WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today proudly supported legislation that gives a one-time $250 payment to social security recipients. Today the House voted on the Seniors Protection Act (H.R. 5987) which makes the payment in lieu of a cost of living adjustment in 2011 for social security recipients.

The House failed to pass the measure which Slaughter co-sponsored.

“Americans all over this country are struggling to make ends meet right now, and that includes our seniors,” said Slaughter.  “I stand shoulder to shoulder with them, and I whole heartedly support this move because it provides a measure of economic security for Western New York’s seniors. I’m deeply disappointed that this measure did not pass in the House but I want seniors to know that I stand with you."

Rochester, NY – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28), Co-Chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, today announced $175,000 in federal funds awarded to groups in Western New York to directly support the work of writers, musicians, dancers, and artists.

The Geva Theatre Center, George Eastman House, BOA Editions, and the Garth Fagan Dance Company are all receiving grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), an independent government agency and the largest annual national funder of the arts in the country.

“The arts have an incredible ability to enrich our communities and strengthen our cultural diversity,” said Slaughter.  “But the arts are not just culturally significant, they are economically significant as well, positively impacting our local economy and spurring billions in economic activity.  As Co-Chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, I am pleased to see this infusion of support for our talented group of local artists here in Western New York.”