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. 

Sweeping ethics reform will make NY government more transparent, accountable

For years, the Assembly has pushed for strong ethics reform measures to shape up Albany and restore New Yorkers’ faith and trust in government. The recently passed Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011 is the culmination of those efforts, and it promises to be transformative (A.8301). The measure will take a hard line with unethical public officials, usher in greater disclosure and empower a newly created watchdog commission to crack down on corruption.

This year Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) will host two workshops for local firefighters interested in applying for federal fire grant funding through the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).   At the workshop, participants are invited to learn first-hand from a DHS Fire Grant Specialist how to put together a qualifying application.  All applications are then submitted to DHS and go through a non-partisan, merit based review ranked by factors established by a panel of fire service professionals. 

“The federal fire grant process is highly competitive and will get more so as resources become limited,” said Higgins, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee.  “Our workshops give local firefighters the best opportunity to try to bring these federal dollars home.”’