This Week in Albany

Hunger Games Plans Are In

The seven regions competing in the Hunger Games-style Upstate Revitalization competition submitted their plans to the state this week. Under the program, three regions will each receive $500 million in economic development funding over the next five years, while the other four regions receive nothing. The winners of the competition will be announced this fall.

The regions eligible for the competition are the Mid-Hudson, Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, North Country, Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions.

Deal Reached on TPP

The United States and 11 Pacific Rim nations have reached a deal on the massive Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement that will impact 40% of the world economy. CSEA has long opposed the deal, known as “NAFTA on Steroids,” because of weak labor protections that will make it much easier to outsource jobs overseas.

The deal must now be approved by Congress, which may only take an up-or-down vote after approving Fast-Track authority for the measure.

Confusion Within House GOP

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California), the favorite to replace John Boehner as speaker, abruptly withdrew from the race this week. The House’s “Freedom Caucus,” a group of roughly 40 ultra conservative members, influenced Mr. McCarthy’s decision to drop out by announcing their support of one of his opponents, Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Florida).

Speaker Boehner decided to postpone the vote while efforts are made to reach a consensus within the fractious Republican caucus. It is unclear if any additional candidates will emerge.