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Congressman John M. McHugh (NY-Pierrepont Manor) voted today for the passage of H.R. 7110, which provides appropriations for job creation and preservation, infrastructure investment, and economic and energy assistance for fiscal year 2009.  Congressman McHugh was one of 41 Republicans to vote for the measure.

“It is clear that our economy is in turmoil.  As we continue to work on a plan to stabilize the entire financial market, we also need to ensure we support individuals and families across Northern and Central New York that are struggling to make ends meet.  The increased energy and food costs affecting all of us are increasingly difficult to manage, and it is particularly difficult for those that are unemployed.  This legislation will help families by providing additional funding for Medicaid, food stamps, and job training while also extending unemployment benefits for an additional seven weeks,” said Congressman McHugh.  “It is imperative that we do everything possible to stabilize Wall Street and Main Street, and I am hopeful that this legislation could provide a measure of needed support to individuals.”

H.R. 7110 provides funding for federal transportation programs, drinking water and sewage projects and infrastructure, school repair, public housing, and job training programs.  Additionally, the bill extends unemployment benefits for workers who have exhausted their benefits for an additional seven weeks and provides a temporary increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage to assist states with Medicaid costs.  H.R. 7110 also provides an additional $2.7 billion for the food stamp program and $500 million for job training programs.

Earlier this year, Congressman McHugh voted to temporarily provide unemployment benefits for up to 13 additional weeks.  He also has authored legislation, H.R. 6844, the Suspension of Federal Income Tax on Unemployment Benefits Act of 2008, which would suspend the federal income tax on unemployment benefits for two years, thereby putting more money in the hands of those who need it most.  Additionally, he introduced H.R. 6799, the Worker Savings Account Act of 2008, which would help Americans strengthen their personal safety nets by providing tax advantages to encourage such savings and allowing those monies to be used tax free during times of unemployment or disability.

Oswego Harborfest has announced that the popular 50-50 Raffle to benefit Harborfest will return in 2009.

Farnham Family Services, an Oswego-based substance abuse treatment and prevention center, is now selling tickets for its 2009 Changing Lives Raffle.

As this column goes to press the 152nd Oswego County Fair should be in full swing at Sandy Creek. During the previous week the Heritage building was stocked full with many new and unique exhibits. We even brought down a piano for some live music!