Connect With Kathy - August 17, 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.

Regulatory Relief for Western New York Dairy Farmers

Dairy farmers play a critical role in Western New York’s economy. Our farmers need a level playing field to grow their operations, which is why I sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo urging him to provide New York dairy farms with regulatory relief to help milk producers expand their businesses.

On Monday, I requested that New York State raise the threshold for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) regulations from 200 cows to 300 cows, which is consistent with national standards. Increasing this threshold will help dairy farmers increase milk production, enabling them to fulfill the needs of New York’s growing yogurt industry. I also asked the state to expand programs to assist dairy farmers with environmental conservation and protection. I am happy to report that on Wednesday, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine announced that the state would comply with my request and raise the threshold to 300 cows, providing much needed relief.

Please know that I will continue to fight against unnecessary regulations that create burdens for our dairy farmers as they work to grow their businesses.
 

Rep. Hochul visits the Genesee County Fair

Social Security's 77th Anniversary

On Tuesday, we marked the 77th anniversary of Social Security being signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt. It was an opportunity to recognize the significant impact Social Security has had on the lives of our seniors by allowing them to live with dignity in their later years. The strength of Social Security’s promise has endured thirteen recessions and never failed to pay benefits on time and in full. Our seniors know they can count on the security and stability that this important program provides.

I have voted against policies that would weaken Social Security, like the House budget proposals that would take nearly $5 trillion out of the Social Security trust fund, cut benefits and force our seniors to work longer. With more than 140,000 beneficiaries in Western New York, I will remain committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security for future generations.

Rep. Hochul meets with seniors at the Manor House in Batavia
 

Cutting Bureaucracy and Expediting Approval of Life Saving Drugs

On Wednesday, I joined families of children with life threatening diseases to discuss the need for faster approval of experimental medication for rare diseases and to announce my support of the Faster Access to Specialized Treatments (FAST) Act.

The FAST Act is a bipartisan proposal to expedite the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process for new treatments for incurable diseases like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson's. By approving these medications more quickly, we can give hope to those suffering from these debilitating illnesses.

Joining me at this announcement were representatives from Suneel’s Light Foundation to show their support for this legislation. Suneel's Light, a nonprofit organization committed to funding research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, is named for Suneel Ram, a 15-year boy battling Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, who also joined us. I will continue my strong support of this legislation and will continue to fight for its passage and implementation.

Rep. Hochul announces her support for the Faster Access to Specialized Treatments (FAST) Act

How my office can help you

If you are experiencing difficulty with a federal agency, my office is ready to help you cut through the bureaucratic red tape, help you receive the benefits you have earned, and fight against burdensome regulations that are hurting your farm or small businesses.

My office can also help veterans receive the medals they have earned, fly a flag over the capitol building, provide students with nominations to military academies, and arrange tours for you during a visit to our nation's capital. You can email me through my website by clicking here or contact one my offices.

Williamsville, NY Office
325 Essjay Road, Suite 405
Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone: 716.634.2324
Fax: 716.631.7610

Greece, NY Office
2300 W. Ridge Road, Suite 400
Greece, NY 14626
Phone: 585.270.4828
Fax: 585.270.8014

Washington, DC Office
1711 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.5265
Fax: 202.225.5910

As your Representative, I am proud to serve the people of Western New York, and I will continue to work to strengthen our community.

Sincerely,

Kathy Hochul
Member of Congress