Choosing Quality Healthcare
Health care quality varies in this country—a lot. For example, some health plans and doctors simply do a better job than others of helping you stay healthy and getting you better if you are ill.

So when it comes to making major health care decisions—about health plans, doctors, treatments, hospitals, and long-term care—how can you tell which choices offer quality health care, and which do not?

Fortunately, more and more public and private groups are working on ways to measure and report on the quality of health care. This means there is more and more information to help you make choices that improve the quality of your own care.

The goal of this guide is to help you find and use such information to choose quality health care. It can also help you measure quality for yourself according to what is most important to you. You can trust the information in this guide because it is based on research about what people want and need in order to make quality health care choices.

• Choosing a Health Plan
• Where Do I Get These Health Plans?
• What Are My Health Plan Choices?
• What Plan Benefits Are Offered?
• Indemnity and managed care plans
• Does your plan cover
• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
• How Do I Compare Health Plans
• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
• Choosing a Primary Care Doctor

Choosing a Health Plan
Today, more than half of all US residents who have health insurance are enrolled in some kind of managed care plan, an organized way of both providing services and paying for them. Different types of managed care plans work differently and include preferred provider organizations (PPOs), health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and point-of-service (POS) plans.

What Are My Health Plan Choices?

If you get health insurance where you work, you should start with your employee benefits office. Its staff should be able to tell you what is covered under the plans available. You can also call plans directly to ask questions.

Health insurance plans are usually described as either indemnity (fee-for-service) or managed care. These types of plans differ in important ways that are described below. With any health plan, however, there is a basic premium, which is how much you or your employer pay, usually monthly, to buy health insurance coverage. In addition, there are often other payments you must make, which will vary by plan. In considering any plan, you should try to figure out its total cost to you and your family, especially if someone in the family has a chronic or serious health condition.

Indemnity and managed care plans differ in their basic approach. Put broadly, the major differences concern choice of providers, out-of-pocket costs for covered services, and how bills are paid. Usually, indemnity plans offer more choice of doctors (including specialists, such as cardiologists and surgeons), hospitals, and other health care providers than managed care plans. Indemnity plans pay their share of the costs of a service only after they receive a bill.

Managed care plans have agreements with certain doctors, hospitals, and health care providers to give a range of services to plan members at reduced cost. In general, you will have less paperwork and lower out-of-pocket costs if you select a managed care type plan and a broader choice of health care providers if you select an indemnity-type plan.

Over time, the distinctions between these kinds of plans have begun to blur as health plans compete for your business. Some indemnity plans offer managed care-type options, and some managed care plans offer members the opportunity to use providers who are "outside" the plan. This makes it even more important for you to understand how your health plan works. Besides indemnity plans, there are basically three types of managed care plans: PPOs, HMOs, and POS plans.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). A PPO is a form of managed care closest to an indemnity plan. A PPO has arrangements with doctors, hospitals, and other providers of care who have agreed to accept lower fees from the insurer for their services. As a result, your cost sharing should be lower than if you go outside the network. In addition to the PPO doctors making referrals, plan members can refer themselves to other doctors, including ones outside the plan.

If you go to a doctor within the PPO network, you will pay a copayment (a set amount you pay for certain services—say $10 for a doctor or $5 for a prescription). Your coinsurance will be based on lower charges for PPO members.
If you choose to go outside the network, you will have to meet the deductible and pay coinsurance based on higher charges. In addition, you may have to pay the difference between what the provider charges and what the plan will pay.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). HMOs are the oldest form of managed care plan. HMOs offer members a range of health benefits, including preventive care, for a set monthly fee. There are many kinds of HMOs. If doctors are employees of the health plan and you visit them at central medical offices or clinics, it is a staff or group model HMO. Other HMOs contract with physician groups or individual doctors who have private offices. These are called individual practice associations (IPAs) or networks.
HMOs will give you a list of doctors from which to choose a primary care doctor. This doctor coordinates your care, which means that generally you must contact him or her to be referred to a specialist.

With some HMOs, you will pay nothing when you visit doctors. With other HMOs there may be a copayment, like $5 or $10, for various services.

If you belong to an HMO, the plan only covers the cost of charges for doctors in that HMO. If you go outside the HMO, you will pay the bill. This is not the case with point-of-service plans.

Point-of-Service (POS) Plan. Many HMOs offer an indemnity-type option known as a POS plan. The primary care doctors in a POS plan usually make referrals to other providers in the plan. But in a POS plan, members can refer themselves outside the plan and still get some coverage.

If the doctor makes a referral out of the network, the plan pays all or most of the bill. If you refer yourself to a provider outside the network and the service is covered by the plan, you will have to pay coinsurance.

Where Do I Get These Health Plans?

Group Policies: You may be able to get group health coverage—either indemnity or managed care—through your job or the job of a family member. Many employers allow you to join or change health plans once a year during open enrollment. But once you choose a plan, you must keep it for a year. Discuss choices and limits with your employee benefits office.

Individual Policies: If you are self-employed or if your company does not offer group policies, you may need to buy individual health insurance. Individual policies cost more than group policies. You may want to talk to an insurance broker, who can tell you more about the indemnity and managed care plans that are available for individuals.

Some organizations—such as unions, professional associations, or social or civic groups—offer health plans for members. The Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce offers medical and dental health insurance available through Blue Shield Plan, Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, MVP Health Plan and Guardian Plan(dental only). Contact the Chamber's health insurance representative at 518-785-6995 for more information.

Pre-Existing Conditions: A pre-existing condition is a medical condition diagnosed or treated before joining a new plan. In the past, health care given for a pre-existing condition often has not been covered for someone who joins a new plan until after a waiting period. However, a new law—called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act—changes the rules.
Under the law, most of which goes into effect on July 1, 1997, a pre-existing condition will be covered without a waiting period when you join a new group plan if you have been insured the previous 12 months. This means that if you remain insured for 12 months or more, you will be able to go from one job to another, and your pre-existing condition will be covered—without additional waiting periods—even if you have a chronic illness.
In March 2010, The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, launched as one of the first components of the health care reform signed into law by President Obama. It offers relatively affordable coverage for people who've been uninsured for at least six months because of conditions like diabetes or heart disease. To find out how this new law affects you, check with either your employer benefits office or your health plan.

What Plan Benefits Are Offered?

Most plans provide basic medical coverage, but the details are what counts. The best plan for someone else may not be the best plan for you. For each plan you are considering inquire about benefits:

Does your plan cover… ?

Physical exams and health screenings
Care by specialists
Hospitalization and emergency care
Prescription drugs
Vision care
Dental services
Care and counseling for mental health
Services for drug and alcohol abuse
Obstetrical-gynecological care and family planning services
Does your plan cover preventative care… ?
Ongoing care for chronic (long-term) diseases, conditions, or disabilities.
Physical therapy and other rehabilitative care.
Home health, nursing home, and hospice care.
Chiropractic or alternative health care, such as acupuncture.
Experimental treatments.
What preventive care is offered, such as shots for children?
What health screenings are given, such as breast exams and Pap smears for women?
Does the plan help people who want to quit smoking?

How Do I Compare Health Plans?

After you review what benefits are available and decide what is important to you, you can compare plans. Many things should be considered. These include services offered, choice of providers, location, and costs. The quality of care is also a factor to think about.
Services

Look at the services offered by each plan. What services are limited or not covered? Is there a good match between what is provided and what you think you will need? For example, if you have a chronic disease, is there a special program for that illness? Will the plan provide the medicines and equipment you may need?

Find out what types of care or services the plan won't pay for. These usually are called exclusions. Few indemnity and managed care plans cover treatments that are experimental. Ask how the plan decides what is or is not experimental. Find out what you can do if you disagree with a plan's decision on medical care or coverage.

Choice: What doctors, hospitals, and other medical providers are part of the plan? Are there enough of the kinds of doctors you want to see? Do you need to choose a primary care doctor? If you want to see a specialist, can you refer yourself or must your primary care doctor refer you? Do you need approval from the plan before going into the hospital or getting specialty care?

Location: Where will you go for care? Are these places near where you work or live? How does the plan handle care when you are away from home?

Costs: No health insurance plan will cover every expense. To get a true idea of what your costs will be under each plan, you need to look at how much you will pay for your premium and other costs.

Are there deductibles you must pay before the insurance begins to help cover your costs?
After you have met your deductible, what part of your costs are paid by the plan?
Does this amount vary by the type of service, doctor, or health facility used?
Are there co-payments you must pay for certain services, such as doctor visits?
If you use doctors outside a plan's network, how much more will you pay to get care?
If a plan does not cover certain services or care that you think you will need, how much will you have to pay?
Are there any limits to how much you must pay in case of major illness?
Is there a limit on how much the plan will pay for your care in a year or over a lifetime? A single hospital stay for a serious condition could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

You can't know in advance what your health care needs for the coming year will be. But you can guess what services you and your family might need. Figure out what the total costs to your family would be for these services under each plan.

Choosing a Primary Care Doctor
Your primary care doctor will serve as your regular doctor, managing your care and working with you to make most of the medical decisions about your care as a patient. In many plans, care by specialists is only paid for if your are referred by your primary care doctor.

Internists and family physicians are the two largest groups of primary care doctors for adults. Many women see obstetricians/gynecologists for some or all of their primary care needs. Pediatricians and family practitioners are primary care doctors for many children.

Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives are trained to deliver many aspects of primary care. Physician assistants must practice in partnership with doctors. Nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives can work independently in some States, but not others.

An HMO or a POS plan will provide you with a list of doctors from which you will choose your primary care doctor (usually a family physician, internists, obstetrician-gynecologist, or pedicatrician). This could mean you might have to choose a new primary care doctor if your current one does not belong to the plan. PPOs allow members to use primary care doctors outside the PPO network (at a higher cost). Indemnity plans allow any doctor to be used.

Your doctor will be your partner in care, so it is important to choose carefully from the doctors available to you. In some managed care plans, you will generally be limited to choosing from only certain doctors; in other plans, some doctors may be "preferred," which means they are part of a network and you will pay less if you use them. Ask your plan for a list or directory of providers. The plan may also offer other help in choosing.

You can ask doctors you know, medical societies, friends, family, and coworkers to recommend doctors. You may also contact hospitals and referral services about doctors in your area.

Once you have the names of doctors who interest you, make sure they are accepting new patients. Here's how to check doctors out: Ask plans and medical offices for information on their doctors' training and
experience.

Call the American Medical Association (AMA) at (312) 464-5000 for information on training, specialties, and board certification about many licensed doctors in the United States. This information also can be found in "Physician Select" at AMA's Web site: http://www.ama-assn.org/aps/amahg.htm.

The American Board of Medical Specialties (1-800-733-2267) can tell you if the doctor is board certified. "Certified" means that the doctor has completed a training program in a specialty and has passed an exam (board) to assess his or her knowledge, skills, and experience to provide quality patient care in that specialty. Primary care doctors also may be certified as specialists. You can also check the Web site at http://www.certifacts.org. (While board certification is a good measure of a doctor's knowledge, it is possible to receive quality care from doctors who are not board certified.)

To verify that your doctor is licensed in New York State contact the State Education Department, Division of Professional Licensing Services, Cultural Education Center, Albany NY 12230, Phone: 518-474-3817, Web site: www.op.nysed.gov.

Complaints against physicians are public information if they result in a final disciplinary action. To learn if a physician has been disciplined, call OPMC at 1-800-663-6114 or access the Medical Conduct web site at www.health.state.ny.us (select Information for Consumers). There is no fee for this information.

Once you have narrowed your search to a few doctors, you may want to set up "get acquainted" appointments with them. Ask what charge there might be for these visits, if any. Such appointments give you a chance to interview the doctors—for example, to find out if they have much experience with any health conditions you may have.

Contact the Doctors' Offices
When you have found a few names of doctors you might want to try, call their offices. The first thing to find out is whether the doctor is covered by your health plan and is taking new patients. If the doctor is not covered by your plan, are you prepared to pay the extra costs?

Below are some questions you might want to ask the office manager or other staff. You may have some additional questions. Note that some of these items might have more to do with the health plan than with the doctor's office.

What do I do if I need urgent care or have an emergency?
Which hospitals does the doctor use?
What are the office hours (when is the doctor available and when can I speak to office staff)?
Does the doctor or someone else in the office speak the language that I am most comfortable speaking?
How many other doctors "cover" for the doctor when he or she is not available? Who are they?
How long does it usually take to get a routine appointment?
How long might I need to wait in the office before seeing the doctor?
What happens if I need to cancel an appointment? Will I have to pay for it anyway?
Does the office send reminders about prevention tests—for example, Pap smears?
Does the doctor (or a nurse or physician assistant) give advice over the phone for common medical problems?

Public and Private School Choices
Summer School Programs
Graduation Requirements
After School Activities


Public and Private School Choices

The Tech-Valley Region is unique in offering a wide array of public and private school options. In the Capital Region alone, there are twenty-one accredited independent schools and twenty-six public school districts. There is a long-standing partnership between public and private education in the state of NY. Students at independent schools enjoy the same benefits of public transportation, availability of texts, access to library resources, special education and remedial services as any other student in the state of NY. The general ease with which students can move between public and private educational opportunities is a hallmark of the ongoing cooperative relationship among public and private schools in New York State. Families have options of selecting residence and schools in rural, suburban or urban settings.

Graduation Requirements

The Board of Regents has implemented a standardized testing process for all public high school students to graduate with a “Regents Diploma”. This policy currently requires high school students to receive a passing grade on five different Regents exams. Students who entered the 9th grade in 2000 are required to get a passing score of 55 on two of the Regents exams and a 65 on the 3 other Regents. Students who entered the 9th grade on or after September 2001 will be required to obtain a 65 passing grade on each of the five exams.

The vast majority of students at member schools of the NY State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) do not pursue Regent’s Diplomas and students are not required to sit for Regent’s exams as part of their graduation requirements. These college-preparatory schools often offer their own exit examinations and particular requirements that are individual to the school. These standards meet or exceed Regents requirements.

Most independent schools follow courses of study similar to their public school counterparts. For example, standard curricula in independent schools require 4 years of English, 3-4 years of history, 3-4 years of mathematics, 2-4 years of Modern Languages, 3-4 years of Science and usually require credits in fine arts, music or performing arts, technology and physical education. There are a wide array of elective opportunities for students in both public and independent settings, including Advanced Placement courses or their equivalent.

Summer School Programs

Summer school options are available in many area schools throughout the Capital region. These programs have been developed to address a variety of student needs, which are as follows:

• At the middle school and high school level to re-take those courses in which students may not have been successful during the year
• Acceleration so that a student may complete a course requirement at the high school level thus permitting more scheduling flexibility during the subsequent school year
• Transition activities for students moving from one level to another (i.e., elementary to middle school or middle school to high school)
• Remedial in nature so that student skills continue to be developed and reinforced during July and August
• Special education as defined by a student's Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)
• Enrichment activities with high interest levels for children to remain support and enhance instructional opportunities.

Generally, summer school programs begin in early July and conclude in mid-August, particularly when New York State Regents examinations are involved. The best way to learn more about a school's summer school programs is to contact its main office directly or check the school or district website for additional listings and details.

After School Activities

The K – 12th grade schools in the Tech Valley region offer after school activities for their students. The younger students may take advantage of after school care supervised by a trained staff. Older students may participate in extracurricular activities (drama, yearbook, debate, etc.) or sports programs. The school district or parents parents provide transportation. Each school will have a specific program and would be pleased to forward the information to you.

There are diverse communities of faith throughout Tech Valley. This region has a long tradition of celebrating and welcoming people of all faiths. This section of the International Relocation Guide has a dual purpose. It seeks to aid individuals in their efforts to connect with their own community of faith as well as serve as a resource for all to increase awareness and sensitivity to the religious practices and customs of our friends and neighbours. For a complete listing of religious holidays please refer to the multi-faith calendar available online at: www.interfaithcalendar.org.

• Catholic Faith     Judaism- Jewish Faith
• Catholic Religious Practices
• Capital Region Jewish Community
• Catholic and Christian holidays
• Muslim Faith
• Catholic Rituals
• Muslim Religious Practices
• Capital Region Catholic Community
• Muslim-Dietary, Social & Dress
• Hindu Faith
• Capital Region Muslim Community
• Hindu Religious Practices
• Unitarian Universalist Church
• Hindu Temples
• THE ARTISTS' ALL- FAITH CENTER and NEW AGE CABARET'

Catholic Faith
The Roman Catholic Church is one of the three branches of Christianity (eastern Orthodox and Protestant being the others), tracing themselves to Jesus Christ, who lived, died, and Christians believe, rose from the dead, in the 1st century of the common era.

The Catholic Church is headed by the pope, bishop of Rome, headquartered in the Vatican and locally by Bishop Howard Hubbard of the Diocese of Albany, which includes all of the counties of the Capital District.

Catholic Religious Practices
Christians observe Sunday as a day to gather together for worship – the Eucharist (Mass) on the “Lords Day,” which begins at sunset Saturday evening and ends at sunrise Monday morning. Christian scriptures include the “Old Testament” the Jewish Bible and the “New Testament” (Epistles and Gospels) that tell of the words and deeds of Jesus.

Catholic and Christian holidays:
Easter celebrates the day Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead

Christmas celebrates the day of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem (December 25)

Pentecost celebrates the birth of the Church in Jerusalem (50 days after Easter)

Lent the season that prepares for Easter

Advent is the season that prepares for Christmas

Catholic Rituals:

Eucharist – mass, gathering to celebrate the Lord’s Supper (communion)
Baptism – immersion in blessed water, the rite by which one becomes a Christian
Confirmation – strengthening Baptism faith, celebrated locally in Grade 11
Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) – ritual of forgiveness of sins
Anointing of the Sick – ritual of strengthening and healing for the seriously ill
Matrimony – ritual for couples getting married
Holy Orders – ordination rites for clergy: deacons, priests, bishops

There are no dietary laws in Catholicism, except fasting (less food) and abstinence (no meat) on Fridays, especially during Lent.

Capital Region Catholic Community
Within the Diocese of Albany there are c. 400,000 Catholics belonging to 180 parishes. There are 38 elementary schools, 7 high schools and 4 colleges under the auspices of the Catholic Church, all of which welcome non-Catholic students. To find the parish or school nearest your residence, call the diocesan “Pastoral Center” at 518.453.6600.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, especially through its Commission for Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs, is active in ecumenical and interfaith relations, including membership in Capital Region Ecumenical Organization (CREO) and dialogue committees with members of the Jewish, Hindu and Muslim faiths.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany

Pastoral Center
40 North Main Avenue
Albany, NY 12303
Phone: 518-453-6600

Hindu Faith
Hinduism is a culture, a religion and a practical philosophy of life. It is rather a relentless pursuit after truth. The Hindu scripture, Vedas declare: “Ekam Sat, Viprah Bahudha Vadanti” meaning there is only one truth, which can be expressed in different ways. All religions of the world tell the same truth. This ingrained belief increases the acceptance and tolerance of other religions as different paths to this only truth.

There are two important aspects of Hindu religion. One aspect is symbolism, worshipping various deities as symbols of peace, prosperity, wisdom and love etc. in temples and homes. The other aspect is listening; reading; contemplating and meditating upon the spiritual discourses by learned teachers (gurus) in Ashrams to bring an inward spiritual journey to one’s life. Hindu priests are trained in ancient vedic mantras and the rituals to perform deity worship and the learned sages are trained in interpreting the principle Hindu scripture Gita and the last sections of the Vedas, which is Upanishads.

Both of these practices enable devotees to focus on supreme truth and develop devotion to God. Devotion can be expressed in many forms including chanting, dancing and singing. Most forms of creative Indian art are the expressions of devotion to God. All our prayers end with the invocation of peace in everyone’s mind, surroundings and in nature. PEACE! PEACE! PEACE! OM SHANTI!

Hindu Religious Practices
Hindu religious practices are varied and generalizations of these beliefs and practices are best avoided. However, the following general guideline to developing sensitivity towards Hindu religious practices might be helpful:

Having a Hindu calendar as a reference for the Hindu festivals to know the relevance of these festivals is essential in order to provide floating Holidays for some of these days.

There are two or three fasting days that are important to many Hindus, therefore being flexible on those days about the extra meetings or extra work may be a supportive gesture to Hindu employees who are fasting on particular religious days.

A vegetarian diet is observed by many Hindus. Adding authentic vegetarian food to the menu during company outings, business lunches and events is important. Avoiding violence is the root value of being a vegetarian and a sentiment that needs to be respected.

Worshipping idols, as symbols of one God, is an integral part of being a Hindu. There are several symbols adored by Hindus.

Hindus also consider a red dot on a woman’s forehead, a Kumkum, auspicious.

The mode of greeting others in public is Nameste, a gesture in which both the hands are folded together over the chest with two palms touching each other. The Nameste recognizes divinity in each other.
Respect for elders is a valued tradition. Hindus may feel uncomfortable if people who are younger than they are address them by their first name. They may also not feel comfortable calling elders by their first name.

In the tri-city area there are more than five thousand Hindus from India and Guyana and four Hindu Temples. Hindu immigrants from India built the first Hindu Temple in 1991 on Albany Shaker Road. This was followed by the construction of two temples in Schenectady built by Hindu immigrants from Guyana. Several Hindu festivals, heritage classes for children, scripture study groups and cultural programs are conducted on the premises of these temples.

Hindu Temples
Hindu Temple Society of the Capital District
450 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211
Phone: 518-459-7272
URL: www.albanyhindutemple.org

Shri Ram Mandir
1531 Becker Street
Schenectady, NY 12304
Phone: 518-374-2122

Schenectady Hindu Temple
1055 Mont Pleasant and 6th Ave.
Schenectady, NY 12304

Ashrams and Study Groups
Muktananda Ashram
Syda Foundation
Phone: 914-434-2000

Peace Village Retreat
Brahma Kuumaris
Phone: 518-589-5000

Judaism

Jewish Faith

Judaism includes religious rituals and beliefs along with a code of ethical behavior. It also incorporates and reflects the ancient history of the Jews as a nation in rituals, ceremonies and celebrations.

There are now four major Jewish religious movements in the United States. In terms of theology, Reform Judaism is at the liberal end of the spectrum followed by Reconstructionist, Conservative, and Orthodox.

Hebrew is the traditional language of Jewish worship. It is used to varying degrees in the Services and celebrations of each movement. Houses of worship may be called ‘congregations’, ‘synagogues’ or ‘temples’.

Capital Region Jewish Community

There are more than 20 congregations encompassing all the different movements within Judaism in the Capital Region. Our area boasts two religious day schools (The Hebrew Academy and Maimonides Day School), and several summer camps. There are two Jewish community centers (in Albany and Schenectady), a senior community at Daughters of Sarah nursing center and the Massry Assisted Living residence, Hillel programs at the State University at Albany, Union College and Skidmore College campuses, and a Jewish Family Services office. There are many educational services and programs sponsored by Jewish organizations throughout the

For more information contact the United Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York at 518.783.7800 or visit the organization’s website at www.jewishfedny.org.

Muslim Faith
Islam, as a faith, includes the belief in one God, Allah, and in the fact that the Qur’an and Sunnah (teachings of the messenger Mohammad) both serve as guidance in all matters of life, from religious to the daily mundane activities. Only those who are conscientious of their commitment will live with the Islam as their way of life, and not only as a religion to follow. Below are explanations of the major practices within the Islamic faith.

Salah: Muslims perform the formal acts of prayer, known in Arabic as Salah, five times a day. The five daily prayers and at least one of these prayers fall during typical work hours during the day. It is expected that an observing Muslim will take a few minutes to observe that prayer. Usually, the prayer is completed within the specific range of time allocated for it. It would be very helpful for some kind of arrangement to be made with the worker so that they may go and finish their prayer obligations on time.

Jumu’ah: For Muslims, Friday is a day of congregational worship. Salatul Jumu’ah, Friday prayer in Arabic, is preceded by an address or sermon by the Imam (leader of worship) and takes the place of the mid-day prayer (Dhuhr) that is performed on all the other days. The congregational worship service typically requires 30 to 45 minutes. Many people are able to arrange to compensate for that time they have taken at the worship at another time.

Sawm: During the month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims abstain from all food and drink from dawn to sunset. This religious duty is known as Sawm in Arabic, and is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this month, Muslims observe the fast, and consequently, they may not participate in parties or similar events serving food during daylight hours.

Zakah: Zakah, or alms giving, is one of the five pillars of Islam as well. A Muslim with a certain required amount of savings, under specific conditions, must give 2.5% of it to the poor. There are many forms of Zakah, depending on the types of wealth a person may own.

Hajj: Hajj, also one of the five pillars of Islam, is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Meccah in Saudi Arabia. This journey is one involving certain rites and rituals and is incumbent on the one who is healthy and has the financial means to travel to complete it. Hajj takes place during the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah. When one feels they are ready to undergo such a journey, they will need to arrange with their supervisor and/or employer to take off the necessary time needed. The journey usually takes about two weeks to complete, and after this, one can go back to work as they had been before. This journey only has to be made once in a lifetime, but people may go more than once if they desire.

Muslim Religious Practices
Muslims follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which means that each month is determined by the visual sighting of the new crescent. This means that the Muslim holidays take place roughly eleven days earlier each year in relation to the standard Gregorian calendar. Muslims observe two major religious holidays during the year. Eid-ul-Fitr is the celebration which occurs after the holy month of fasting, called Ramadan. Eid-ul-Adha, the second holiday, is the celebration which takes place in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, at the time of Hajj (celebrating the pilgrimage to Meccah). On the day of both Eids, a special worship service is held in the morning at the local mosque or designated gathering place. Afterwards, Muslims visit each other’s homes to celebrate, share meals and exchange gifts.

These Muslim Holidays are of great importance and significance to Muslims, just as Christmas and Hanukkah are to the Christians and the Jews. It is therefore necessary for Muslim workers and students to receive an excused absence from work or school to participate in these events. Managers, employers, professors and teachers are encouraged to give their Muslim employees and students the day off to celebrate, and teachers are requested not to schedule any important exams or assignments on these holidays. This helps to avoid any stresses the Muslim employees and students may experience if they would like to take some time off for this religious observation.

For more information on the Islamic calendar and Muslim Holidays, you may contact the local Masjid (mosque), or check: http://webexhibits.org/calendars/calendar-islamic.html.

Dietary Guidelines: Muslims are supposed to follow certain dietary guidelines, especially pertaining to specific types of food. The Qur’an specifies which foods are lawful and unlawful for Muslims to eat. Regarding meat, Islam prescribes a particular method for slaughtering lawful animals for consumption. The meat of lawful animals such as cows, goats, chickens, among others, slaughtered in this prescribed manner is commonly designated as halal in Arabic, or lawful.

The meat of swine is prohibited in Islam. Muslims do not eat pork or foodstuffs made with pork derivatives such as gelatin and lard, and certain enzymes as well. Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Islam. It is important for employers to know that Muslims do not drink alcoholic beverages. Likewise, foodstuffs, such as cakes and desserts, containing alcohol, are inedible by Muslims.

Mixing of Sexes: Some Muslims may prefer, in certain work or social settings, to observe certain personal space between them and the opposite sex. This may even include physical touching, such as shaking hands and hugging. It is perfectly normal to find a Muslim man or woman not willing to fully participate in social gatherings where there will be too much intermingling. It is good for the employer to keep these sensitivities in mind.

Modesty and Muslim Dress: Islam places great emphasis on modesty in dress and behavior. Both males and females are expected to dress in clothing that does not reveal the features of the body. As part of their Islamic dress, many Muslim women wear what is termed as hijab in Arabic, and is commonly used in reference to a scarf or head covering, but more broadly meaning appropriate covering of the entire body except for hands and face.

Capital Region Muslim Community
There are about six Mosques in the Capital District and one full-time Islamic school. There are also a few Muslim Students’ Associations active in the area, mainly those at SUNY Albany, RPI, Union College and Hudson Valley Community College. The Friday (Jumu’ah) services are also offered on these campuses. There are also a number of restaurants and businesses in the area that provide both ethnic foods and halal products for the diverse populations of Muslims. For more information on any of the above organizations or businesses, contact the local Masjid (mosque) in your area.

Al-Fatimah Islamic Center
10 South Family Drive
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-869-1492

Albany Islamic Foundation
91 Lexington Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
Phone: 518-433-0875

Islamic Center of the Capital District
21 Lansing Road
Schenectady, NY 12301
Phone: 518-370-2664

Masjid As-Salam
276 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
Phone: 518-463-6275

Masjid-e-Nabvi Islamic Center
89 Brandywine Avenue
Schenectady, NY 12307
Phone: 518-374-2364

Islamic Dawah Center of Albany
178 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
Phone: 518-426-1115

Masjid Al-Hedayah
2339 15th Street
Troy, NY 12180
Phone: 518-274-0137

Unitarian Universalist Church
Unitarian Universalist Association was formed in 1961 by the merger of the Unitarians and the Universalists. The UUA represents over 1000 congregations in the United States who believe religion is best practiced through shared values rather than shared beliefs. Starting with a faith in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, the members are encouraged to form their own beliefs through a disciplined search for truth and meaning.

The meaning the members find fits within the context of encouraging world community with peace, justice and equity for all and respecting the interdependent web of existence on our planet. Unitarian Universalism is most attractive to people who are looking for a diversity of approaches to religion under one roof, particularly families with multiple religious identities. For over 150 years, Albany has been served by the First Unitarian Universalist Society. The congregation meets on Sunday morning for services and liberal religious education for the children. The congregation hosts many other activities during the week to support it members. It sees its mission as: gathering to excite the human spirit; inspiring its growth and development; responding morally and ethically to a troubled world; and sustaining a vital and nurturing religious community.

Our congregation in Albany, the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, has been in Albany for 161 years (founded in 1842) and at our current location for over 75 years at 405 Washington Avenue. We have a membership of 380 and two services on Sunday morning.

First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12206

Phone: 518-463-7135

The Artist’s All Faiths Center
The Artist’s All Faiths Center and the Spiritually Cultured Art Music Poetry Theatre NEW AGE CABARET' is an Interfaith \Celebration Space for Personal and Social Transformation. "Among the many paths through Albany's cultural and intellectual landscape are those walked by ordinary people following their intuition of the extraordinary powers of the human consciousness. These paths make their way through a marvelously diverse array of scenes; but the destination, a deeper understanding of our inner lives and creative expression in our public life is the same.

THE ARTISTS' ALL- FAITH CENTER and NEW AGE CABARET' is a crossroads where traveling notes can be compared, maps and companionship shared at a main stop for sharing and renewal. Because the paths often look so different, the traveler approaching self and creative public awareness may feel alone before happening on another, outfitted differently, but headed in the same direction. The artist meets the Sufi and recognizes the picture the latter creates in dance. The physicist and scientist meets the Taoist and recognizes the oneness of the Taoist's universe.

Located in a beautiful and creative space, THE ARTISTS' ALL-FAITH CENTER 453 North Pearl Street Albany NY 12204 through the Church of Art, honors the past and history of people, celebrates the present, and supports creative visions of the future for our vibrant region. For a calendar of events of performances, poetry, theatre, workshops, concerts, festivals and community events call or Rev Joyce Hartwell (518) 436-3465.

The insurance needs of individuals and businesses are well served in the Capital Region through a variety of sources. Through a combination of independent insurance agencies and direct writing insurance companies, consumers can readily obtain quotations for Automobile, Homeowners, Life and Business Insurance policies. Insurance options available locally aren’t confined to a consumers local concerns. Local insurance providers are capable of analyzing and providing for the domestic and international insurance needs of individuals and businesses that are located in Tech Valley.

• Insurance programs available to local consumers
• Insurance programs that are available to local business owners
• Automobile Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Home Owners Insurance
• Resource Guide Home

Insurance programs available to local consumers

Homeowners Insurance Whole Life
Tenants or Condominium Insurance Universal Life
Jewelry and Personal Articles Floaters Term Life
Personal Package Program Disability Income Insurance
Automobile Insurance Long Term Care Coverage
Personal Umbrella Insurance Annuities
Watercraft Insurance

Automobile Insurance
The following information will be required in order to secure Personal Automobile Insurance:
• Valid Drivers License for all licensed members of the household
• Valid vehicle registration and title
• Information regarding the vehicle's make, model, year, original cost new, and garaging location will also be required
• Lender information - please detail any information regarding any lending institutions that have an insurable interest in the vehicles that are to be insured

Life Insurance
The following information will be required in order to obtain Life Insurance coverage:
• Name of Insured Party
• Age and medical history
• A completed application and medical examination

Home Owners Insurance
The following information will be necessary in order to obtain Homeowners/Tenants Insurance:
• Name of owners
• Address
• Construction of home (i.e., frame, masonry), square footage, age of home
• Mortgage information

Business Insurance Products – The following represents a listing of insurance programs that are available to local business owners:

Property & Casualty Products

Workers Compensation International Coverage
Commercial General Liability Intellectual Property Coverage
Product Liability Automobile Liability
Umbrella/Excess Liability Property Insurance Programs
Boiler & Machinery Ocean and Inland Marine
Surety/Fidelity Fiduciary
Environmental Impairment Liability Directors & Officers Liability
Professional Liability Employment Related Practices Liability

Employee Benefit Products

Group Health and Prescription Drug
Group Dental
Group Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Group Long & Short Term Disability
Voluntary Dental
Voluntary Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Voluntary Long & Short Term Disability
Long Term Care
401k/Pension Plans

• Savings and Investments
• Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
• Checking Accounts
• Mutual Funds
• Credit cards
• Stocks and Bonds
• Charge cards
• Personal Financial Planning
• Savings Accounts
• Establishing Credit
• Money Market Funds

Savings and Investments
There are a number of different types of investment vehicles available to you in this country – each suitable to satisfy different needs.

Checking Accounts
A bank or credit union can offer you a checking account to provide you with everyday banking needs – bill payment, demand withdrawals, ATM transactions, etc. Usually no interest is earned on checking accounts.

Debit/Credit/Charge Cards
Debit cards allow you to transact business electronically from your checking account.

Credit cards are granted to you from various financial institutions upon approval of your credit. They allow you interest-free use of credit for the initial monthly billing cycle – therefore if you pay off the balance every month, you will not be charged interest. If you carry over a balance to the next month, the issuing company will charge interest at the stated interest rate, compounded daily. These interest rates vary by the company and term of the contract. They also often offer a low introductory rate for some time period, after which the rate adjusts to the contract rate. Most businesses accept the most common credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.), but it is a good idea to check first (a sign is usually posted at the entrance to the business).

Charge cards are issued by stores and, unlike a credit card that can be used most anywhere, charge cards can only be used at that store.

Savings Accounts
A bank or credit union can also offer you a savings account, which earns some interest. This money is also readily accessible and liquid to meet your more immediate cash needs. However, due to the low interest rate that savings accounts earn, they may not be suitable for saving for longer-term goals – their values would not typically grow fast enough to keep pace with inflation.

Money Market Funds
Money market funds are a form of a mutual fund and serve as another savings vehicle. They provide you with liquidity since the fund usually has a steady price of $1.00/share (though they are not guaranteed to always be at $1.00/share). The fund also typically earns a higher rate of return than a savings account. These funds usually have check writing features, but often there is a minimum amount per check. Therefore, they may serve well as part of your “emergency fund,” rather than your more frequent banking needs. Inflation would also be a concern over time for balances in these funds beyond the liquid cash needs.

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Certificates of Deposit are savings vehicles available through banks and brokerage firms. In choosing a CD, you must select the term of the CD, i.e. 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, etc. The longer the term that your money is held for, the higher the interest rate your money earns. You can access your money before the end of the term, however there is usually a penalty for early withdrawal. This penalty is deductible on your income tax return. Inflation would be a concern over time with a CD.

Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are an investment vehicle that can meet many financial objectives – short-term or long-term needs. A money manager pools together all of the money from the investors who purchase the mutual fund. He/she then decides which securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) to purchase. By owning a share in a mutual fund, you own a little piece of each security held in the mutual fund portfolio. This can help to minimize risk and to diversify your holdings.

The money manager manages the fund – buying and selling securities within the mutual fund as he/she sees fit. The mutual fund usually has a pre-determined objective and investment category (i.e. domestic stock fund, foreign stock fund, government bond fund, money market fund, etc.). The objectives range from very conservative to very aggressive strategies. Investing in a mix of them has been shown to allow you to maximize the rate of return on your portfolio while taking less risk.

Mutual funds are available for purchase through banks, brokerage firms, investment advisors, financial planners, or directly through the mutual fund company. If you prefer to partner with an advisor to help you make investment and financial decisions, this could free up your time as you rely on their expertise to guide you. The advisor would be compensated for their advice and service. You can pay them a commission upfront when purchasing the mutual fund, or some classes of mutual funds compensate the advisor over time out of the performance of your fund rather than out of the principal of your investment, or you can invest in a managed mutual fund program where you have access to a broad range of mutual funds in a single account, with the flexibility to exchange amongst different mutual funds, and an advisor regularly monitoring your funds. For this ongoing advice and service, you would pay an asset management fee, which is a quarterly percentage charged on the value of your account. Both your advisor and you have the same objective – to make your money grow for you.

Mutual funds may or may not be suitable for your financial situation. The greater the amount of your investments, the greater is the possibility that other investment arrangements may be more cost and tax effective.

Separately Managed Accounts
While mutual funds allow you to diversify your money amongst many securities without requiring large investments to do so, they also may not be as cost or tax efficient for larger investments. That is where a separately managed account (SMA) may be more suitable. With these, a money manager separately manages an account personally for you. The account might include stocks, or bonds, or both, depending on the money manager’s objectives. The minimum balances for SMAs are higher, so you have to have enough investable assets to invest in each type of account and still be able to diversify amongst the different investment categories.

Stocks and Bonds
Individual stocks and bonds can be purchased through a brokerage firm, investment advisor, or financial planner. You can also purchase them yourself through a self-directed brokerage account. The commissions would be less than purchasing these securities through a brokerage firm, for example, however you also would not receive any advice.

Personal Financial Planning
The most important step before making investment decisions, is to meet with a financial planner to help decide how much should be kept liquid (in checking, savings, and money market), how your other money should be allocated between stocks and bonds - and which categories of stocks and bonds – and what the best vehicles are for your personal situation. Studies have shown that 91% of a portfolio’s long-term performance was attributable to how the investments were allocated rather than which securities were selected.

In arriving at this investment allocation, the financial planner also evaluates your other goals – saving for a short-term need (vacation, major purchase, new home, wedding, etc.) or a long-term need (college, retirement, etc.) to help determine what rate of return you might need to target based on the effects of inflation, the amount already saved, timeframe, and tolerance for risk.

A well-rounded financial planner (not one who only acts as an investment or insurance advisor) can advise you on a multitude of financial issues, including what mortgage term you should finance your home over, whether you should buy or lease a car, cash/credit/debt management, retirement planning, estate planning, proper beneficiary designations, tax planning, stock option management, planning for children with special needs, how your accounts should be titled, insurance needs analysis and most suitable types to meet your personal circumstances, helping you understand and maximize your employee benefits, making sure you have all necessary personal legal documents in place, etc.

A good financial planner will partner with you to build a long-term relationship with you – to become your personal financial manager, working with you all throughout the year on an ongoing basis.

A financial planner who is a Certified Financial Planner professional has proven their level of knowledge and expertise in most any financial issue that could arise by having passed a rigorous certification exam. In addition, they must follow a strict code of ethics, similar to a Certified Public Accountant.

Some financial planners are compensated through commissions on the sale of a product (they are commission-based). Others are fee-based, where they are compensated for their knowledge and expertise on a fee basis for the personal financial consulting. These planners can also accommodate your needs to implement a financial planning solution, should you choose to do so through the financial planner to make sure it gets done in accordance with the financial plan. They can also work with any existing advisors with whom you have a good relationship (investment, insurance, etc.). The last compensation model is fee-only. These planners are only compensated on a fee basis. They do not receive commissions. You would implement the planning tool with someone else.

Financial planning is the process of coordinating all of your financial “puzzle pieces” (investments, insurance, cash/debt management, retirement planning, estate planning, etc.) into one cohesive plan – investing is only a small part of it.

Establishing Credit
Most credit decisions at U.S. financial institutions are based on your credit report. This is a history you accumulate over time, as reported by one of the three major credit bureaus. You may check your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. Below are main categories of information in the credit report.

1. Personal information: Your credit report contains information that identifies you, including the following:
• Your name
• Your social security number
• Your current address and previous addresses
• Your phone number
• Your date of birth
• Your current employer and previous employers

2. Your credit history: Your credit report includes your history of bill paying with lenders such as:
• Banks
• Mortgage companies
• Retail stores
• Finance companies

One of the obstacles new immigrants or temporary workers on assignment in the U.S. face is establishing credit.
The major credit reporting bureaus typically track an individual’s history by their social security number. Without a social security number, or with all of one’s credit history in a country outside the U.S., newcomers will not have a credit rating here. This will make it difficult for a bank or credit union to extend credit except on a secured basis.

One way to establish a credit history is through a secured credit card. A secured card requires a cash collateral deposit that becomes the credit line for that account. For example, if you put $500 in the account; you can charge up to $500. You may be able to add to the deposit to add more credit, or sometimes a bank will reward you for good payment and add to your credit line without requesting additional deposits. You also can open a National Grid account and pay bills on time to establish the good credit.

Some financial institutions may grant a modest car loan, but with certain restrictions. For example, you would not expect a four-year auto loan to be granted to a worker who only has a two-year contract assignment in this country. For more information on establishing credit or what types of loans may be available to you, ask your credit union when you apply for membership.[ (List other ways to help get car loan / tips?)]

• Traffic Infractions
• Domestic Abuse
• Small Claims Courts

Traffic Infractions
If you are driving a motor vehicle with a valid operator’s license, you may find yourself charged with one of a variety of traffic infractions. You may be given a ticket in writing to appear at a local (Town or City) court, usually at a date or time two or three weeks in the future.

You should contact an attorney, particularly if this is a new experience for you, since conviction of a serious offense (such as driving under the influence) or of a number of lesser offenses could result in the loss of your driving privileges. Even a single speeding conviction could result in a significant increase in the cost of your mandatory automobile liability insurance.

Domestic Abuse
If you feel that you, or someone you are living with, is being abused by a member of the same household, or by someone from whom you or the other victim(s) cannot be protected, you can call The New York State Domestic Abuse 24 Hour Hotline, 1 (800) 942-6906. Counselors there can give you advice on what your practical and legal options are.

If you, yourself, are charged with committing domestic abuse, you should consult an attorney who can advise you of your rights and defend you against the charges.

Small Claims Courts
Most Town and City Courts have a small claims procedure for the relatively informal resolution of civil (that is non-criminal) claims for damages up to $5,000 ($3,000 in town and village courts)

You do not necessarily need an attorney to represent you in these matters and Court personnel can give you copies of the necessary claim forms and explain other details for you. At the day and time that your case is scheduled to be heard, the judge will read the form and any responses, hear the stories of both sides, ask questions and then issue a ruling.

Sellers of homes offer them for sale in two basic ways, either by owner or through a real estate broker. If a real estate broker is used, the broker charges the seller a commission on the sale price of the home and provides services such as listing the house on the multiple listing service which is available to other real estate brokers, but not the general public. In addition, real estate brokers work with the seller to show the home to prospective buyers and assist the buyer and seller with the signing of a commonly used form of contract.

Prospective purchasers of homes can go to a real estate broker who will assist them in identifying homes, which meet their needs and arrange for them to visit the homes. Typically, real estate brokers assisting the purchasers do not charge the purchasers a fee directly. They share in a portion of the fee charged by the broker who is working with the seller.

Homes being offered for sale by their owners without using real estate brokers are often advertised in the newspaper and with signs in front of the residence indicating that it is for sale by owner. If you are looking at one of those homes, you will need to make contact with the owner, either by telephone or by stopping at the house.

• Signing a Contract
• Form of Ownership
• Applying for a Mortgage
• Homeowners’ Insurance
• The Closing

Signing a Contract
Contracts for the sale of real estate must be in writing in New York. There is a commonly used form in this region, which you can obtain from your real estate broker or your attorney. There are several blanks in the form which will need to be filled in to indicate particular items that are included or excluded in the sale and various dates for completing inspections of the home, obtaining a mortgage and setting a closing date. Typically the contract will have an attorney’s approval clause giving you several days to consult with your attorney about the contract and the transaction. If there are any initial problems, the attorney can help you straighten them out. All owners of the house should sign the contract and all individuals purchasing the house should also sign.

Applying for a Mortgage
If you need to borrow part of the purchase price of your home, you can apply to a bank or other lending institution for a loan. In doing so, you will need to provide the bank with proof of your employment, your salary, your assets and obligations. In addition, the bank will have the home appraised in order to make sure that its value exceeds the amount of the loan. Typically, banks will loan you up to 80% or perhaps more of the purchase price of your home.

In exchange for loaning you the money to purchase the home, the bank will take back a security interest called a mortgage. The mortgage gives the bank permission to sell your home in order to recover its loan if you fail to make your mortgage payments.

In deciding whether to issue you a mortgage, a bank will want to make sure that you will be here to make the payments on the loan. The bank will therefore ask you questions about your visa status, and how long you are authorized to remain in the United States. Since banks do not understand immigration law very well, they may ask for a letter from your immigration lawyer explaining your situation.

Banks also do not loan money to an applicant who is not considered to be a good “credit risk”. The bank determines this by looking at your history of repaying loans or consumer in the past. Typically this information is tracked through your social security number (SSN), which is an informal identifier for many financial transactions. Many foreigners do not have an SSN yet, however, or has had it for such a short time that no meaningful credit history has been reported under the number. In such cases, the applicant for the loan may need to work with their bank overseas to provide other evidence of creditworthiness and past payment history. The bank may also require a larger down-payment on the loan beyond the usual 10-20%, or may assess a higher interest rate to compensate for the perceived risk of selling to an unknown credit risk.

If a bank agrees to loan you the money to purchase your home, it will issue a commitment letter telling you the terms of the loan and the date by which the closing must occur. If you have applied for a loan, but not received a commitment letter, it is very important that you notify the seller in writing before the mortgage contingency in your contract expires.

Homeowners’ Insurance
Your bank will want you to have insurance against damage by fire and other hazards naming you and the bank as insureds. If the home is damaged or destroyed, the bank will be able to recover the amount of its loan from the insurance company. The insurance company will pay you the balance of the policy limit over and above the amount of the loan. You can find a listing of insurance agents in the Yellow Pages of the telephone book.
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The Closing
Prior to the closing date, your attorney and the seller’s attorney will work together to collect the necessary documents, mainly from the seller, and to have the title searched. Once this is done, your closing will be scheduled. You can expect that the closing will be scheduled on very short notice since the banks control the scheduling and have many closings to do. At the closing, the sellers will sign a deed transferring title to the house to you, you will sign a number of documents including a note and mortgage promising to repay the bank the amount of your loan. You will pay the seller the amount of your purchase price using the proceeds of your mortgage and your own funds, which must be in a certified check or a teller’s check which you can obtain from your bank. You will also need a means of photographic identification, such as a driver’s license at the closing. Just prior to the closing, but when you are certain of the closing date, you will need to call the utility company to have electric power and gas service started in your name.

Form of Ownership
Title to the house may be taken by one individual or more than one, most often a husband and wife. If a husband and wife take title together, the form of ownership is called tenancy by the entirety in which each owns title to the whole house and title passes automatically to the survivor if one of them dies. If they divorce, title will be converted to a tenancy in common in which each owns a one-half interest in the house. The interests of tenants in common pass through their individual estates when they die rather than automatically transferring to the other owners. If two unmarried individuals wish to take title together and have it automatically transfer to the survivor when one of them dies, they can take title as joint tenants.

• Obtaining a Tax Identification Number
• Federal Income Taxes
• State Income Taxes
• Property Taxes

Obtaining a Tax Identification Number

After you arrive in the United States with your working visa in hand, but before you begin work, you should apply for a Social Security Number (“SSN”). The SSN is necessary for identification of individual taxpayers at both the federal and New York State tax levels. It is also used for tracking payments into the United States’ social security system either by a taxpayer themselves or by the taxpayer’s employer.

The process of applying for a SSN takes between 6 to 8 weeks. Please go to www.ssa.gov/ssnumber to download the application form: Form SS-5, Social Security Administration Application for a Social Security Card.

You must submit your application in person at a Social Security Administration office in the United States: you cannot apply while you are still overseas. Bring the completed Form SS-5 and at least two forms of identification that prove (1) your age, (2) your identity, and (3) either your U.S. citizenship or your status as an alien lawfully present in the U.S. and authorized to work to any office of the Social Security Administration. To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show the current U.S. immigration document, I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. To find a Social Security office near you please call the toll free number listed below.

Social Security Administration
Room 430, Federal Building
One Clinton Avenue
Albany, NY 12207
Toll Free Phone: 866-253-9183
Phone: 518-431-4050
URL: http://www.ssa.gov

It is very difficult for persons who do not have work authorization in the United States to obtain an SSN. If your spouse and/or children will reside in the United States, you will probably not be able to obtain a SSN for them, unless they have their own independent work authorization. However, they will still need a number to identify them as unique individuals for tax and credit purposes. For those purposes, you may obtain an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each of them. You would also use an ITIN if your spouse and/or children remain abroad and will not reside here, but you still intend to claim them as dependents on your income tax returns.

To obtain an ITIN, go to www.irs.gov and use the search function to locate and download Form W-7 and its instructions. Complete the form and mail it to the address given in the instructions, and you will receive the ITIN in the mail a few weeks later.

You will find that you are frequently asked to provide an SSN as if it were legally required for many financial or credit transactions. In many of these cases, the SSN is not legally required, but it has become the most frequently used identifier of individuals for tax and credit-tracking purposes.

For example, an SSN is requested to open a bank or brokerage account: the SSN is used to ensure compliance with tax and withholding requirements. You may, however, provide either an SSN or an ITIN.

Similarly, an SSN will also be requested to obtain a mortgage or a credit card, or initiate most utility, telephone and other services. It is easiest to simply have the working family member with the SSN to make these applications, although in most instances, an ITIN will be legally sufficient. Other foreigners have found it useful to work with their bank in their home country to establish banking and credit card relationships, or to provide credit information for a mortgage application when an SSN is not available, or will not be available for several weeks.

Federal Income Taxes
If you are a U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident alien (i.e., you hold a “green card”), or if you meet certain residency requirements, you must file Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and report and pay taxes on your worldwide income. In most cases, if you also pay income tax to a foreign country on income earned outside the U.S., you will receive a credit against your U.S. income tax so you only pay tax on the foreign income once.

If you live abroad but work in the United States temporarily and thus earn income from sources within the U.S., you must file Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return, to report and pay taxes on your U.S. income only.

In most cases, your U.S. income tax return for each calendar year is due and should be filed by April 15th of the following year. An extension of time to file, but not to pay the tax, can usually be obtained by filing an application for an extension. Most tax forms, related schedules, extension applications, and filing instructions can be downloaded at the IRS website listed above.

However, completing a U.S. income tax return, with its various types of income, adjustments, deductions, exemptions and credits, can be a difficult and intimidating process, even for a long-time U.S. taxpayer. The U.S. tax laws, especially with regard to residency issues, foreign tax matters, and tax credits, are complex and constantly changing, so you may need help in meeting your U.S. tax filing obligations.

For government assistance in applying U.S. tax laws or completing the required forms, call the IRS customer service department, toll-free, at 1-800-TAX-1040 (1-800-829-1040). To obtain assistance from a professional tax advisor, contact a qualified certified public accountant or tax attorney. Seeking professional tax assistance is probably the safest way to ensure that you satisfy your filing requirements without paying too little, or too much, tax. A representative of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce can help you locate a qualified and reputable tax advisor.

State Income Taxes
If you reside in New York, your state tax filing and payment obligations are generally the same as your U.S. obligations. You must report and pay tax on your worldwide income, and file a tax return (or extension request) and pay the tax for each year by April 15th of the following year. Full-year New York State residents file New York Form IT-201, Resident Income Tax Return. Others file Form IT-203, Nonresident and Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return.

If you live in a neighboring state but work in New York, or if you have earnings from more than one state, you will probably have to file state tax returns in each state. In general, however, you will pay tax on your income only once.

For forms and instructions, or for basic information and tax assistance, go to www.tax.state.ny.us or call a New York State Department of Taxation and Finance customer service representative at 1-800-225-5829. However, state residency laws and multi-state tax issues are no less complex than their federal counterparts, so obtaining the services of a qualified tax professional can be invaluable.

Property Taxes
You will usually only have to pay property taxes if you become a homeowner or if you purchase some type of investment real estate. In general, property taxes are paid in two assessments, one for the school district in which the real estate is situated, and one for the county and city or town in which the property is located. In some cases, depending on where you live, you might pay a small additional assessment to a village, water district, or other locality.

Property taxes are usually computed by applying a fixed rate of tax to the value of the property being assessed. The taxable assessed value is usually the purchase price of the property. It may be increased if you make major improvements to your property, and the property may be reassessed from time to time to reflect increases, or decreases, in property values in general.

Certain exemptions exist which can be used to offset some of the assessed value of your property, decreasing your tax bill. Examples of these exemptions are the STAR exemption, which provides school tax relief for certain residential properties, and the Enhanced STAR program, which provides greater relief to senior citizens. Other exemptions exist for veterans of the U.S. military service, farmers, disabled persons with limited income, and many other targeted groups. However, you must apply for a property tax exemption to receive one. They are not automatic and generally cannot be claimed retroactively, only prospectively.

School taxes are usually assessed at the end of August and payable by September 30th of each year. County and city/town taxes are usually assessed in January and payable by March 31st of each year. If you borrow money to buy your home, you can choose to pay your property taxes, and your homeowners insurance and other costs, by making additional, equal monthly payments with your monthly mortgage payments. Your bank or mortgage company will, usually without charge, deposit the extra payments into an escrow account, and then pay the tax installments and other expenses as they become due. For a complete list of available property tax exemptions, tax levies and rates by municipality, and answers to most other questions about property taxes in New York, go to the New York State Office of Real Property Services website at www.orps.state.ny.us.

You must be sponsored by a U.S. employer for the appropriate working visa in order to work in the United States. There are several categories of working visas, and the visa you will hold depends on your background, experience, nationality and the proposed job duties. The visa application process is initiated and driven by the U.S. employer: this is not something the individual foreigner can do on his or her own.

There are two basic types of working visas. Non-immigrant visas allow you to live and work in the United States for a defined purpose for a defined length of time. Immigrant visas, also known as green cards, allow a foreigner to live and work in the U.S. permanently. Because ‘green cards’ take a long time to obtain, most foreigners will initially enter the U.S. to work in a nonimmigrant visa category.

Common non-immigrant visa categories:

H-1B “specialty occupations” visas: for persons who hold the equivalent of a U.S. university degree and who are coming to “professional” positions requiring such education. This is the most commonly used non-immigrant working visa.

L-1A/B “intracompany transferee” visas: for persons who have worked overseas for at least a year in a qualifying capacity overseas at a related company overseas, and who are being transferred to the parent, subsidiary or branch of that company in the U.S. to work in an executive or managerial capacity, or one involving specialized knowledge.

TN “Trade NAFTA” visas: for Canadians or Mexicans coming to render services as a member of a list of approved professionals.

E “Treaty Trader/Investor” visas: for persons coming to work in a qualifying capacity for companies owned by nationals of their country of citizenship. The sponsoring employer must have qualified as a “treaty trader/investor” under a treaty between the U.S. and the home country, and under the Department of State regulations. .

Your employer will work with immigration counsel to identify the appropriate visa category for you. The employer will file a visa petition requesting the visa for you from U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (formerly the Immigration & Naturalization Service). If you are already in the United States in another visa category when this happens, the employer will request that your status in the U.S. be changed to the requested visa category. If you are overseas, the US CIS will communicate the approval to your local U.S. consulate; you will apply for the visa there; and then you will be able to enter the U.S. to commence work.

Questions about your visa category, processing procedures, and any limitations on your visa should be addressed to your employer, who is working with immigration counsel to obtain the visa for you.

Spousal Employment

The nonimmigrant visa you hold authorizes YOU and only you to work. Your spouse and children will not be authorized to work in the United States by virtue of your visa. If your spouse wishes to work, she or he would have to be sponsored for a working visa by a U.S. employer. There is an exception to this rule for the spouses of L and E visa holders: these spouses can apply for work authorization once they arrive in the U.S., which can be granted usually 90-120 days after filing.

Spouses who are not permitted to work are permitted to engage in genuine volunteer work at schools or qualified not-for-profit institutions, and they may attend language or training schools or universities. They may not engage in self-employment.

Your children are permitted to attend local public schools or universities without any additional visa paperwork. Questions about alternatives for your spouse and children should be addressed to your employer, so that these issues can be addressed in the planning process for your working visa. Similarly, questions about renewal or extension of your visa, or planning for a ‘green card’ should be addressed to your employer.

Driving with international driver’s license is only permitted during your first 3 months of residence in the United States. If you plan to stay longer than 3 months you must apply for a New York State Driver’s license. The process is time consuming and can take several weeks so start early.

• Steps to obtain a NYS driver’s license:
• Apply for learner’s permit
• Pass a vision test and a written test
• Take a DMV approved pre-licensing course
• Pass a road test

Applying for a Learner’s Permit
The first step in obtaining a valid NYS Driver’s license is applying for a Learner’s Permit (you must be over the age of 16 to drive in New York State). You will need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles and apply in person at your convenience (appointments are not necessary). Plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the office closes to allow enough time to complete the process. During this first visit you will take a written exam and a vision exam, submit a completed Driver’s License application form and present several forms of identification. The total fee for obtaining a Learner’s Permit and a Driver License is about $140 ( it depends on the exact age on the date of your application ) and can be paid in cash, personal check or credit card.

Application
You will want to prepare for your visit in advance to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. The Driver’s License application form, the MV-44, can be found online at (http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/forms/mv44.pdf). You can also request to have it mailed to you by calling 1-800-225-5368.

Written Exam
To prepare for the short written exam of 20 multiple-choice questions, review the New York State Driver’s Manual, also available online at (http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/dmanual/default.html) or at your local DMV office. You can also request that the Driver’s manual be mailed to you by calling 1-800-225-5368.

Eye Exam
You will also need to complete a basic eye exam during your first visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Be sure to bring any necessary prescription eyewear (glasses or contact lenses).

ID Requirements
The Department of Motor Vehicles requires that you bring several documents to demonstrate your identity. Each type of document is allocated points, for example a foreign passport is worth 3 points. You must collect a total of 6 points to apply for a Driver’s License.
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ID Required

Passport (3 points)
Social Security Card (2 points)If you don’t have a Social Security Card you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration indicating that you are not eligible for a SSN.
US Employment Authorization Card (3 points) INS I-688B or I-766 with a photo.
Utility bill (1 point) it must include your name and address
Bank Statement or, US Credit Card Or Cash Card (1 point) it must be in your name
An Employee ID Card or a payment stub (1 point) it must be in your name
Supermarket Check Cashing Card (1 point) it must have your signature and pre-printed name
ealth Insurance Card (1 point) it must be in your name

Take a DMV approved pre-licensing course
Before scheduling a road test you must attend a mandatory pre-licensing course. These 4-5 hour courses are given by local driving schools and cost about $35-$50. Several local driving schools provide this service. Please see the telephone directory under “Driving Instruction” to find the school nearest you. Upon taking the course you should receive a Pre-licensing Course Completion Certificate.

Schedule a Road Test
The final step is taking a road test. You can schedule a road test online or by telephone. Both systems use the same data base of available appointments. You can access the Online Road Test Schedule System ( www.nysdmv.com/roadtest ) or you can access the telephone Road Test Scheduling System by calling 518-402-2100. You will need to supply the car (it does not have to be your own car) for your road test. Make sure that the car you use has the appropriate registration, inspection stickers and insurance. You will need to ask a friend with a valid NYS Driver’s License to accompany you to your Road Test. Bring your NYS Learner’s Permit, at least one form of ID and the Pre-licensing Course Completion Certificate.

You will be given a temporary license upon completing your driver’s test. Your NYS Driver’s license with photo ID will be mailed to you.

Department of Motor Vehicles
224 So. Pearl St
Albany, NY 12202
Tel: 518-486-9786
URL: http://www.nysdmv.com

Hours: M, T, W & F: 8:30am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am - 6:00pm

The FCC

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (www.fcc.gov) is an independent United States government agency, directly responsible to Congress. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.

Telephones

If you're coming from outside of North America, you will have to buy a telephone upon arrival. You can review products, compare prices, and even purchase units on websites ( www.bestbuy.com ) which has the store in the area. Prices range from inexpensive, basic models at ten dollars to fancy multi-function units that range upwards of two hundred dollars. Most Americans have either an answering machine (digital or tape) or voicemail. Voicemail is a service provided for a fee by your local telephone carrier, and many people consider it more convenient because it can receive messages while you are on the phone, and you can retrieve your messages from other locations, and it still works even when the power goes off. The downside is that unlike an answering machine, you must continue to pay for it for as long as you require the service.

Local, Regional, and Long Distance

Local, regional, and long distance services are provided by a number of companies in the United States. The largest in this area are Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, and MCI, although many smaller providers are appearing every year. It only takes a few minutes to arrange these services either online or over the phone. It is a good idea to research what is available, and what you need, before calling your provider. You can always switch plans down the line though, and many companies will aggressively advertise to you.

Telephone Service Providers:

Verizon: www.verizon.com
AT&T: www.att.com
Time Warner: www.timewarnercable.com
Vonage: www.vonage.com

For comparison purposes:
www.lowermybills.com

Arranging Service

You will need to have some information on hand when you set up your telephone service:

Your name
Your full address, including street, number, apartment, town or city
The type of monthly service you require
Some credit information (including place of employment, SSN)**
A description of the type of outlets (if any) at your new address
How you would like your directory (phone book) listing to appear

Different companies may require additional information, and if you have no credit rating in the United States, some companies may require a deposit, usually no more that two months worth of service. You may choose different companies for each level of service - local, regional, long distance, international. Many companies offer special packages that include all levels of service, and even cellular phone service and Internet access. Please note that telephone service people carry identification cards - if you are ever in doubt as to worker's identity, ask to see the card.

Other Options

In addition to long distance services provided by contract companies, you can also purchase services from pre-paid phone card companies. Phone cards are available from many retailers and online, levels of service, quality, and prices vary. You pay a certain amount per card, and when you use up the time allotted, you either buy a new card, or load it with more minutes through the company. You can use Skype or MSN Messenger for the long distance communication as well.

Calling Cards

Most providers will also give you calling cards at no extra cost. These cards allow you to make long distance calls from payphones all over the world, and the fees will be billed to your normal telephone invoice. Rates vary, so be sure to check the cost before placing the call.

Toll Free

Toll free calls (to large companies, organizations, government agencies etc) are usually prefixed by 1-800, 1-877, or 1-866. Sometimes these number are given in letter format to make them easier to remember. For example, 1-800-523-FARE is the toll-free number for Continental Airlines. All telephones are marked with numbers and letters, so you would just dial the corresponding numbers. Businesses generally set up these numbers to allow their customers to contact them free of charge. You can dial these numbers from your home phone (a land line) or a public telephones without incurring charges. This is not the case with cellular phones. Cellular companies will often charge you for calls made to 1800 numbers. Not all toll-free lines are accessible from outside of the country, and not all 1-800 calls are free, be sure to ask.

Do Not Call List

In order to avoid the many, many telephone solicitations you will receive, you can now sign up for a national Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov Most telemarketers cannot call your telephone number if it is in the National Do Not Call Registry. You can register your home and mobile phone numbers for free. Your registration will be effective for five years. You may still receive calls from charities, political organizations, telephone surveyors, or companies with which you have a previous relationship (i.e. your own telephone company).

911

9-1-1 is the number to call in the case of a genuine crisis, such as a fire, crime in progress, or medical emergency. A trained operator will dispatch emergency service personnel, and assist you as much as possible over the phone. Local emergency service numbers are printed in the front of your phone book, and on most public telephones.

1-900 numbers

Numbers beginning with the 1-900 or 1-700 prefix are usually pay-per-use services. While the most notorious are adult programs, there are a number of useful services available as well. Keep in mind that these companies make their income by keeping you on the line for as long as possible. If you have a complaint, call your telephone service provider, or contact the FCC.



Cellular Service

Foreign mobile telephones that work on the GSM international standard will not work in the USA, but you can rent a mobile phone if you are visiting for a short period of time. Many companies now offer pay-as-you-go service, in which the customer purchases a pre-determined number of "units". These units must then be used over a certain period of time. One unit may equal a local call, two for a long-distance call etc. Plans vary, so be sure to compare. Once you have been in the country long enough to establish a credit rating, or if you are willing to pay a large deposit, you may decide to switch to a monthly billing cellular plan. Note that many companies require contracts of a year or more, with large financial penalties to those who break the contract early. Most mobile phone companies offer a variety of services, such as voicemail, call forwarding, three-way calling, etc, etc. The companies outline the available products and services on their websites:

Cellular Phone Companies:

Verizon Wireless: www.verizonwireless.com
AT&T Wireless: www.attwireless.com
T- Mobile: www.t-mobile.com
Sprint: www.sprint.com
Tracfone: www.tracfone.com

Television

The American transmission standard is 525 lines rather than the 625-line PAL standard used in most of Europe. So, although some television units are equipped with a dual standard switch, most will not work in North America. The cost of a television varies considerably, so one would be wise to shop around before purchasing. Discount department stores like Target or Wal-Mart sell electronics, although for high-end merchandise you're likely to find a better selection at Best Buy or Sears.

Home Electronics:

BestBuy: www.bestbuy.com
Sears: www.sears.com
Target: www.target.com
Walmart: www.walmart.com

There is often no relationship between the station number and the channel number on the television, and the numbers will change depending on your provider and location. TV Guide offers listings (www.tvguide.com), as do most Sunday newspapers.

There are five major broadcasting stations in the United States: NBC, ABC, CBS, The WB, and Fox, although UPN is fast becoming number six. PBS is also broadcast locally, but for all other channels you'll need cable or satellite.

Cable

Time Warner is the major cable television provider in the area. You can reach them at 1-866-321-2225. Cable service packages vary from only a few dollars a month to over two hundred dollars a month depending on what you want. Many people are now renting their digital cable boxes which offer a crisper image and more channels, and their DVR (digital video recorders) which can record digital-quality images, allows you pause live TV, has on-screen programming, and allows for picture-in-picture viewing, regardless of whether your TV has the option or not. If you don't plan on watching a lot of television though, you may wish to purchase only basic cable or see what reception you can pick up without paying.

Satellite

If you prefer satellite TV, or simply live in a rural area that does not have cable service, there are a number of options. DirecTV ( www.directv.com ) and The Dish Network (www.dishnetwork.com) offer packages that include either rental or outright purchase of the hardware, and monthly billing for access to the signals.

Utilities

Electricity, gas and water companies in the United States are termed "Utility Companies". They are usually owned by private companies such as National Grid, local municipalities (in the case of water) or the federal government. You have a choice in selecting your gas and electric providers, although water is usually pre-determined. The biggest utility company in the area is National Grid: www.nationalgridus.com or 1-800-642-4272. You can visit their website and fill in a form or call to arrange service. (You may also comparison shop for a lower cost supplier on their website.)

If you do not have suitable credit, the company may require a deposit, and service is usually set up within a few days. They offer several payment plans, although your monthly statement will show the meter readings for your gas and electrical use, and break down the cost of delivery. If you live in an apartment building, some or all utilities may be included in your rent, be sure to find out this information before you call your utility provider.

To arrange water service, telephone the city hall for your house. Water is generally included in your rent when you lease an apartment, so you don't usually have to make special arrangements to have it turned on. The electrical supply in the United States is 110/120 volts AC with a frequency of 60 hertz (cycles). Adaptors are available to convert your foreign electrical devices, but the power supply may be insufficient to run large appliances such as coffee makers. Smaller appliances are generally less expensive to replace than to convert.

Tour three centuries of architecture, from the newly renovated Million Dollar Staircase in the NYS Capitol to the awe inspiring "Egg" at the Empire State Plaza. Experience the region's tradition of cultural festivals, concerts and special events. Visit our extraordinary museums, theatres and restaurants, and you'll know why you should experience Albany , looks like histroy, feels like a vacation.  Albany's business districts and neighborhoods abound with exciting cultural heritage. Albany's countryside is home to many diverse examples of historic house sites and public spaces including the Pruyn House and the first Shaker Meeting House.
http://www.albany.org/

Schenectady:

Located just a short ride from Saratoga Springs, Cooperstown or Albany and less than 3 hours from Boston, Montreal and New York City, Schenectady County offers first class accommodations, exciting attractions, and a wealth of history and culture. Call us today for assistance in planning your trip or developing your own custom Schenectady itinerary! Call 1-800-962-8007 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

http://www.sayschenectady.org/
http://www.historicstockade.com

Troy:

As one of the earliest of New York 's counties, Rensselaer has a population of about 153,000 residing over 665 beautiful picturesque square miles. The quality of life as portrayed in our 14 towns, six villages, and two cities, lends to the air of spirit and togetherness symbolic of what life should be about. The County seat is Troy, known as the home of Uncle Sam and our other city, Rensselaer, sits on the bank of the historic Hudson River, directly across from the Empire State's Capital, Albany.

www.rensco.com

Saratoga Springs:

Today, once again stands proud and prosperous. A revitalization of the past combined with new investment of the present by community leaders, banks, citizens and organizations has made Saratoga County a center of culture, education, and clean industry. Skidmore College and other educational institutions have enriched the academic environment of the area.

The countryside's historic aura is accentuated not only by the Victorian homes that flourish in Ballston Spa, Round Lake, Stillwater and Saratoga Springs, and the remembrance of the Battle of Saratoga which marks the turning point of the American Revolution, but also by the National Museums of Racing, Dance, and the National Bottle Museum. From the well-preserved Saratoga Race Track, to the mineral springs on the 2,100 acre , residents and visitors alike can rediscover the treasures of Saratoga.

http://www.saratoga.org/


(from http://www.iloveny.com/search/regions_index.asp )

The Capital Region, a center for government, rich in colleges and universities, and poised for growth in high-technology, is the hub of Upstate New York. Home to Albany, the state capital, and historic Saratoga Springs , it is the link between New York City, Boston, Montreal and Central New York State

Area
5,199 square miles

Weather
Mean Daily Temperature: January 21.5° F; July 72.0° F

Location
The eight-county Capital Region is located midway along the eastern border of New York State . Its topography encompasses sections of the fertile Hudson and Mohawk river valleys, as well as portions of the state's two major mountain ranges, the Adirondacks and the Catskills.

Quality of Life
A captivating mix of architectural styles and attractions and a variety of cultural and recreational offerings, all surrounded by the tranquil beauty of farms and woodlands, makes the Capital Region a highly desirable place in which to live and work. Sports fans enjoy a variety of professional and collegiate sporting events, or take to the outdoors for water sports, golfing, hiking or skiing. The charming community of Saratoga Springs offers world-class thoroughbred horseracing and elegant mineral springs, and is the summer home of the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Workforce

Market Access
The Capital Region's strategic location allows it easy access to the markets of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwestern states, as well as eastern Canada . The region is at the crossroads of I-87 and I-90, the state's major interstate highways, and is about equidistant from New York City , Boston and Montreal .

Transportation
Highways: Three major interstate highways-the New York State Thruway (I-87/I-90), the Adirondack Northway (I-87) and I-88-serve all parts of the region.  Air Service: A number of major national airlines and regional commuters provide air service and air freight service at the newly expanded Albany International Airport . Other smaller airports service outlying areas. Rail Service: CSX Corp., CP Rail Systems and Amtrak provide railway freight and passenger service in all directions.  Bus Service: The Capital District Transportation Authority serves a four-county metropolitan area, while a half-dozen private commuter service lines provide local and long-distance service.  Port Facilities: Ocean-going vessels berth at the deep-water Port of Albany on the Hudson River . The New York State Canal System connects the area with the Great Lakes ports of Buffalo and Oswego .

Industries
The Capital Region is rapidly taking the lead as a national hotspot for high-technology economic development. It is home to premier high-tech research institutions such as GE Global Research, Wadsworth Center , Knolls Atomic Power Lab, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Two high-tech industries that are seeing tremendous success in this region are nanotechnology and fuel cells. International SEMATECH, a consortium of the twelve major computer chip manufacturers in the world, and Plug Power, a world-wide leader in fuel cell research and development, are two of the many companies that are working to make this region a leader in the technologies of the future. Other high-tech strengths include software development, power generation equipment, and medical products. The Capital Region has attracted a significant number of distribution and warehousing centers. These centers utilize the region's excellent transportation systems to access their growing Northeast markets.

In addition to government employment, the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area has a diversified private sector. The sectors that generate the largest amount of export income within the region include professional, scientific and technical services; education; and insurance carriers. The region's most important export and income-generating manufacturing industry is chemicals.

Research and Development partnerships between the University at Albany 's Center for Advanced Thin Film Technology and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's (RPI) Center for Advanced Interconnect Science and Technology have drawn an industry-sponsored semiconductor research center to the region, positioning the area to attract new manufacturing to the state. Manufacturing accounts for six percent of all non-farm jobs in the region, with General Electric Co. as a major employer. RPI also houses a new $100 million Center for Biotechnology. The Center's mission is to create a forum for experts in various fields to meet and work together to create solutions to current problems in the industry.

Selected Employers
General Electric Co., Schenectady and Selkirk
MapInfo, Troy
Boston Scientific Corp., Glens Falls
Albany Molecular Research, Inc., Albany
Finch Pruyn & Co., Glens Falls
Philips Electronics, Albany
SIGroup, Schenectady
Taconic Farms Inc., Hudson

Health Care
Albany Medical Center, Albany
Albany Memorial Hospital, Albany
Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson
Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls
St. Peter's Hospital, Albany
Samaritan Hospital, Troy
Saratoga Hospital and Nursing Home, Saratoga Springs
Seton Health/St. Mary's Hospital, Troy
Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany

Education: Major College and University Enrollments

More than 67,000 students are enrolled in the area's 10 four-year and 11 two-year colleges and universities.

Population

The Capital Region is at the crossroads of the northeast, linking New York City, Boston, Montreal and Central New York State.   Located midway along the eastern border of NYS, the region includes Albany, founded by the Dutch as a trading post in 1609 and now the seat of State government; Schenectady, where Edison began General Electric; and Saratoga Springs, home to world-class thoroughbred racing.  The Capital Region enjoys a captivating mix of attractions and a variety of cultural and recreational offerings, all surrounded by the tranquil beauty of farms and woodlands. Quality of life is further enhanced by the scenic Hudson and Mohawk river valleys, and the Adirondack and Catskills mountain ranges.

Governor Paterson oversees New York State from Albany's historic State Capitol, where government professionals lead the nation's public sector expertise in such areas as financial management, public health, education, economic development, workforce training, technological innovation, criminal justice, and  environmental conservation.

A hub for global research and education, Tech Valley boasts numerous colleges and universities, including the University at Albany's #1-ranked College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; and Albany Medical Center's nationally renowned teaching hospital.  GE Global Research and Knolls Atomic Power Lab lead world-class scientific exploration.

Dynamic high-tech economic development in this region is led by  International SEMATECH, a world class computer chip manufacturers' consortium; AMD's announced investment in Luther Forest; Plug Power, innovating fuel cells; and includes software development; power generation equipment, and medical products firms. Transportation networks linking the Northeast and Canada define the Capital Region as a critical crossroads and attract distribution and warehousing centers to the region.

In short, the Capital Region is an American gem, showcasing historic landmarks and cutting-edge technology, beautiful vistas and public policy experts, all a short distance up the Hudson River from New York City, a gateway to the world.