Tracey Brooks for Congress 2008

3Steps

June 19, 2008

National Association for Uniformed Services Recognizes Tracey Brooks for Her Support of Veterans

Brooks Also Continues to Call for Enhanced Benefits and Services for Our Veterans

Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks recently accepted the appreciation and support of the National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS) for her outstanding efforts on behalf of all service members, retirees and veterans.

"Tracey Brooks was the driving force in securing Senate sponsorship for S. 1444, the 'Supply Our Soldiers' Act of 2007, a mail voucher program allowing soldiers' families to send postage-free mail to their soldiers while in Iraq and Afghanistan," said NAUS Vice President, Brigadier General, Retired, Thomas F. Quinlan. "All service members and their families stand to benefit from the work already done by Tracey Brooks, as she is someone with a real sense of the needs of today's soldiers, returning veterans and military retirees."

"I'm truly honored to have the support of local vets, true American heroes, like Gen. Quinlan," said Brooks. "Our veterans need and deserve any help we can give them including extended and enhanced health care benefits and better mental health services to help them readjust back into their communities. They also need more education funding to attend or return to college, and help finding affordable housing or assistance navigating the sub-prime mortgage debacle."

Brooks also supports the Military Retiree Health Care Relief Act of 2007, which will provide a tax credit for premiums paid through social security deductions for Medicare Part B.

"Like most military members, we like to see the actions matched by the promises and Tracey Brooks has always come through for us," said Gen. Quinlan.

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 in May. Congressman McNulty voted for H.R. 5740 and Senator Clinton and Senator Schumer both voted in favor of S. 22.

"The new G.I. Bill brings education benefits from a WW II era level to an amount much more consistent with the current cost of education," said Brooks. "But like gas and grocery prices, the rapid rise in education prices is making it increasingly harder for middle-class families to keep up."

June 18, 2008

Tracey Brooks Calls on all Candidates to Sign the Voters First Pledge

Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today urged all candidates in the 21^st Congressional race to support clean money and clean elections by joining her in signing the “Voters First Pledge.”

“I signed the ‘Voters First Pledge’ to make elections fair, restore accountability to our electoral process, and protect the voters’ right to information and I call on all candidates in the 21^st Congressional District to do the same,” said Brooks. “I stand with Congressman McNulty and Congresswoman Gillibrand, who previously signed the pledge, in advocating for more equity and fairness in the electoral process.”

Brooks continued: “While campaign finance reform is currently a hot topic in Albany and Washington, it’s been on the minds of voters for a long time. As I travel through all seven counties in the District, I hear voters calling out for change in many forms. They want new priorities in Washington, they’re looking for new leaders with a different kind of experience and they want those leaders to support campaign finance reform.”

The “Voters First Pledge” was created by the Public Campaign Action Fund, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving America’s campaign finance laws. They help enact, defend, and promote Clean Elections-style public financing in states around the country like Arizona and Maine, and advocate for similar legislation for all federal elections.

Since its founding in 1997, Public Campaign Action Fund has brought activists to the fight for comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s campaign finance laws and to make opposing reform a political liability for elected officials. The group has more than 70,000 online members and works with state organizations in approximately three dozen states.

“People are tired of ‘politics as usual’ and the same old politicians and party insiders. They want solutions and they want their voices to be heard,” said Brooks.

Tracey Brooks is running for Congress in the 21^st District which has been represented for 20 years by retiring Congressman Michael McNulty. Brooks has been endorsed by Congressman McNulty’s sister, Green Island Mayor Ellen McNulty Ryan, and his father, former Green Island Mayor and Albany County Sheriff, Jack McNulty.

June 17, 2008

Tracey Brooks Supports Albany County Young Democrats

Attends Annual Installation Event

Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks attended the Albany County Young Democrats (ACYD) Annual Installation Celebration Monday evening at the Albany Institute of History & Art. The Young Dems honored retiring Congressman Michael McNulty for his years of service to the 21^st Congressional District.

“I congratulate the Albany County Young Dems on putting together another great event, this one in celebration of Congressman McNulty’s years of service to the Capital Region, and look forward to working with the newly installed Young Dem leaders,” said Brooks. “It is critically important to bring our young Democratic activists into the process and encourage them to help elect Democrats this fall.”

ACYD educates young voters on the issues that matter and trains them to be effective campaign volunteers. The organization also encourages and assists young people to run for elected office. Through these activities, ACYD brings young people into the democratic process and helps them build their own futures.

Congressman Michael McNulty, who announced his retirement in October, has represented the 21^st Congressional District for 20 years. Brooks has been endorsed by Congressman McNulty’s sister, Green Island Mayor Ellen McNulty Ryan, and his father, former Green Island Mayor and Albany County Sheriff, Jack McNulty.

June 16, 2008

National Organization for Women PAC Endorses
Tracey Brooks in New York’s 21st Congressional District

The National Organization for Women (NOW) PAC today announced their endorsement of Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks in New York’s 21^st Congressional District.

“The National Organization for Women PAC is pleased to announce our endorsement of Tracey Brooks for Congress,” said Kim Gandy, NOW President and Chairwoman of the NOW PAC, the largest and most comprehensive feminist advocacy organization in the United States. “Tracey is an outspoken voice for a women’s right to choose and will fight against measures that criminalize women and doctors.”

Marcia Pappas, President of NOW-NYS added: “We need women in Congress like Tracey Brooks, who can focus our nation on the right priorities, who not only represent real, visible change but will deliver change that is meaningful to everyone in the Capital Region and across America, from making government more accountable to the people to speaking the truth when not politically convenient.”

“I am honored and proud to be endorsed by the National Organization for Women PAC, one of the nation’s premier grassroots organizations,” said Brooks. “For over forty years, NOW has been fighting for equal rights, working to end discrimination and pushing for the real, meaningful change that voters are now calling for.”

Founded in 1966 by a small but determined group of women's rights advocates, NOW has more than 500,000 contributing members and hundreds of chapters across the U.S. Their mission as a grassroots civil rights organization is to bring women into full participation in society -- sharing equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities with men, while living free from discrimination.

“I support NOW’s top six priority issues which include: advancing reproductive freedom, promoting diversity & ending racism, stopping violence against women, winning lesbian rights, achieving constitutional equality and ensuring economic justice,” said Brooks. “When we talk about change, these are some of the many issues that we must address in order to really achieve the results we all want to see.”

NOW also has a local Albany chapter that focuses on uniting women in Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties, and addresses the inequities facing women in our local communities.

“I look forward to working with our local NOW members throughout the 21^st Congressional District, as we continue to build our army of supporters who will help us deliver our message of change to the voters,” said Brooks.

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; 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.

Born in Albany and raised in Clifton Park, Brooks attended public schools and played on a state championship basketball team. At Albany Law School, where she attended on an Edgar and Margaret Sandman Fellowship in Aging Law and Policy, she published research on alternative dispute resolution and received the school’s inaugural Kate Stoneman award for gender equity and policy. For the last three years, Brooks worked with local communities as the Capital Region Director for Senator Hillary Clinton.

June 15, 2008

Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks
Marks Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15

Brooks attends concert with her father

Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks took part in a local Father’s Day tradition and joined her father for the Sixth Annual Father’s Day Pops Concert at Albany’s Riverfront Park, Sunday, June 15.

“This concert is a wonderful way to spend time with my father and for us to enjoy the day,” Brooks said.

But for many fathers, this Father’s Day will simply be another work day, as they go to work to support their families.

“As we take time to spend a family day with our fathers, we should also reflect on the current plight of working families in the Capital Region and throughout our nation, as they struggle to make ends meet in the face of skyrocketing gas prices, job and housing losses and too few solutions coming out of Washington. We need someone with the right priorities, who knows first-hand the challenges working families face, and the right experience to bring about change,” she added.

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 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.

June 14, 2008

Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks
Marks Flag Day, June 14

Saturday, June 14 marks Flag Day, the 231^st anniversary of the day Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States in 1777.

“Flag Day is a wonderful time to pause and reflect upon the meaning and symbolism of our flag,” Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks said. “For one thing, the flag symbolizes strength and courage for the men and women who wear it on their military, law enforcement, firefighter and other uniforms.”

Brooks added: “As a time of patriotic reflection, I look forward to the day when we once again pursue the right priorities, end the war in Iraq, and bring our troops home.”

Brooks noted that Flag Day 2008 comes during difficult times for many people here at home.

“Across the Capital Region today, our flag is flying in front of gas stations where people are paying $4.15 a gallon or more for gas and it’s flying in front of homes where working families are struggling with energy costs, higher grocery bills, and little relief in sight,” Brooks said. “Our flag inspires hope and optimism for the future. That won’t change, but a lot of the policymaking in Washington needs to. Electing people to Congress with the right priorities and who will focus on solving our problems here at home is the first step.”

Tracey Brooks is committed to preserving the middle class and protecting working families by returning integrity to our democracy and restoring America’s promise to the next generation.

June 14, 2008

Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks
Meets with Waterford Residents at Strawberry Festival; Hears Their Concerns

As part of her ongoing tour of the communities in the 21^st Congressional District, Tracey Brooks visited Strawberry Festival in Waterford on Friday, June 13. She heard from residents about a variety of issues facing them and their community.

“As I visited with friends in Waterford, we discussed the recent fire, and the need for support of Waterford as a river community,” Brooks said.

The fire on Broad Street last month destroyed several homes in the heart of the village and left more than 30 people homeless.

The fire victims aren’t the only people struggling. Brooks also heard from working families coping with high gas prices and grocery bills. Many are having trouble paying their mortgages.

“Waterford may be a long way from Washington, but with high gas prices and high home heating prices coming this winter, it’s easy to see how bad decisions made in Washington really hurt a community like Waterford,” Brooks said. “People here know we need someone in Washington with the right priorities to end the war in Iraq and focus on solving our problems here at home.”

June 13, 2008

Tracey Brooks Ranked on ActBlue’s List of
Top 10 National Democratic Fundraisers
For Week of June 4-11

Congressional candidate Tracey Brooks today announced that ActBlue, the nation’s largest online fundraising source for Democrats, named her to their first weekly ActBlue Campaign Newswire National Top 10 Online Fundraising List for the week of June 4-11.

The list includes Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama and Senator Mark Warner from Virginia.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be among the nation’s top Democratic fundraisers, a group that includes Barack Obama,” said Brooks. “This recognition is directly related to the hard work and dedication of our entire campaign team; a reflection of our tech-savvy, grassroots, online-based approach to campaigning; and a clear demonstration that our message is resonating with the voters.”

The Brooks campaign pointed to the success of their grassroots fundraising and volunteer efforts as a clear indication that voters are responding to Tracey’s message of making real change happen, her different kind of experience and her ability to stand up to Republicans and big oil interests in Washington who continue to put oil profits before the needs of the people.

Since 2004, ActBlue has helped deliver via the internet more than $50.7 million to more than 3,000 Democratic candidates and committees from more than 395,000 contributors. Beginning this week, ActBlue will release a report each week with an insider’s look at statistics from campaigns across the country and featuring the week's top ten campaigns.

“While we need campaign finance reform and must bring accountability to the electoral process, the reality is that in order to compete and reach the voters you must raise a lot of money,” said Brooks. “I’m proud that in the first quarter, my campaign raised the most individual contributions from the most individual contributors in the 21^st Congressional race. That’s a true show of strength and momentum versus self-funded or big-oil supported campaigns.”

Brooks is not only at the top of the national pack, she has raised by far the most money through individual online contributions in the 21^st Congressional race. In fact, Brooks has raised nearly $80,000 online from over 300 contributors, more than all of her opponents combined.

Congressman Michael McNulty, who announced his retirement in October, has represented the district for 20 years. Brooks has been endorsed by Congressman McNulty’s sister, Green Island Mayor Ellen McNulty Ryan, and his father, former Green Island Mayor and Albany County Sheriff, Jack McNulty.

Born in Albany and raised in Clifton Park, Brooks attended public schools and played on a state championship basketball team. At Albany Law School, where she attended on an Edgar and Margaret Sandman Fellowship in Aging Law and Policy, she published research on alternative dispute resolution and received the school’s inaugural Kate Stoneman award for gender equity and policy. For the last three years, Brooks worked with local communities throughout all seven counties of the 21^st Congressional District as the Capital Region Director for Senator Hillary Clinton.

ActBlue’s Top 10 online Democratic Fundraiser for week of June 4-11:

For more on ActBlue’s National Rankings: http://campaignnewswire.blogspot.com/2008/06/top-10-candidates-on-actblue-june-4-11.html

ActBlue 21^st Congressional District Page: http://www.actblue.com/directory?page=3&query=&query_parameters=---+%0Afilters%3A+%0A-+_facet-state%3A%22NY%22%0A

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 11, 2008

O’Brien backs Brooks

June 11, 2008 at 6:23 pm by Kenneth C. Crowe II, staff writer

Rensselaer County Legislature Minority Leader Ginny O’Brien, D-East Greenbush, has endorsed Tracey Brooks to succeed U.S. Rep. Michael McNulty, D-Green Island, in the 21st Congressional District.
“I have known Tracey for several years,” O’Brien said in a statement.
“She has been an active participant in local governmental affairs, who is familiar with issues that are important to my constituents. Tracey Brooks has been at the table with my colleagues at the state and county levels, working with us in addressing regional concerns,” O’Brien said.

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.

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.”

May 31, 2008

Tracey Brooks Congratulates Thousands of Participants in 30^th 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 30^th 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.”

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.”

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 21^st Congressional District including Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, Green Island Mayor Ellen McNulty Ryan, former Green Island Mayor Jack McNulty and Cohoes Mayor John McDonald.

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

60^th Anniversary of the State of Israel

Congressional Candidate Tracey Brooks today acknowledged the 60^th Anniversary of the State of Israel, noting the triumph of democracy amid the challenges and struggles of the Middle East.

“On this, the 60^th 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 21^st 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.”

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.

May 6, 2008

Women’s Campaign Forum Endorses Tracey Brooks in the 21^st 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 21^st 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 21^st 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 21^st 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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