Senator Jim Alesi and Assemblyman Mark Johns announced today that the East Rochester Public Library has been awarded a New York State Public Library Construction Grant to help with construction and renovation projects.  The East Rochester Public Library will receive more than $275,000 for the reconstruction of the Eyer Building to house all East Rochester municipal offices, including the Library.  The local grant is among 192 construction grants awarded to public libraries and library systems throughoutNew YorkState, which are supported by $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2011-2012 State Budget.

“I am pleased that the East Rochester Public Library has been selected to receive $275,000 in funding through the State Public Library Construction Grant Program for needed construction and structural improvements to library facilities,” said Senator Alesi.  “I commend village and library officials for their hard work and determination to secure this important state money.  I am keenly aware of how valuable the services and resources available at local libraries, likeEast Rochester, are to students, professionals, researchers, and residents inMonroeCountyand surrounding counties.  Our libraries are a valuable resource and we should be doing all that we can to maintain and improve upon them.”

“I am pleased that the State Public Library Construction Grant Program awarded the East RochesterPublic Library more than a quarter of a million dollars for needed improvements,” said Assemblyman Johns.  “Local libraries play a critical role in the education of our community and I will continue to fight for state funding for East Rochesterand all other branches in the 135^th Assembly District.  As a former Town Board liaison to local libraries, I have seen the hard work and dedication displayed by everyone in our library system.”

New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading.  More than 40 percent of the over 1,000 public library building in communities across the state are over 60 years old.  Another 30 percent are more than three decades old.  Many of New York’s local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient, cannot provide internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring, and do not have sufficient space to house the library’s expanding collection, address the need for adequate meeting room, or provide for public access to computers.

Besides the East Rochester Public Library, the Rochester Public Library was granted nearly $351,000 for phase III of the Rundel Restoration Project.  The renovation of the infrastructure will expand options for library programs and services, ensuring library operations for future generations.  More than $18,000 will be awarded to the Chili Public Library to demolish the existing office and build a new office to house additional shelving to increase space for materials, programming and children’s computing.  These grants are similar to the grant that most recently assisted in the construction of the new Mendon Public Library, officially opened last July.  The towns of Mendon and Chili are both in Senator Alesi’s district.

Senator Jim Alesi today joined Lieutenant Governor Duffy and local leaders to announce that Maximus Federal Services will invest nearly $1.7 million to expand its Medicare Appeals operations in Pittsford – consolidating operations currently located in Pennsylvania and New York into the new Pittsford location.  The investment includes over 300 new jobs and the retention of more than 150 at-risk jobs.

“Companies from around the world recognize the Greater Rochester region as an excellent place to do business,” said Senator Jim Alesi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business.  “After conducting an extensive, multi-state search for a new office location, Maximus Federal Services chose Pittsford, undoubtedly a true testament to our region’s tremendous academic institutions, manufacturing base, and technical expertise.  I thank Maximus and its leaders for selecting Pittsford as its new home, and I am looking forward to partnering with them in the future as we continue to create jobs and revitalize our local economy, which has been the focus of Governor Cuomo and the Legislature in an effort to make New York business-friendly once again.”

“The expansion of Maximus means more jobs for Monroe County and another big investment by a leading international company choosing to stay and grow in New York,” Governor Cuomo said.  “To compete in the global market we must continue to attract world-renowned businesses like Maximus that can create jobs in the short term and sustainable investment opportunities for the long-term health of our economy.”

“Maximus is a growing company that will create hundreds of new jobs by capitalizing on the strong demand for its services,” said Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy.  “This project demonstrates how the effective leadership of Governor Cuomo is improving New York’s ability to attract big companies to invest and create jobs in New York.”

Maximus is a business leader in health and human services, providing administration support to programs such as Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare, employment services, education and related consulting offerings.  Maxumus’ expansion is expected to create and retain nearly $120 million in payroll wages, contributing to the local economic growth.

Growing up in a family which served with volunteer fire and ambulance companies, I understand how vital recruitment is to the volunteer fire service. That is why I was the original author of legislation that created a scholarship program to increase the recruitment and retention of volunteers.

I was also proud to sponsor legislation to increase the benefits received by totally disabled volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in New York State. Volunteer firefighters who are injured in the course of their volunteer service are eligible under state law to receive workers’ compensation for their injuries. The state has enacted these benefits in recognition that these volunteers provide enormously important services to our communities.

The open houses this weekend are designed to offer potential volunteers with a glimpse of the individual fire departments and provide those interested in becoming volunteers a chance to ask questions. Click here to view a complete list of participating Monroe County departments.

For generations, our community has had a long and proud tradition of volunteer firefighters – courageous men and women who save lives and deliver care, comfort and support when tragedy strikes. This weekend provides a great opportunity to become a part of this proud tradition.

Sincerely,

Senator Jim Alesi

Senator Alesi announced today that the Greater Rochester Area will host a workshop in April to help small business owners start and grow their business in New York State.  The Finger Lakes Region workshop will be held Tuesday, April 24^th, at the Hillside Family of Agencies Conference Center in Rochester.

“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, and a former small business owner myself, I understand how imperative it is that New York State assist small businesses in any way possible,” said Senator Alesi.  “Small businesses are the foundation of our communities and the key to Upstate New York’s resurgence as they provide the bedrock for a healthy economy.  These workshops will provide valuable information to small business owners who are looking to start, develop and advance their small businesses.”

As part of a statewide small business outreach initiative announced earlier this month by Governor Cuomo, a team of state officials will travel to the Finger Lakes Region to conduct the April 24^th workshop.  At least six state agencies will be traveling around the state, including the departments of State, Labor, Taxation and Finance as well as Empire State Development, State Liquor Authority, and the Workers’ Compensation Board.  Each workshop will be held in conjunction with local chambers of commerce.

Many business owners have contacted New York State with questions about regulations, licenses and practices. Some of the topics the seminars will cover include: starting a business and adhering to regulatory timelines; how to obtain and file tax forms; first steps for hiring employees; and, how to become certified as an MWBE.

Additional information on the workshops will be available via www.NYOpenforSmallBusiness.com.