Congressman Michael A. Arcuri

If ever an individual’s values, beliefs and work ethic fit their role in life, it would be Mike Arcuri, Congressman, representing New York’s 24^th Congressional District. Since taking office in January 2007, Mike has tirelessly worked for the good of the Upstate region he grew up in, and where he raises his family now.

From the outset as a House freshman, Mike was chosen to continue a long-standing New York tradition as a member of the important House Rules Committee. He also serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee, where he is successfully leading the way to bring high-speed rail across Upstate New York, a project he likens to a “21^st Century Erie Canal.”

As our representative and voice in Washington, Mike’s priorities closely mirror the needs and wants of his constituency. As a moderate with fiscally conservative values, he is uniquely suited to represent our Upstate region.  He is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a moderate group of democratic Representatives fighting to maintain fiscal, non-partisan responsibility in the federal government.  In fact, this year the National Journal, a prestigious national magazine, named Mike the most moderate, centrist member of the House of Representatives based on his voting record.

But Mike believes actions speak louder than words.  He lead the charge on passage of PAYGO in the House, a bill helping to ensure money is only spent by Congress when it’s there. In December, along with a small group of colleagues, Mike stepped forward to co-author and sign a letter to President Obama demanding a freeze on non-security related federal spending. Believing that you must lead by example, he cut his own office budget and expenses in 2009 by 8% and returned over $120,000 to the treasury to be used against the federal deficit.

He then authored and introduced legislation that would require members of the House to take a 5% salary cut and implement a 5% office budget reduction in 2010.

Mike believes the road back to prosperity in Upstate New York begins with a solid job market, a sound economy and better education so that we remain competitive.  He led the charge for the Small Business Tax Relief Act, which provides $1.3 billion for small businesses and family farms. He has voted countless times to provide tax relief for working families and small businesses. He voted against “cap and trade,” a bill that potentially would have significantly increased utility rates and cost jobs throughout our region. 

As the new global economy pervades the region, Mike is working to ensure that our children have every educational opportunity.   He led the debate on the House floor in favor of the Cybersecurity Act, which will have a direct impact on secondary education and job creation in the region.  He was also instrumental in bringing $2.7 million to the district for job training in the health-related careers. And, he was an original co-sponsor of the College Student Relief Act and has voted to increase Pell Grants and cut student loan rates so more children can receive a sound college education.

Mike believes in preservation of our natural resources to ensure a bright future for generations to come. He insists that more research be completed before supporting hydro-fracture natural gas drilling to ensure preservation of our water, which he knows is our most precious natural resource.

The NYRI power line proposal is something everyone in the Upstate region is familiar with, especially the worries over how the project would increase our utility rates, devastate property values and scar our precious landscape.  Mike has been at the forefront of the fight against NYRI even before he was elected congressman.  Mike’s efforts, along side strong local support in the community, have put up the necessary roadblocks to stop the NYRI project.

For our seniors he is sponsoring legislation to protect them from identity theft and he adamantly opposes privatization of social security. He was voted “Legislator of the Year” in 2009 for sponsoring legislation to install fire safety equipment in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Simply put, Mike Arcuri epitomizes our way of life in Upstate New York and the American dream itself.  The son of a World War II veteran, Mike was born and raised in Utica where he was a star athlete in high school and went on to play football at SUNY Albany where he earned All-American honors. He earned his Juris Doctorate at New York Law School before returning to Utica to start his own small business, a law practice.  He was elected District Attorney for Oneida County where he served 13 years, taking an active role in law enforcement to successfully reduce violent crime in Oneida County. While in office, he created the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center and now as congressman, has been successful in helping other counties throughout the region establish their own Child Advocacy Centers.

Mike still lives in Utica with his wife and three children. And he spends much of his time at home tirelessly traveling the 24^th District town-by-town, mile-by-mile, helping to ensure the best part of the American dream for all of us.