For Release: Tuesday, October 14th, 2014

Contact: Eileen Miller (518) 669-9702

GEORGE AMEDORE INTRODUCES PLAN TO IMPROVE EDUCATION IN UPSTATE COMMUNITIES
Amedore Endorsed by Senator Jim Seward in Greene County
Senate Candidate George Amedore today was endorsed by Senator Jim Seward at Kool-Temp
Heating and Cooling in Coxsackie. Senator Seward represented Greene County in the 51st Senate District
from 2003 to 2012.
George Amedore also highlighted his plans to help improve the education system in Upstate
New York, including: earlier vocational training in our schools, putting a stop to the Common Core
curriculum, and eliminating the funds that were cut from Upstate Schools when the Gap Elimination
Adjustment was instituted by New York State Democrats under one-party rule in 2009-10.
Senator James L. Seward said, George Amedore has a proven track record, as a businessman
and as a member of the state assembly, and his values and beliefs mesh with the ideals I know citizens
of Greene County and the surrounding region hold dear. In particular, George's education plan will help
ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and post-graduation.
Partnering with local employers will further help this innovative program thrive translating to success
for our young people and businesses alike. Electing George Amedore will once again give Greene
County and the 46th district a true voice in the state senate.
"Senator Jim Seward served the residents of Greene County with distinction and integrity, and I
am honored to accept his endorsement," said George Amedore. "He is a Senator who truly understands
what our upstate communities need, and that is to reduce the cost of living, ease the property tax
burden, create good paying jobs, and make sure our children are getting the very best education we can
provide them."
Senator Seward and George Amedore were joined by Mike Veeder, founder and owner of Kool-
Temp Heating and Cooling. Mr. Veeder is a mechanical engineer who founded his business in 1984 and
now employs 16 people. He also has taught the HVAC program at Questar for seven years.
"After teaching the HVAC program at Questar, I can truly say helping to prepare students for
success in the workplace is a source of great satisfaction for me. Exposing our children to vocational
opportunities at a younger age would put New York State at a great advantage when it comes to
building the skilled workforce our businesses desperately need," said Mike Veeder.
A focus on earlier vocational training is the highlight of George Amedore's three point plan to
help improve education throughout the 46th Senate District.
Vocational Training
Amedore proposed bringing vocational educational opportunities into our classrooms at an
earlier age, in order to ensure a skilled workforce for future generations.
Currently, most vocational training and education does not begin until students are in high
school at the junior or senior year level. Amedore proposes engaging students on a career track at an
earlier age when children's abilities and interests are developing. Then, by the time they reach high
school and after, they already have the skills and education to take part in internships or
apprenticeships with local businesses to add real life work experience to their education.
"It is important to make sure our future generations are career-ready, because not every child
will go to college," said Amedore. "We need to institute a more three-dimensional approach to learning
at a young age - there is no reason we should wait until high school or college. The reality is college is
becoming more and more unaffordable. At the same time, businesses are suffering because there is a
lack of skilled employees. We need to ensure we can be competitive in new and emerging technologies,
and have a skilled workforce for the trades."
Eliminate the GEA
In 2009-10, when Democrats controlled all branches of government, they instituted the Gap
Elimination Adjustment (GEA), which took $3 billion in funding away from Upstate schools for New York
City. Schools in the 46th Senate District are not getting their fair share -- they have lost over $99 million
in funding since the GEA went into effect.
"This district needs a strong representative who will fight to make sure our schools receive their
fair share -- we need to ensure our public schools are properly funded to make sure our teachers and
students have the resources they need to succeed," said Amedore.
Stop Common Core
New York State schools need high standards in our classrooms to get our children college and
career ready, but Common Core is not the answer. We cannot pigeon-hole our teachers into a one-size
fits all approach passed down by Washington politicians.
Common Core is causing frustration and anxiety among students, teachers and parents. It is
leaving behind children with special needs.
"We need to stop Common Core and start over," said Amedore. "We need to develop a new set
of standards, with input from our local parents, teachers, and educators. They are the ones who know
what works in the classrooms, not politicians from Washington and Albany."
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