Two Senators, Four Questions

This episode features a Q&A session with New York State Senators James Skoufis (D-42) and Rob Rolison (R-39), exploring the role of organized labor, trade education, economic development incentives, and bipartisan governance in the Hudson Valley.

Key Topics Covered:

• Role of Organized Labor & Building Trades: Both senators emphasize union labor as essential for workplace safety, local job creation, quality infrastructure, and sustainable regional growth.
• IDA Incentives & Project Accountability: Senator Skoufis argues for strict due diligence, prevailing wage/PLA requirements, and clawback provisions for companies receiving tax breaks. Senator Rolison highlights attaching labor, apprenticeship, and safety standards to major investments like IBM Quantum.
• Trade Careers & Apprenticeships: Highlighting programs like Local 17's Build and Beyond Hudson Valley pre-apprenticeship program to offer debt-free, family-sustaining careers, noting trade jobs are largely resilient against AI displacement.
• Taxes, Energy, & Cost of Living: Senator Rolison calls for an "all-of-the-above" energy strategy to lower utility bills, while Senator Skoufis addresses high property tax burdens and opposition to corporate tax subsidies.
• Bipartisan Common Ground: Both senators share how they work across party lines on practical issues including public safety, local infrastructure, veteran support, and workforce development.