June 12, 2008
Statement from Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks
Regarding the Women
Against War Peace Vigil in Colonie this Evening
“I stand with the members of Women Against War and the other groups
holding the important vigil this evening to urge the U.S.
and Israel to
engage Iran in
diplomatic negotiations.
While we must ensure the safety and security of Israel,
I believe we should also use all of our economic, political and diplomatic
tools to achieve our objectives of dissembling Iran's
nuclear program and building peace and security in the region.
The Bush administration has so horribly mishandled the situation in Iran,
as they have in Iraq.
After losing over 4,000 American service men and women (3,336 in combat) since
the war began on March 19, 2003
and with a more than $12 billion monthly price tag, we cannot afford to repeat
the same mistakes we made in Iraq.
Whether we work through the U.N. or directly with Iran
and other nations in troubled parts of the world, we need to regain our
position as a respected leader on the world stage.”
June 10, 2008
"Upstreamzine.wordpress.com: It’s The Energy Crisis, Stupid."
Part 4. Tracey Brooks Also Calls For The Government To Help Curb Rising Fuel Prices
Rising Jet Fuel Prices – Like Gas Prices – Threaten Our Transportation System, Weaken Our Economy and Hurt Our Families
In
the wake of another reported failed airlines merger and climbing
airfares due to sky-rocketing jet fuel prices, Congressional candidate
Tracey Brooks called for federal action to address out-of-control jet
and other fuel prices that continue to drive down the economy,
eliminate local jobs, and make basic necessities like groceries and
transportation more expensive for upstate families.
“As the
price of gas is driving up grocery bills and driving farmers, truck
drivers and small businesses to bankruptcy, the rapid rise in jet fuel
is driving up airfares and crippling tourist-driven economies and
airlines alike,” said Brooks. “The pain is the same, whether
middle-class families feel it at the pump, read it in their heating
bills, or see it in airfare and grocery prices. Fuel prices are
crippling all modes of transportation vital to trade and commerce and,
in turn, they’re hurting our families and communities.”
Similar
to her seven-point plan to address record auto gasoline prices, Brooks
is calling for an end to big-oil subsidies and tax loopholes, federal
penalties for jet fuel price gouging and more federally-supported
research and development of alternative jet fuels.
Brooks
noted that the price of jet fuel has increased 82.5 percent over the
last year alone, forcing several major US-based airlines into merger
talks. An apparent failed merger deal between United and US Airways
raises many questions about how many and which of our airlines can
survive.
“The link between gas and jet fuel prices is that
in both cases hard-working New Yorkers pay the price,” said Brooks.
“Regardless of where big oil strikes, they’re hitting the same wallets
in multiple ways and it’s not going to change until we put new
leadership in the White House and new representatives with the right
priorities in Congress.”
June 8, 2008
Tracey Brooks Walks in Annual CAPITAL PRIDE Parade
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today joined thousands
of supporters marching in the Capital Pride 2008 parade sponsored by the
Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council (CDGLCC).
“I congratulate the Capital District Gay and Lesbian
Community Council on putting together such a wonderful week of events and a
spectacular parade,” said Brooks. “The success of Capital Pride 2008 is a
testament to both the hard work of CDGLCC and the many community supporters who
participated in this year’s events.”
Brooks recently unveiled her platform on lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues and offered a pledge of steadfast
support to the LGBT community.
“I salute CDGLCC’s more than thirty years of activism on behalf
of the Capital Region’s LGBT community,” said Brooks. “I whole-heartedly
support the LGBT community and will head to Washington
to fight for legal protections and rights for all LGBT people.”
Brooks has received endorsements from EMILY’s List,
the nation’s largest political action committee
and financial resource for women running for elected office; Women Under
Forty Political Action Committee (WUFPAC), a
nonpartisan political action committee that
supports women forty years of age and under running for federal public office;
and the Women’s Campaign Forum (WCF), non-partisan pro-choice, national
membership organization dedicated to ensuring women become leaders in public
life.
As a lifelong resident of the Albany
area and the Capital Region Director for Senator Hillary
Clinton for the last three years, Brooks enters the race with working
knowledge of the problems facing the region and experience in finding solutions
to them.
June 1, 2008
Tracey Brooks Calls for Federal Action to Address
Soaring Fuel Prices
Rising Jet Fuel Prices – Like Gas Prices –
Threaten Our Transportation System, Weaken Our Economy and Hurt Our Families
In the wake of another reported failed airlines merger and
climbing airfares due to sky-rocketing jet fuel prices, Congressional candidate
Tracey Brooks today called for federal action to address out-of-control fuel
prices that continue to drive down the economy, eliminate local jobs, and make
basic necessities like groceries and transportation more expensive for upstate
families.
“As the price of gas is driving up grocery bills and driving
farmers, truck drivers and small businesses to bankruptcy, the rapid rise in
jet fuel is driving up airfares and crippling tourist-driven economies and
airlines alike,” said Brooks. “The pain is the same, whether middle-class
families feel it at the pump, read it in their heating bills or see it in
airfare and grocery prices. Fuel prices
are crippling all modes of transportation vital to trade and commerce and, in
turn, they’re hurting our families and communities.”
Similar to her seven-point plan to address record auto
gasoline prices, Brooks is calling for an end to big-oil subsidies and tax
loopholes, federal penalties for jet fuel price gouging and more
federally-supported research and development of alternative jet fuels.
Brooks noted that the price of jet fuel has increased 82.5
percent over the last year alone, forcing several major US-based airlines into
merger talks. An apparent failed merger deal between United and US Airways
raises many questions about how many and which of our airlines can survive.
“The link between gas and jet fuel prices is that in both
cases hard-working New Yorkers pay the price,” said Brooks. “Regardless of
where big oil strikes, they’re hitting the same wallets in multiple ways and
it’s not going to change until we put new leadership in the White House and new
representatives with the right priorities in Congress.”
May 31, 2008
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks
Pledges Support to LGBT Community
Unveils LGBT Platform and Announces
Participation in CAPITAL PRIDE 2008
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today offered support to
the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council (CDGLCC) and announced
plans to participate in CAPITAL PRIDE 2008, which runs from May 29 to June 8.
Brooks also unveiled her platform on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
issues and offered a pledge of steadfast support to the LGBT community.
“I look forward to participating in CAPITAL PRIDE 2008 and
congratulate the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council on the
organization’s more than thirty years of activism on behalf of the Capital
District’s LGBT community. CAPITAL PRIDE promises to be a great success and I’m
looking forward to marching in next Sunday’s Pride Parade,” said Brooks. “I
whole-heartedly support the LGBT community and will fight for legal protections
and rights for all LGBT people including the ability of two loving people to legally
wed, and adopt and raise their children with full parenting rights.”
Tracey Brooks supports the following:
- A
transgender-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act;
- The
Matthew Shepard Act adding our community to the nation’s hate crimes
legislation;
- Same-sex
marriage;
- Repeal
of the Defense of Marriage Act;
- Repeal
of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell;
- Increased
funding for HIV/AIDS education, prevention and research and getting rid of
the abstinence only programs that simply do not work; and,
- Legislation
that changes our immigration laws so that bi-national couples are
recognized and the U.S.
citizen of the couple can sponsor his or her non-U.S. partner for
citizenship.
“We have come a long way in supporting the well being of all
our community members, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,”
said Brooks. “But we also have a long way to go to enact, embrace and ensure
the legal rights of all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people.”
Brooks has received endorsements from EMILY’s List,
the nation’s largest political action committee
and financial resource for women running for elected office; Women Under
Forty Political Action Committee (WUFPAC), a
nonpartisan political action committee that
supports women forty years of age and under running for federal public office;
and the Women’s Campaign Forum (WCF), non-partisan pro-choice, national
membership organization dedicated to ensuring women become leaders in public
life.
As a lifelong resident of the Albany
area and the Capital Region Director for Senator Hillary
Clinton for the last three years, Brooks enters the race with working
knowledge of the problems facing the region and experience in finding solutions
to them.
May 31, 2008
Tracey Brooks Congratulates Thousands of Participants
in 30th Freihofer’s Run for Women
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today joined Mayor
Jennings and thousands of people who lined the streets of downtown Albany
to cheer on more than 3,000 participants in the 30th Freihofer’s Run
for Women.
The annual event draws women of all ages, ranging from
Olympic athletes to first-time amateur runners. But regardless of age or skill,
and no matter whether they run or walk, all participants are striving for one
goal---to make it to the finish line.
“Everyone knows the Freihofer’s Run for Women,” Brooks said.
“As a woman running a race of my own -- for Congress -- I find this race very
inspiring, as many people do. This is all about setting goals, striving to meet
them and making it across the finish line,” she added. “That’s what I’m doing
in my Congressional campaign and that’s why this special race draws women from
our community and around the world.”
Brooks has received endorsements from EMILY’s List,
the nation’s largest political action committee and financial resource for
women running for elected office; Women Under Forty Political Action
Committee (WUFPAC), a nonpartisan political action committee that supports
women forty years of age and under running for federal public office; and the Women’s
Campaign Forum (WCF), non-partisan pro-choice, national membership
organization dedicated to ensuring women become leaders in public life.
As a lifelong resident of the Albany area and the Capital
Region Director for Senator Hillary Clinton for the last three years, Brooks
enters the race with working knowledge of the problems facing the region and
experience in finding solutions to them.
May 30, 2008
Tracey Brooks Attends Ceremony and Applauds Donation
for New Habitat Home Built in Honor of Fallen Albany Firefighter
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today joined Mayor
Jerry Jennings at the dedication of a new Habitat for Humanity home built in
honor of fallen Albany firefighter
Teddy Abriel.
On a cold day in February 2007, Teddy Abriel answered the
call and rushed up six flights of stairs to a burning apartment. It cost him
his life. In honor of Teddy’s courage and sacrifice, State Farm Insurance today
donated $10,000 towards the Habitat for Humanity home being built with new
residential fire-prevention technology.
“Teddy Abriel is a true hero, a man who gave his life for
others,” said Brooks. “This generous donation from State Farm Insurance and
this wonderful Habitat project which is part of Albany’s
Strong Community initiative is a
wonderful tribute to Teddy Abriel.”
Brooks added: “Through this partnership, a family will have
a new home, our community will take one more step towards a revitalized future
and we will all have a wonderful reminder of Teddy’s courage and compassion.”
The Habitat home being built at 20
O’Dell Street in Albany
is also receiving support from the Albany Permanent Professional Fire Fighters
Association Local 2007.
“Unfortunately, with the credit crisis and high energy
costs, many working families are finding it more challenging than ever to find
a home. This is a wonderful way to provide a new home to a deserving family,”
Brooks said. “I think the banner hanging from this great new home says exactly
what this project is about: Pride in our Past, Confidence in our Future.”
As a lifelong resident of the Albany
area and the Capital Region Director for Senator Hillary Clinton for the last
three years, Brooks enters the race with working knowledge of the problems
facing the region and experience in finding solutions to them.
May 29, 2008
Tracey Brooks Attends Capital District Area Labor
Federation’s Annual Labor Appreciation Gala
Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks attended the Capital
District Area Labor Federation-AFL-CIO Labor Appreciation Gala this evening in
honor of Prairie Wells and Assemblyman Bob Reilly.
“I congratulate both Assemblyman Reilly and Prairie Wells in
receiving much-deserved recognition for their strong support of organized
labor,” said Brooks. “I also commend the Capital District Area Labor Federation
for all they do for labor and our community.”
Brooks continued: “Prairie Wells is a remarkable woman who
is a third generation union member and activist, a passionate believer in
community organizing and now a dedicated advocate for the Empire State Pride
Agenda.”
Tracey Brooks has strong labor backing, receiving the most
major union endorsements, including support from the Bricklayers & Allied
Craftworkers (BAC) Union Local #2 NYS, IBEW #97, Amalgamated Transit Union
(ATU), and Laborers – LIUNA Local 190. Brooks has also received numerous local endorsements
throughout the 21st Congressional District including Albany Mayor
Jerry Jennings, Green Island Mayor Ellen McNulty Ryan, former Green Island
Mayor Jack McNulty and Cohoes Mayor John McDonald.
As a lifelong resident of the Albany
area and the Capital Region Director for Senator Hillary Clinton for the last
three years, Brooks enters the race with working knowledge of the problems
facing the region and experience in finding solutions to them.
May 29, 2008
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks Calls for Enhanced Benefits and Services for Our Veterans
Supports new G.I. bill and State Capitol Rally for Vets
Congressional
candidate Tracey Brooks today called for enhanced veterans’ benefits
and services, applauded those who voted for the new G.I. Bill and
voiced support for the New York State Council of Veterans
Organizations' rally held today at the State Capitol.
“Our
troops have done their job and now it’s time to bring our sons and
daughters home from Iraq and give them the federal and state resources
they need to rejoin our workforce, rejoin our communities and, most
importantly, rejoin their families,” said Brooks.
“Our
veterans need extended and enhanced health care benefits, better mental
health services to help them readjust back into their communities, more
education funding to attend or return to college and help finding
affordable housing or assistance navigating the sub-prime mortgage
debacle,” said Brooks. “We can start by taking some of the $12 billion
monthly Iraq price tag and reinvesting it here in the Capital Region to
help our veterans, help our families and help our communities.”
Brooks
supports the new G.I. Bill (H.R. 5740) which passed the House on May 15
and a similar Senate version (S. 22) which passed on May 22.
Congressman McNulty voted for H.R. 5740 and Senator Clinton and Senator
Schumer both voted in favor of the S. 22.
“The new
G.I. bill brings education benefits from a WWII era level to an amount
much more consistent with the current cost of education,” said Brooks.
“But like gas or grocery prices, the rapid rise in education prices is
making it increasingly harder for middle-class families to keep up.”
Brooks
noted that a New York Times editorial called the original G.I. bill
“one of the soundest investments in human potential -- in the nation’s
history.”
The updated GI bills increase the maximum
tuition benefit for up to 4 years pays full tuition and other expenses
at a four-year public university for veterans who served in the
military for at least three years since 9/11.
Veterans'
organizations supported the legislation including the Veterans of
Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Military Officers Association,
and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).
In
support of the New York State Council of Veterans Organizations’ rally
to support veterans’ issues Brooks said: “As we all have friends,
family members or neighbors who have served or are serving in Iraq and
Afghanistan, we understand the importance of both federal and state
government being fully behind our veterans as they return home to the
Capital Region.”
Tracey Brooks’ support of our
troops and veterans has remained steadfast as has her call to end the
war in Iraq and bring our troops home safely.
Brooks
had this to say after Congressman McNulty received the Four Chaplains
Brotherhood award from the Albany Post 105 of the Jewish War Veterans
at the Sam Stratton V.A. Medical Center in February: “As a candidate to
succeed Congressman McNulty, I vowed to him -- and want everyone in the
Capital Region to know -- that I will continue his fight for veterans’
causes and that includes doing everything possible to ensure that as we
bring our sons and daughters home from Iraq and other battles
abroad…and that they have all the resources necessary…as we must be
there for our soldiers when they need us most.”
May 21, 2008
Tracey Brooks Picks Up All Local Endorsements
In Town of Coeymans and Village of Ravena
Brooks Gets Full Hometown Support
Congressional
candidate Tracey Brooks today announced that she has been endorsed by
the supervisor and entire board in the Town of Coeymans, as well as, by
the mayor and all trustees in the Village of Ravena.
"I'm
proud to stand with all of my colleagues to enthusiastically support
and endorse our friend, our neighbor, and hometown Congressional
candidate Tracey Brooks," said Coeymans Supervisor Ronald K. Hotaling,
Jr.
"Tracey Brooks has demonstrated a commitment to
improving the quality of life for ordinary citizens and has worked hard
to secure investments in our community and in local communities
throughout the Capital Region," Hotaling continued. "Tracey Brooks can
relate to the struggles of hard working middle-class families trying to
pay for college, get quality health care, or earn a living wage because
that's the type of family and community she comes from – a place where
'everyone knows your name' and where people matter."
"It's
an honor to have unanimous support from my hometown leaders in Coeymans
and Ravena," said Brooks. "With the help of our dedicated, local
supporters from Coeymans to Colonie, from Ravena to Rotterdam to
Amsterdam, I look forward to engaging voters as a leader with a
different kind of experience, a clear vision for our future, and a
focus on the right priorities to make real change happen for our
families and local communities."
The following ten elected officials have all endorsed Tracey Brooks:
Town of Coeymans
Ronald K. Hotaling, Jr. –Supervisor
Dawn Rogers- Council
Thomas A. Boehm- Council
James C. Youmans-Council
Richard N. Touchette-Council
Village of Ravena
John T. Bruno-Mayor
Bill Bailey-Village Trustee
Martin R. Case-Village Trustee
Rocco Persico-Village Trustee
Bruce E. Roberts- Village Trustee
Tracey
Brooks has received numerous local endorsements throughout the 21st
Congressional District including Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, Green
Island Mayor Ellen McNulty Ryan, former Green Island Mayor Jack McNulty
and Cohoes Mayor John McDonald.
Brooks also has
strong labor backing, receiving the most major union endorsements,
including support from the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC)
Union Local #2 NYS, IBEW #97, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), and
Laborers – LIUNA Local 190.
Brooks has received
endorsements from EMILY's List, the nation's largest political action
committee and financial resource for women running for elected office;
Women Under Forty Political Action Committee (WUFPAC), a nonpartisan
political action committee that supports women forty years of age and
under running for federal public office; and the Women's Campaign Forum
(WCF), non-partisan pro-choice, national membership organization
dedicated to ensuring women become leaders in public life.
As
a lifelong resident of the Albany area and the Capital Region Director
for Senator Hillary Clinton for the last three years, Brooks enters the
race with working knowledge of the problems facing the region and
experience in finding solutions to them.
May 19, 2008
Tracey Brooks Radio Interview: AM1570, WVTL, Amsterdam
Tracey
chats with Bob Cudmore about the success of her Congressional campaign,
the issues and priorities that matter to people in the Capital Region,
and the support she is receiving from throughout the district.
To download the interview click here.
May 14, 2008
Tracey Brooks Acknowledges
the
60th
Anniversary of the State of Israel
Congressional
Candidate Tracey Brooks today acknowledged the 60th Anniversary of
the State of Israel, noting the triumph of democracy amid the challenges and
struggles of the Middle East.
“On this,
the 60th Anniversary of the independent State of Israel, it is
important to reflect upon the resolve of the Jewish people and the importance
of our relationship with Israel,” said Brooks, a
candidate to replace Rep. Michael McNulty in the 21st Congressional
District.
“I will
work closely with Israel to continue our important
strategic alliance and seek to establish more opportunities for travel and
commerce between our communities and businesses in the Capital Region and Israel.”
Israel was declared an
independent State on May 14, 1948, creating a
permanent State for the Jewish people. The
United States was one of the
first countries to officially recognize Israel and establish
diplomatic relations.
Brooks also reflected on the significance of the Oslo Accords initiated by President Bill Clinton,
which brought together the heads of state of the two countries, promising to
work for peace. “This historic event must
not be forgotten and we encourage all parties to continue to work toward the
goal of promoting peace in the region.”
As a
lifelong resident of the Albany area and the
Capital Region Director for Senator Hillary Clinton for the last three years,
Brooks enters the race with working knowledge of the problems facing the region
and experience in finding solutions to them.
May 8, 2008
Congressional Candidate
Tracey Brooks Proposes Seven-Point Plan To Address Record Gas
Prices
Brooks and Local Gas Station Owner Ask: “Where is
all the gas money going?”
Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks today proposed a
seven-point plan to combat skyrocketing gas prices that are crushing
middle-class families, hurting small businesses and forcing our nation into a
recession. Brooks called for an end to the big oil company price gouging
that has led to record-breaking profits paid for on the backs of hard-working
Americans.
“The Bush Administration’s failed energy, economic and
foreign policies have led to gas prices jumping over 250 percent in less than
eight years and doubling this year alone, with big oil profits nearly mirroring
those huge price increases,” said Brooks, standing with local gas
station/mini-mart owner Mac Brownson. “After years of the same failed ideas, a
lack of any real energy plan, and an inability to pass meaningful legislation,
we need a new kind a leadership that can create real change through meaningful
solutions.”
Brooks continued: “As gas prices continue to rise
towards $4.00 a gallon, we need to ask where all the additional money is going.
It’s not going to local retailers and small business owners like Mac Brownson.
It’s not staying here in the Capital Region to support our local economy and
it’s not even staying in New York State. And if State or Federal leaders impose a tax
holiday, it won't go towards meeting our budget gaps or providing services
either. Actually, it’s nearly all going -- and will continue to go -- towards
big oil's record-breaking profits and we need to do something about it.”
“We need leaders in Congress like Tracey Brooks who
truly understand our problems in the Capital Region and understand that when
big oil companies jack up their prices it hurts all of us,” said Brownson, in
front of his station on Central Ave in Albany. “I don’t control gas prices and Tracey Brooks gets
it. She’s asking the right questions and has good solutions to finally
change the direction we’re heading in.”
Brooks added that “we can no longer have a government
that puts the profits of oil companies ahead of the needs of the people and
that’s why I’m proposing a plan that addresses the real causes of the
problem.”
The Brooks Plan:
1. Bring our troops home from Iraq
and reinvest the war's $12 billion monthly price tag here at home.
2. End tax loopholes for big
oil companies and invest that money in alternative fuels and renewable energy.
3. Continue
to push the auto industry to increase gas mileage.
4. Create higher tax
deductions for purchasing hybrid
vehicles.
5. End the eight-year
practice of unnecessary price-gouging on the part of big oil companies by creating federal and
state anti-gouging regulations that appropriately focus on the big oil companies.
6. Create federal and state
energy plans that have been promised for years but never delivered.
7. Invest more in renewable
energy businesses that will bring jobs and better wages to our region.
Brooks’ plan hits on key structural problems in our
policies and noted that the Iraq War has contributed significantly to the pain
at the pump with average gas prices jumping from $1.57 at the start of the war
to recent local prices reaching $4.00.
“I have been bringing our message of change to all
seven counties of the district, meeting with families, listening to their
concerns about gas prices and talking about the need for new priorities in Washington and new leaders who can make real change happen here
in the Capital Region,” Brooks concluded.
May 6, 2008
Women’s Campaign Forum Endorses Tracey Brooks in the
21st Congressional District
Women’s Campaign Forum (WCF), a non-partisan pro-choice
national membership organization dedicated to ensuring women become leaders in
public life, has announced their endorsement of Tracey Brooks in the 21st
Congressional District.
“I’m proud to have the endorsement and support of the
Women’s Campaign Forum,” said Brooks. “WCF’s support, along with EMILY’s List
and WUFPAC, will ensure that I have the resources and ability to get my message
of change out to the voters of the 21st Congressional District.”
Women’s Campaign Forum works tirelessly to improve women’s
representation by empowering pro-choice women from all walks of life to become
voters, activists, volunteers, and most importantly, candidates. To help WCF
support their endorsed candidates go to www.wcfonline.org.
Brooks has also received endorsements from EMILY’s List, the
nation’s largest political action committee and financial resource for women
running for elected office and Women Under Forty Political Action Committee
(WUFPAC), a nonpartisan political action committee that supports women forty
years of age and under running for federal public office.
Tracey Brooks has dedicated her
life to public service throughout her political,
legal, and community work. As
the regional director for Senator Hillary Clinton, Brooks used her intimate
knowledge of the 21st district to fight to improve
economic
development, health care, education and the neglected infrastructure
by
securing federal resources for local communities.
May 1, 2008
Congressional
Candidate Tracey Brooks Blasts the Bush Administration and Big Oil
Companies for Record Gas Prices and Record Profits Brooks Discussed Failed Policies of the Past and Proposed Solutions for the Future Congressional
Candidate Tracey Brooks today laid out her commitment to help
middle-class families deal with crushing gas and related food prices,
by proposing short-term conservation and long-term alternative energy
solutions. Brooks blasted the Bush Administration’s failed
policies which have resulted in high prices at the pump and big oil
companies’ record-breaking profits.
“After another
record-breaking quarter of big oil profits, today’s Siena poll showing
that 70 percent of us are paying more for gas and food, and with local
gas prices already touching $4.00, it’s clear that we need change in
Washington and help here in the Capital Region,” said Brooks standing
in front of an Exxon station on Central Avenue in Albany.
“The
Bush Administration’s failed energy, economic and foreign policies have
led to a weakening economy with stagnant wages, continued job loss and
a looming recession,” continued Brooks. “Republicans in Washington and
Albany continue to fight for the status quo. After thirty years
of the same failed ideas, a lack of any real energy plan, and an
inability to pass meaningful legislation they should have learned their
lesson. We need a new kind a leadership that will be effective
and make real change to keep gas prices in check.”
Brooks’
proposals hit on key structural problems in the U.S. energy and foreign
policy, as well as, touched on ways individuals can weather the
economic storm. “We can start with short-term conservation practices
like providing tax incentives for fuel efficient cars, maintaining air
pressure in our tires, and walking or car-pooling more but we really
need to address the long-term fundamental issues.”
“We
need to start by bringing our troops home from Iraq and reinvesting the
war’s $12 billion monthly price tag right back here at home. We must
end tax loopholes for oil companies and instead invest in alternative
fuels and renewable energy. We must continue to push the auto industry
to increase gas mileage and we absolutely must end this eight-year
practice of unnecessary price-gouging on the part of big oil companies.”
Brooks’
long-term energy solution also includes both federal and state energy
plans and more investment in renewable energy businesses that will also
bring more jobs and better wages to the region.
“I’m
committed to helping solve this problem by fighting to reduce our
dependence on oil, calling for smart investments in renewable
energy and energy-efficiency technology that will create green
jobs here in the Capital Region,” said Brooks. “We can no longer have a
government that puts the profits of oil companies ahead of the needs of
the people.”
Brooks pointed out that Exxon Mobil
today announced that their first-quarter net income rose 17 percent to
$10.89 billion and profits increased by 10 percent. Shell and BP's
combined first-quarter profits topped $17 billion. Meanwhile, the price
of gas has recently jumped in the Capital Region to nearly $4.00 a
gallon with prices ranging as high as $3.79 to $3.99, well ahead of the
expected summer increases. The price of crude oil is at an all-time
high, reaching over $120 a barrel. Brooks noted that the Iraq War
has contributed significantly to the pain at the pump with average gas
prices jumping from $1.57 at the start of the war to recent averages
topping $3.61.
As a lifelong resident of the Albany area
and the Capital Region Director for Senator Hillary Clinton for the
last three years, Brooks enters the race with working knowledge of the
problems facing the region and experience in finding solutions to
them.
“I have been bringing our message of change to
all seven counties of the district, meeting with families, listening to
their concerns, and talking about the need for new priorities in
Washington and new leaders, to make real change happen here in the
Capital Region,” Brooks concluded.
To learn more about Tracey Brooks, please visit www.traceybrooks.com.
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