As a father of school aged children you would expect education to be important to Mike. But his accomplishments for our young people, teachers and school systems in our district are remarkable, bringing in much needed funding and services while keeping our children safe.

Through Title 1, he secured over $50 million in federal funding for  50 school districts in 7 counties across the district. The crucial funding helped retain teachers and address other needs without having to raise local property taxes during the economic downturn.

Mike secured millions of dollars in funding to support and improve Head Start programs in Cayuga, Ostego and Chenango counties. In addition he voted in support of the Keeping All  Students Safe Act (H.R. 4247), which establishes uniform standards in schools across the country to prevent abusive practices against students.

He supported the 21st Century Green-High Performing Public School Facility Act which appropriated federal funding to public schools to promote cost saving, energy efficient upgrades. And he amended the legislation to permit locally produced energy systems to be employed in schools across the 24th district.

As a parent Mike has seen first hand the daunting problem of rising college costs and has aided middle class families by voting in favor fo the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, cutting student loan rates in half and doubling Pell Grants. Over 400,000 students in New York could benefit by 2011.

And while these and other grass roots programs have aided thousands of families now, Mike looks to the future and preparing our children for an ever-changing world. He led debate and co-sponsored the Cyber Security Enhancement Act to create a nationwide scholarship program for students who will be trained in cyber defense, leading to new job opportunities. Already this year, over $2.8 million has been awarded to the Mohawk Valley Community College for training of over 2,000 people.