On the Issues
Energy
Recognizing that the renewable energy sector will increasingly play a leading role in our economy, Maurice has worked to ensure that New York is at the forefront of the high-tech green manufacturing job revolution. With his goal to make New York a national and international hub for solar energy research and development, Maurice didn’t wait for Washington to act and instead took the initiative to help establish The Solar Energy Consortium -- a not-for-profit entity in upstate New York that brings together private solar companies and research institutions throughout the
Agriculture & Rural Development
New York’s 22nd Congressional district, is home to numerous farms and agriculture business including dairy farms, apple orchards and food processors. As New York’s second largest industry, Maurice has made sure agriculture remains a viable part of upstate New York’s economy. When a record freeze destroyed New York’s apple crops in 2002 and could have ended New York’s apple industry, Maurice worked across the aisle in a bipartisan fashion to successfully provide emergency assistance for apples growers.
Education
Maurice proudly voted earlier this year for The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA), which completely overhauled the federal student loan program, saving taxpayers $61 billion that is now being used to make college more affordable with the most significant college aid investment in American history. SAFRA has changed the way the student loan system functions by originating all new loans through the government’s Direct Loan program, instead of forcing students to pay premiums on loans offered by banks on Wall Street. And because all loans that originate from the
Energy
Recognizing that the renewable energy sector will increasingly play a leading role in our economy, Maurice has worked to ensure that New York is at the forefront of the high-tech green manufacturing job revolution. With his goal to make New York a national and international hub for solar energy research and development, Maurice didn’t wait for Washington to act and instead took the initiative to help establish The Solar Energy Consortium -- a not-for-profit entity in upstate New York that brings together private solar companies and research institutions throughout the state to
Environment
Maurice is known as one of the country's most courageous and devoted public servants fighting to protect our communities and our environment. From leading the effort to develop clean energy technologies to protecting our waterways, Maurice, who serves on both the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, has made environmental protection a top priority.
Foreign Affairs & National Security
As a member of Congress and as a Navy veteran, Maurice understands the solemn responsibility that he has to safeguard our country from foreign threats, to promote peace and freedom around the world in a way that demonstrates the United States’ role as a global leader, and to ensure that our troops have the support and resources they need both while in active military service and when they become veterans.
Health Care
Earlier this year, Maurice voted for the most significant and positive piece of health care reform legislation since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. The measure bars insurers from denying coverage to Americans based on pre-existing conditions or dropping individuals when they become sick. The measure also closes the gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage for seniors.
Medicare & Social Security
Maurice has worked tirelessly to stand up for the rights and benefits that seniors earned and deserve. That’s why he fought so hard to strengthen Medicare as part of the recently approved health care law. Under that measure, Maurice helped: add at least nine years to the solvency of the Medicare trust fund; close the gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage known as the donut hole; provide new, free annual wellness visits, and eliminate out-of-pocket copayments for preventive benefits; provide better chronic care; improve Medicare payments for primary care, to protect access t
Veterans
As a Navy veteran, Maurice understands the sacrifices made by the men and women of the armed forces and their families. That’s why he voted to increase the pay for members of the military and approved a 70 percent increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits, expanded health care coverage for children of service members, and provided help to families who take care of wounded veterans when they return from conflict.
Economy & Jobs
Maurice has always made job creation and economic growth the primary focus of his work in Congress. Traveling from community to community across New York’s 22nd Congressional District, Maurice has heard from far too many residents who have either lost their jobs, seen their hours, pay, and benefits get cut, or are living in fear that they may be about to lose their job.
Paid for and authorized by Friends of Maurice Hinchey