WASHINGTON, NY – Following is a weekly newsletter from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:
Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!
Here’s what she’s been up to this week:
 1. $50 billion for rural America
|
Kirsten visited Hamilton and Watertown to announce her Rebuild Rural America Act, legislation that would invest $50 billion in rural economic development. The bill would help rural communities across New York revitalize schools, libraries, and community centers; expand child care and health care access; train workers for in-demand jobs; and rebuild aging infrastructure.
| 2. Stopping the flow of fentanyl |
In 2022, law enforcement seized over 1,900 pounds of fentanyl in New York – that’s the equivalent of 72 million lethal doses.
Kirsten is taking action to fight the flow of opioids into the country. She joined law enforcement and advocates at the Nassau County Police Department to talk about her FEND Off Fentanyl Act, bipartisan legislation that would crack down on drug traffickers and help keep our communities safe.
| 3. $14 million for North Country broadband |
Thousands of households and businesses across the North Country don’t have access to high-speed internet. That makes it harder for kids to do their homework, for seniors to access telehealth appointments, and for workers to take advantage of remote opportunities.
Following her advocacy, Kirsten announced over $14 million in federal funding to expand broadband access in the region. The money will help an estimated 2,500 homes and 287 community institutions, including fire stations, libraries, and health care providers, access high-speed internet.
| 4. Funding for airports… |
Kirsten announced over $23 million in federal funding for 13 airports across the state. The money will allow airports from Long Island to Buffalo to make critical infrastructure and safety upgrades.
Kirsten also helped secure $29 million in funding for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to buy 20 new electric buses and help Western New Yorkers enjoy a cleaner, greener commute.
| 6. Health care for vets |
When a sick veteran’s family contacted Kirsten’s office for help securing home health care assistance, Kirsten’s office reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs on his behalf. As a result, the family secured 16 hours of care a week.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
| 7. Celebrating Juneteenth |
Kirsten joined local leaders in the Bronx to commemorate Juneteenth and march in the Juneteenth Parade. She also met with Bronx high school students from Youth Leaders on the Move, a group that helps Black youth develop leadership skills.
| 8. Strengthening the bench |
Kirsten successfully fought to confirm Natasha Merle, an accomplished attorney from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund with a record of fighting for civil rights, to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
 |
Discover more from Oswego County Today
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.