WNY Members Say Investments Now Save In the Long-Term

U.S. Representatives Tom Reed (NY-29) and Brian Higgins (NY-27) have together introduced an amendment to increase funding designated for clean-up efforts at the West Valley site, a move aimed at protecting the greater Western New York community and saving money over the long-term.  The Reed-Higgins Amendment would restore $41 million to the non-defense environmental cleanup fund in H.R. 2354, the FY 2012 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. 

Join us in a fascinating program as Elizabeth McIntyre of the International Institute of Buffalo speaks about the practice of human trafficking locally. In addition, Historical Society Director of Collections Walter Mayer will present an artifact and story from the 1870s. The program takes place on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

According to the International Institute of Buffalo, even today, in the twenty-first century, and even here, in Western New York, there are slaves. Every day and everywhere there are people who have been tricked or forced to leave their homes and then find themselves in jobs where they are paid little or nothing, held captive, unable to be self-sufficient, abused and exploited. These people are modern-day slaves. They are victims of human trafficking, the exploitation of people for others’ financial profit. They escape or are rescued often with nothing but the clothes on their back.

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced the June schedule for his Erie County edition of the Congress on Your Corner program, which provides local residents with access to the Congressman’s office through satellite office hours at locations in the district.   Over 600 Congress on Your Corner events have been held over the last five years and another 135 outreach events are scheduled for 2011.

This summer, members of Congressman Higgins staff plan to visit locations across Erie County to provide specialized assistance with various federal agencies.  In addition, staff will visit several public libraries throughout Erie County to provide constituents with computer literacy training for those interested in navigating federal agency websites.