Thanksgiving message from the Governor

ALBANY, N.Y. - "On behalf of Michelle and the Paterson family, I would like to wish all New Yorkers a very happy Thanksgiving.

"Today, even as we face a painful economic crisis, New Yorkers have much to be thankful for.

"We are forever grateful for the heroic service of our men and women in uniform. We can never fully repay our veterans for their service, but we must do all we can to try.

"We are deeply appreciative of the more than 200,000 state employees who keep New York running. Their dedication to this state is exemplary.

"And we can be also thankful for the unique opportunities our nation provides all of us to improve the lives of others.

"Yesterday, I visited the Equinox Thanksgiving Community Dinner in Albany. Tonight, volunteers there will provide 8,000 Thanksgiving dinners to New Yorkers who would otherwise go without. These volunteers join thousands of others who are working to make sure that every New Yorker has something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

"As Governor, it has been my privilege to support the compassionate work performed by so many of our citizens. In trying times, we are doing all we can to ensure that every New Yorker is taken care of.

"We are working to keep New Yorkers in their homes, during this terrible mortgage crisis. In August, I signed a comprehensive package of reforms to assist New Yorkers facing foreclosure. Our reforms will also help to prevent a crisis like the current one from occurring again.

"We are working to help those who have lost their jobs in the economic downturn. I teamed with the New York Congressional delegation to push for an additional seven weeks of federal emergency unemployment benefits - an extension signed into law last week. In addition, on November 5, I joined with the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut to request a $48 million National Emergency Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This grant would enable us to help approximately 51,000 workers affected by the current downturn enhance their skills for future employment.

"We are working to keep all New Yorkers warm this winter. Earlier this year, we released a comprehensive package of State initiatives to help families heat their homes. We increased benefits and expanded eligibility levels for the State's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). And just a few days ago, I authorized the New York State Department of Correctional Services to donate 7,000 winter coats to shelters and Salvation Army outlets throughout the State.

"We are working to make sure our children get the health care they need. We have expanded eligibility for subsidized health coverage under New York's Child Health Plus insurance program. And on October 1, New York finalized its first-ever comprehensive plan for children's mental health.

"We are working to provide our veterans with the benefits and services they deserve. In July, we added screening for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury to the State's reintegration program for returning members of the National Guard and their families.

"We are also working to help every family put food on the table. Through our Working Families Food Stamp Initiative, 100,000 more households have access to food stamps. Due to changes in eligibility for the HEAP program, $150 million in new federal food stamp funding is available to working families and other low-income New Yorkers. As a result, we project that over 114,000 current food stamp households will see their food stamp benefits increase. In addition, we have committed an extra $1 million to food banks around the State.

"There is still much work to be done. But in this difficult moment, we should not forget how much we have to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving."