Connect With Kathy - August 3, 2012

Dear Friends,

It has been another busy week serving New York’s 26th District. Here are some highlights from Western New York and Washington. For more frequent updates, please like my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel.

Working with our Canadian Neighbors

On Monday, I participated in a House Homeland Security Committee field hearing in Buffalo with my colleague Representative Brian Higgins entitled “Beyond Borders: Are the Department of Homeland Security’s International Agreements Ensuring Actionable Intelligence to Combat Threats to the U.S. Homeland?”

This hearing provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the need to remove regulatory and logistical barriers to commerce with Canada. The challenges discussed underline the important impact of plans for a new Customs and Border Protection facility at the Niagara Air Station, as well as preserving the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo – an office that has assisted in facilitating the free flow of commerce and trade throughout the region. I will continue to work with the Canadian government and all U.S. agencies participating in commerce and security on the northern border to ensure a more secure and prosperous Western New York.

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Rep. Hochul participates in a House Homeland Security Committee field hearing in Buffalo
 

Increasing Research and Development in the High Tech Industry

On Tuesday, I joined local business leaders in Rochester to discuss the potential for economic growth through research and development. I also announced my plan to introduce legislation that would make the Research and Development tax credit permanent and refundable for small businesses, while including a bonus credit for companies who make their products in America.

The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, as well as investment in research and development, allow businesses to pioneer technologies and forge new industries. Small businesses are a key component of economic growth, and the creativity and innovation of the businesses in our region will help build the economy of the future.

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Rep. Hochul meets with local business leaders
to discuss the high tech industry

 

Extending Tax Cuts for the Middle Class

On Wednesday, I voted to extend the middle class tax cuts, providing tax relief and preventing a tax increase of about $2,200 per year on working families and small businesses. Protecting middle class families and small business has always been my top priority. However, at a time when our national debt is approaching $16 trillion, we can’t afford to add $1 trillion to the debt to pay for additional tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. I also believe that we must get serious about cutting spending, which is why I have previously voted for a balanced budget amendment, and why I joined with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to cut $2.4 trillion in deficit spending.

 

Supporting Western New York Farmers

On Thursday, I voted against a watered-down substitute for a five-year Farm Bill extension. Western New York farmers are an essential part of our economy, and they rely heavily on programs and policies authorized by the Farm Bill. Yet, at a time when farmers are dealing with drought, high feed prices, and army worms, House leadership won’t even hold a vote on a long-term Farm Bill that addresses our farmers' needs. It is a new low for Congress when our leaders choose to play politics rather than support dairy farmers and specialty crop producers, make critical investments in research, and reduce our federal deficit.

Across the district, and as recently as Sunday at the Sanborn-Lewiston Farm Museum Festival, I heard the same message – our farmers need the certainty a five-year Farm Bill would provide. I will continue to urge my colleagues to work together to pass this much-needed legislation in order to provide immediate assurance to our farmers.

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Rep. Hochul visits the Genesee County Fair

Contact My Office

As your Representative, I am proud to serve the people of Western New York, and I will continue to work to strengthen our community. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of my offices or email me through my website by clicking here.

Sincerely,
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Kathy Hochul
Member of Congress

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