Scott Murphy RSS Articles

Statement from Congressman Murphy on President Obama's ‘Educate to Innovate’ Campaign

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Scott Murphy issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s new “Educate to Innovate” campaign for excellence in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), which launched today.

“I applaud the President’s new campaign to make science and math education a top priority in our classrooms as we educate our work force and become world leaders in the 21st century innovation economy.

“Forty years ago, locked in a space race with the Soviet Union, our scientists and engineers answered a president’s call and put the first man on the Moon. Today, we face a different challenge. As our economy becomes more knowledge-based, 21st century jobs will require increasingly knowledgeable workers. Educational excellence, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, will be crucial for success.

“I have spent my career working to create jobs in high-tech businesses across Upstate New York, and I know that one of the keys to success is having a well educated work force. In our community, we have seen our schools work hand in hand with business and government to bring new investments to the area, creating good-paying jobs and breathing life into our local economy. President Obama’s critical initiative will continue these types of partnerships, and I look forward to working with him to train the next generation of innovators and getting our economy back on track.”

Congressman Murphy Calls on Health Insurance Company to Explain Egregious Release of Tens of Thousands of Seniors' Medicare ID Numbers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Scott Murphy issued the following statement in response to health insurance company Universal American printing the Medicare ID numbers of tens of thousands of seniors on postcards:

"The outrageous breach of trust by this insurance company and their vendor endangers the safety and privacy of tens of thousands of New York’s senior citizens. This kind of error is simply unacceptable, especially when it is made in an attempt to expand their lobbying influence. Universal American must immediately issue a public apology and fully explain what actions they will take to prevent the future release of private information which could potentially lead to thousands of cases of identity theft. Our seniors deserve better.”

Congressman Murphy to Hold District Events on Friday, November 20th

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Murphy announced that he will hold events in the 20th District on Friday, November 20th. In light of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, Congressman Murphy and his staff will volunteer at the Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council’s Soup Kitchen in Saratoga Springs.

In addition, Congressman Murphy will hold Congress-On-Your-Corner meetings in Jackson and Hebron to continue the discussion on critical issues facing the 20th District.

Event 1 – Volunteer at the Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council Soup Kitchen

WHO:
Congressman Murphy, his family and staff

WHAT:
Congressman Murphy, his family and his staff will volunteer at the Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council Soup Kitchen in Saratoga Springs

WHERE:
Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church
24 Circular Street
Saratoga Springs, NY

WHEN:
Friday, November 20 at 11:45 a.m.

Event 2 – Jackson Congress-On-Your-Corner

WHO:
Congressman Murphy and local officials

WHAT:
Congress-On-Your-Corner

WHERE:
Burger Den
2869 State Route 22 North
Cambridge, NY (Town of Jackson)

WHEN:
Friday, November 20 at 1:30 p.m.

Event 3 – Hebron Congress-On-Your-Corner

WHO:
Congressman Murphy and local officials

WHAT:
Congress-On-Your-Corner

WHERE:
Hebron Volunteer Fire Company Meeting Hall
3165 County Route 30
Hebron, NY

WHEN:
Friday, November 20 at 2:30 p.m.

Statement From Congressman Murphy on Government Accountability Office’s Findings of Nearly $100 Million in Fraudulent Government Contracts

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Scott Murphy (NY-20) issued the following statement in response to a Government Accountability Office report disclosing that nearly $100 million has been fraudulently collected through a Small Business Administration program designed to help disabled military veterans with small business assistance.

“Today’s findings are completely unacceptable, and highly disrespectful not only to our nation’s hard-working veterans, who have sacrificed so much to protect our lives and our freedoms, but to our hard-working taxpayers in the midst of an economic recession,” said Rep. Murphy. “Since taking office, I have made it a priority to establish a high-level of accountability and transparency in office, and it is extremely worrisome that a program designed to help our service men and women is being abused. I will continue to follow this issue and work with my colleagues to ensure that an incident such as this is prevented from happening in the future.”

Congressman Murphy to Hold Congress-on-Your-Corner in Union Vale

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Murphy will hold a Congress-on-Your-Corner meeting in Union Vale on Saturday, November 21st, at the Town Hall Meeting Room. Congressman Murphy will continue the discussion on the critical issues facing the 20th District.

WHO:
Congressman Murphy, local officials

WHAT:
Union Vale Congress-on-Your-Corner

WHERE:
Town Hall Meeting Room
249 Duncan Road
Lagrangeville, NY 12540

WHEN:
Saturday, November 21, at 2:00 P.M.

Congressman Murphy Helps Pass Legislation to Provide Local Fire Departments With Vital Resources

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Scott Murphy voted to pass the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act, which the Congressman is a co-sponsor of, that authorizes a boost in resources for local fire departments and provides firefighters with the training and equipment necessary to prevent and fight fires, respond to emergencies, and keep communities safe. In addition, this legislation provides for more equitable distribution of funds to ensure that Upstate communities have adequate resources for first responders at a time when many municipal governments, faced with budget shortfalls, are cutting back on basic services.

“The security of our families depends on the ability of our firefighters to respond to emergencies,” said Rep. Murphy. “These brave men and women deserve the best training and equipment we can offer, and this bill helps make our families and communities safer.”

This bipartisan bill, HR 3791, authorizes a total of $2.2 billion a year in grants for local governments to purchase critical equipment upgrades and hire personnel. It also makes it easier for local fire departments to access these funds by lowering matching requirements and modifying time commitments.

Rep. Murphy continued: “As our state and local governments face shrinking budgets and difficult choices, we must do all we can to ensure our fire departments have adequately trained personnel and functioning equipment. This bill helps maintain essential public safety services, while holding the line on the already high tax burden on our working families.”

The bill is supported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.

Congressman Murphy Hosts Successful Tele-Town Hall With Nearly 10,000 20th District Residents

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

On Monday evening, Congressman Scott Murphy hosted his second tele-town hall meeting with 9,885 participants to discuss such issues as health care, economic recovery and job creation.

“Monday’s telephone town hall was a tremendous success,” said Rep. Murphy. “I consider getting input from constituents to be the most important part of my job, and I would like to thank the nearly 10,000 people who joined the discussion last night. This type of political participation and active citizenship is what makes our country so great.”

As he works to represent the interests of the 20th District, Congressman Murphy values the opportunity to update his constituents on his efforts and hear their views on current issues. The tele-town hall provided a forum for Congressman Murphy to directly communicate with thousands on his constituents while working from Washington.

Rep. Murphy continued: “Monday’s participants shared some good ideas and important concerns on today’s critical issues. I came to this office pledging a constant dialogue with the people of the 20th District, and I encourage them to stay in touch over the coming months by calling my offices or attending one of my upcoming events in Upstate New York.”

Monday’s tele-town hall is part of Congressman Murphy’s commitment to transparency and efforts to engage in constant communication with his constituents. Congressman Murphy previously held a tele-town hall in July, with over 8,000 residents participating and has visited nearly 100 towns in the 20th District.

Congressman Murphy to Host Tele-Town Hall

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Murphy will be hosting a tele-town hall Monday, November 16th, at 7:10 pm to continue the discussion with the people of the 20th District on critical issues including health care reform and the economy. This will give thousands of people across the District the opportunity to ask questions and express their views.

Congressman Murphy has made it a priority to spend his first six months travelling across the district, visiting almost 100 towns in the 20th District.

Residents of the 20th District are encouraged to participate in the call. Those interested in participating MUST call Congressman Murphy’s office at 202-225-5614 by 5pm on Friday, November 13th, or email NY20.townhall@mail.house.gov with their name, address, and phone number by noon on Sunday, November 15th to be added to the list. Those who have signed up will receive a phone call Monday evening inviting them to join the call.

WHO: Congressman Scott Murphy; Residents of the 20th District

WHAT: Tele-Town Hall on critical issues including health care reform and the economy

WHEN: 7:10 pm Monday, November 16th, 2009

Veterans Day Statement from Congressman Murphy

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Scott Murphy released the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day:

“On this day, in every corner of this country, we come together to reflect on the great sacrifices made by our service men and women. And just as important, we are reminded why they’ve made these sacrifices – to protect their country, their communities and their families. So we as a nation come together to not only thank them for their service, but to remember those who have risked life and limb to defend our freedoms.

“And today, we must also be mindful of those members of our armed forces currently serving overseas. And, as last week’s tragedy at Fort Hood painfully reminds us, our troops need our protection and support even when they return home from the front lines. Too often, we have not given them enough, while they have given too much; and with that, we must remain vigilant to ensure that the care and benefits they receive reflects the tremendous gratitude and respect they deserve.

“On behalf of all Americans and New Yorkers, we honor our nation’s veterans and all of their families on this day, and every day, for their courage and sacrifice – true testaments to the values and ideals that make this nation great.”

Congressman Murphy's Statement on Hostage Situation at Stissing Mountain High School

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Scott Murphy issued the following statement following the safe resolution of the hostage situation at Stissing Mountain High School:

“I am thankful to hear that the situation at Stissing Mountain High School has been resolved safely. My sincere thanks go to the Pine Plains Police Department, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police and the other rescue workers and first responders who answered the call. Their tremendous courage and poise kept our children and educators safe, and helped bring this situation to a peaceful conclusion.”