Rep. Louise M. Slaughter said that the announcement of hundreds of new jobs created in Western New York by GEICO and FMC is a positive sign for the economy and will generate benefits across the region. Slaughter made her comments after participating in a ribbon cutting at a research and development facility in Tonawanda.

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, joined Governor David Paterson at the Avenue D Community Center to announce $3.26 million from the stimulus package for the development of El Camino Estates, an affordable housing project in Rochester.

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter, Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, applauded a statement released by Americans for the Arts in support of comprehensive health care reform. Because so many artists are self-employed or work at non-profits or other small organizations, they are especially sensitive to fluctuations in price and availability of health insurance. Many artists do without insurance altogether.

Slaughter, the co-chair of the Congressional Arts caucus and one of the leading arts supporters in Congress, said the broad national support from arts groups would help with ongoing efforts to build consensus around legislation.

“Some of the best creative minds in the country lack insurance and are therefore vulnerable,” said Slaughter. “Being a painter, a sculptor, or photographer, a dancer or a musician shouldn’t keep you from accessing affordable health coverage. I’m grateful for this showing of support from arts groups and the message it sends to Washington.”

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, today signed a letter to President Barack Obama and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate urging funds for the severe flooding that struck Western New York last week.

“Our neighbors have watched the foundations of their homes wash away and I am committed to doing everything I can to help,” said Rep. Slaughter. “I am proud to work with my colleagues in Western New York to obtain necessary funding to help our neighbors clean up, rebuild and restore their homes and communities.”

A full text of the letter is included below.

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28) spent the day discussing health care with groups across Western New York, including the Doris Jones Resource Center, which provides medical services to patients regardless of whether or not they have insurance.

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter, Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, met with Wendell Potter, former CIGNA Vice President, to discuss health care reform and the efforts by insurance companies to undercut proposed legislation. The meeting came about after Slaughter said she wanted to share Potter’s insight on the industry with other members of the Democratic caucus.

Health insurance reform continues to be the issue I’m hearing about most from my constituents. This Wednesday, at 2:00 p.m., I’ll be taking advantage of an opportunity to talk with a man who has seen firsthand how health insurance companies operate.

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, applauds the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to fill the vacancy on the United States Supreme Court. Judge Sotomayor was confirmed by a vote of 68-31.

“Throughout her confirmation hearings, Judge Sotomayor displayed an unassailable command of the law, and I congratulate her on her confirmation. She exemplifies the realization of the American dream, and as a woman, Hispanic, and New Yorker, she will serve as a role model for children striving to reach their goals across our state and our country,” Rep. Slaughter said.

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, joined with local Niagara Falls officials announce the start of nine road improvement projects funded by stimulus money.

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, visited Eastman Business Park to highlight how new jobs are being created and maintained in part through innovative energy efficiency technologies. Her visit focused on how Eastman Business Park is able to leverage Kodak’s investment in energy efficient co-generation technology to attract new commercial development to the former Kodak Park site.