Lyme.

· Initiatives and funding for beginning farmers

· Reauthorization and improvement of the rural broadband program

“Congressman Chris Gibson is a great friend to New York’s farmers and his continued work on their behalf once again demonstrates his commitment to agriculture in this state. We appreciate his support of the 2013 Farm Bill, especially his efforts on improving the safety nets for our dairy farmers and specialty crop growers. In addition, his determination to assist new farmers and support for farmland protection will help preserve farming for generations to come,” said Dean Norton, New York Farm Bureau President.

Overall, the Farm Bill includes savings of $40 billion in mandatory funding, repealing or consolidating more than 100 programs. Additionally, this year’s Farm Bill eliminates direct payments, which farmers received regardless of market conditions, and consolidates 23 conservation programs into 13, improving program delivery to producers and saving more than $6 billion. The FARRM Act builds on previous investments to fruit and vegetable production, farmers markets, and local food systems, and includes several regulatory relief measures to help mitigate burdens farmers, ranchers, and rural communities face.

The Senate Agriculture Committee passed their version of the Farm Bill Tuesday. Both versions now must pass their respective houses, and then will be conferenced to come to a final agreement.

Congressmen Gibson, Maloney Announce $3.4 Million Economic Development Award to Culinary Institute of America

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressmen Chris Gibson (NY-19) and Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) announced today a $3.4 million grant award to the Culinary Institute of America. The federal award will support the development of a new coalition and first-class training and workforce development center, helping local farmers and creating 32 new jobs.

“Many of our local farms were devastated as a result of the flooding caused by Irene and Lee. Since the storm, I have been leading efforts in Congress and here at home to ensure all of our communities have the resources they need to recover,” said Congressman Gibson. “The CIA is a world-class institution we are so fortunate to have here in the Hudson Valley, and today’s announcement will leverage their invaluable expertise to benefit our farmers.”

“This investment is a critical public-private partnership that helps our farmers and businesses continue to recover in the aftermath of Irene and Lee,” said Representative Sean Patrick Maloney. “With the remarkable leadership of the CIA, this opportunity will help create jobs and spur economic growth for communities all across the Hudson Valley.”

The Training and Workforce Development Center will be operated by the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance at the Marriott Pavilion located on the campus. The full project cost is $5.8 million, and the Center will specifically help local flood-ridden farmers in the Hudson Valley recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. The Culinary Institute will serve as the hub for the Alliance, which will provide farms and agri-businesses in the Hudson Valley with the resources, training, services, and essential support necessary to recover from the natural disasters, sustain their current farming operations, as well as expand and create new economic opportunities to make the region more resilient to future disasters.

This project is funded through the FY 2012 Disaster Relief Opportunity administered through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Each disaster recovery investment is intended to support a community’s long-term recovery, spur job creation, leverage private investment, and promote disaster resiliency.

Congressman Gibson Hosting Senior Resources Fair Monday in Schodack

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced that he is hosting a resources fair for seniors and caregivers Monday in Schodack. Details are as follows:

Congressman Gibson Senior Resources Fair

Date: Monday, May 6
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Where: Schodack Senior Center, 1800 East Schodack Road, Schodack
Details: Congressman Gibson, Congressional staff and representatives from government and non-profit agencies will be available to answer questions concerning benefits (i.e. Medicare, Social Security, VA benefits) and programs available for seniors in the Capital Region. Additionally, caseworkers from the Congressman’s office will be available to assist seniors with any problem they are having with the federal government and their benefits.
Note: Following the fair, the Schodack Senior Center will be serving their normal $2.75 lunch to any senior who is interested. Seniors who wish to have lunch should sign up by calling 477-6581.

Congressman Gibson Weekend Public Schedule

Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced the following public schedule for Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5:

Saturday, May 4

11:30 AM: Women’s Health & Fitness Expo
Location: M. Clifford Miller Middle School, Lake Katrine
Details: Congressman Gibson will attend the expo and make brief remarks.

1:30 PM: Hudson Book Festival
Location: Hudson High School, Hudson
Details: Congressman Gibson will attend the festival.

5:30 PM: 128^th Annual Stag 32^nd Separate Company Dinner
Location: Hoosick Falls County Club, 1 Richmond Avenue, Hoosick Falls
Details: Congressman Gibson will attend the dinner, which honors New York National Guard’s 32^nd Separate Company.

Sunday, May 5

5:30 PM: Ulster County Police Chief’s Association
Location: Diamond Mills Hotel, 25 S Partition St, Saugerties
Details: Congressman Gibson will speak at the awards dinner.

Congressman Gibson Public Schedule: SUNY Ulster Veterans Dedication, Jobs Fair Thursday in Hudson

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced the following public schedule for Wednesday, May 1 and Thursday, May2:

Wednesday, May 1

11:30 AM: SUNY Ulster Veterans Lounge Dedication and BBQ
Location: Ulster County Community College, 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge
Details: Congressman Gibson will attend the dedication of the “Battle Buddy Center” and BBQ along with SUNY Ulster President Donald Katt, Andy Grosso, Vice President of Business Development, New York State Industries for the Disabled, local community organizations and first responders, active duty military, veterans and a local Color Guard. The Battle Buddy Center will serve as a home and resource center for veterans and family. Before serving in Congress, Rep. Gibson served for 24 years in the United States Army.

Thursday, May 2

10:00 AM: Columbia Greene Workforce New York – Congressman Gibson Jobs Fair
Location: Columbia Greene Community College, 4400 New York 23, Hudson
Details: From 10-10:30 AM, the jobs fair will be open to VETERANS only. From 10:30 – 3 PM, the jobs fair will be open to the general public, including veterans. There will be a number of local employers attending who have open positions to fill. More details on employers can be found here: http://www.columbiagreenworks.org/2013_NEW_Job_Fair_details.pdf.

Congressman Gibson Public Schedule: April 30

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced the following public schedule for Tuesday, April 30:

Tuesday, April 30

9:30 AM: Speak at Coleman Catholic High School
Location: Coleman Catholic High School, 430 Hurley Ave, Hurley
Details: Congressman Gibson will speak to juniors and seniors at the school, and take questions.

12:30 PM: Visit and Roundtable with Sono-Tek
Location: Sono-Tek, 2012 Route 9W, Milton
Details: Congressman Gibson will meet with company leadership and have lunch and a roundtable with employees.

3:00 PM: Visit to Gillette Creamery
Location: 47 Steve's Lane, Gardiner
Details: Congressman Gibson will visit the creamery.

Congressman Gibson Weekend Public Schedule

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced the following public schedule for Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28:

Saturday, April 27

8:30 AM: Saugerties Barn Raising Event
Location: Kiersted House, Across from Cahill Elementary School, Saugerties
Details: The Saugerties Historical Society is hosting the barn raising. Congressman Gibson will help in the effort.

10:00 AM: Tree Planting for Earth Day
Location: Red Hook Recreation Park
Details: Congressman Gibson will join Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro at the annual Arbor - Earth Day celebration.

11:30 AM: Dutchess County National Building Day
Location: 504 Cedar Lane, Staatsburg
Details: Congressman Gibson will join Rebuilding Together Dutchess County to make home improvements in Staatsburg. The homeowner, 70, is the widow of a veteran who served in the US Army during the early 1940's.

2:00 PM: Pittstown Highway Garage Ribbon Cutting
Location: Highway Complex, 2500 Route NY 67, Johnsville
Details: Congressman Gibson will attend the ribbon cutting.

4:00 PM: Schoharie Maplefest
Location: Schoharie Fairgrounds
Details: Congressman Gibson will attend the festival.

6:00 PM: Fleischmanns Fire Department Annual Dinner
Location: Hanah Country Club, 576 W. Hubbel Hill Road, Margaretville
Details: Congressman Gibson will attend the cocktail hour.

Sunday, April 28

9:00 AM: Hudson Valley Autism Walk
Location: Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Details: Congressman Gibson will participate in the walk and speak at event, along with other elected officials.

12:00 PM: Sean’s Run
Location: Chatham High School
Details: Congressman Gibson will run the 5K. Sean’s Run was created in response to the tragic death of Sean Patrick French, a 17-year old Chatham High School junior, honor roll student, community volunteer and record-setting athlete who lost his life on January 1, 2002 as a passenger in a drunk-driving car crash. Another passenger, 17-year old Ian Moore, sustained paralyzing injuries and is now a paraplegic.

2:00 PM: 2013 Equine Summit
Location: Human Education Center, Equine Advocates Rescue & Sanctuary, 3212 Route 66 , Chatham
Details: Congressman Gibson will deliver remarks at the summit and take questions.

Congressman Gibson Introduces Bill to Reauthorize and Improve Rural Broadband Program

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced today the introduction of legislation with Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR), a fellow No Labels member, to reauthorize the RUS Broadband Loan and Grant Program. In addition, the legislation, H.R. 1639, creates a combination loan-grant option, and seeks to improve the program to ensure funding is targeted to the areas that have the most need.

“This legislation improves the program by incorporating the feedback I received from providers, local officials, and consumers at two district broadband symposiums. In addition, a combination grant-loan program could further the ability of underserved areas to gain the resources they need to expand. Broadband access is critical to the ability of our small businesses and family farms to be economically competitive as well as provide essential services to local residents,” said Congressman Gibson. “As I did last year, I will be working to include this program and these improvements in the Farm Bill that we are writing in the House Agriculture Committee.”

H.R. 1639 reauthorizes the RUS Broadband Loan and Grant program, designating not less than 70% of the funding for low-interest loans to expand broadband services. Additionally, the legislation allows providers to submit information regarding broadband they already offer in an area being proposed for an RUS Loan, helping to make certain funding is prioritized to those areas with no available service provider.

In 2011, Congressman Gibson’s amendment saved the RUS Broadband loan program from elimination.

Congressman Gibson Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Investments in Renewable Energy Projects

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA), Ted Poe (R-TX), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Chris Gibson (R-NY) today introduced bipartisan legislation in support of a comprehensive energy approach. The Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act will modify the federal tax code to make it easier and more attractive for private capital to invest in renewable energy.

“This is an important initiative that I’m proud to join with my colleagues to support. This free market approach encourages investment in renewable energy without picking winners and losers, a key to growing our domestic energy supply. By promoting solutions like this legislation, it is my hope that we can drive down energy costs for hardworking families, small businesses and farmers in my district and across our country,” said Gibson.

“We need an all-the-above approach to America’s energy future,” said Thompson. “This bill levels the playing field by freeing up money for private investment in renewable energy. It will help us create jobs, strengthen our national security, reduce our dependency on foreign oil and move closer to energy independence.”

“It is time for the United States to make Middle Eastern turmoil irrelevant to our energy security,” said Poe. “In order to do this we must pursue a comprehensive energy strategy that empowers all sources of domestically produced energy. This common-sense bill will do just that. It’s time for Washington to make it easier not harder to produce energy in this country.”

“Expanding MLP financing to renewable energy projects will be a boost for the renewable industry and for a cleaner energy future. If oil, gas, and coal projects can take advantage of this important tool, there is no reason why renewable projects should be excluded. This is a simple, common sense idea that will drive investment in renewable energy projects for years to come,” Welch said.

A master limited partnership (MLP) is a business that is taxed as a partnership but whose shares are traded like stock on a market. Because MLPs have access to capital at a lower cost and a more liquid financing, this makes them very attractive to private investment. Currently, only oil, natural gas, coal extraction, and pipeline projects are allowed to qualify for MLPs. This bill would simply amend the federal tax code to allow investment in renewable energy projects in the same way.

Companion legislation, S. 3275, has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

This legislation is endorsed by Third Way, American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Biomass Power Association, Biotechnology Industry Organization, Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Advanced Biofuels Association, Offshore Wind Development Coalition, Advanced Ethanol Council and Environmental Entrepreneurs.

Congressman Gibson Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Investments in Renewable Energy Projects

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT