WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today voted for two pieces of legislation aimed at creating jobs and supporting American manufacturing by improving federal “Buy American” purchasing rules.

These manufacturing-boosting bills require that Congress and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) purchase products that are Made in America.

“It is unacceptable, and frankly embarrassing, that proud Americans visiting the U.S. Capitol see goods in our gift shops made in China, Mexico, or anywhere but the United States,” said Slaughter.  “This outrage did not happen overnight.  It happened as a result of years of policies that have undermined the American worker.  We are working hard on many fronts to restore a robust manufacturing sector, and I’m pleased that today, Congress lead by example in directly supporting products made by Americans for Americans.”

Rochester, NY – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today announced that the Rochester Fire Department will receive a $520,000 grant to bolster and improve fire safety and emergency response capabilities in Rochester.

The funds, to be used for Rochester Fire emergency vehicle acquisition, will boost Rochester Fire’s ability to respond in the case of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) threat.

“These funds will enhance the Rochester Fire Department’s capacity to respond effectively to the emergency needs of our community,” said Slaughter. “All of us in the greater Rochester community will sleep better knowing that our capabilities for responding to urgent needs will be improved because of this grant.”

Rochester, NY – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today announced that the state of New York will receive $607.6 million to save education jobs.  The funds, which will be used to protect teachers and other school-related jobs from statewide budget cutbacks, were approved by Congress during a special session earlier this month.

H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, passed the House with Slaughter’s strong support on August 8, 2010, and was subsequently signed into law by President Obama.

“These funds arrive right on time for the tens of thousands of children from Western New York getting ready to back to school in the coming days and weeks,” said Slaughter.  “Getting this bill passed cleared the way for these funds to go out to communities that need the help. According to some estimates, we saved the jobs of 460 teachers in my district alone.”

Rochester, NY – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today announced that the HEART Coalition for a Drug Free Rochester was awarded $125,000 to combat youth drug abuse in Rochester.

The HEART Coalition was one of 169 new grantees selected from 521 applicants through a competitive, peer-reviewed process.  The award comes through the new Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFC) of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

“We all know that children who stay on a drug-free path are much more likely to become productive members of our community, contributing to our economic and cultural vibrancy,” said Slaughter.  “Education and community involvement are vital components to the prevention and reduction of drug abuse.  I’m so proud that the HEART Coalition for a Drug Free Rochester was recognized for not only developing an effective strategy to combat drug abuse, but for taking a positive, active role in developing the youth of our community which represent the future of Rochester.”