I am ecstatic that President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law today. This historic law will reverse a Supreme Court ruling that made it difficult for Americans to pursue pay discrimination claims, and will now apply to workers who file claims of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, or disability.
Last week I formed a new, bi-partisan Congressional caucus with my colleagues that represent Upstate New York. The purpose of the Upstate New York Caucus, a sub-caucus of the New York State Caucus, is to collectively advance issues that face upstate New York. The region we represent faces a particularly challenging road ahead as the current economic crisis continues to compound problems that have been developing in each of our districts for years. It’s time for those of us that represent Upstate to pool our resources to better our region.
We’re going to meet regularly with federal officials, economic development experts, agricultural experts and others to discuss advancing Upstate New York’s agenda. At our first meeting last week, we met with Congressman James Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, to discuss infrastructure projects for the region.
We need to revive our regional economy and bring well-paying, stable, quality jobs to Upstate New York. The caucus is going to coordinate its efforts to target projects and priorities that will have the greatest impact on the overall regional economy.
The 111th Congress will offer important opportunities to make the case for investing in Upstate New York. This is an essential opportunity, and one that we cannot approach passively or divided, which is why I am so proud that all of my colleagues who represent Upstate New York are joining me in forming the Upstate New York Caucus. It is critical that we work together to weather this economic storm. Upstate New York cannot afford to be left behind.
Members of the Upstate New York Caucus include:
Rep. Louise Slaughter NY-28 Rep. John McHugh NY-23 Rep. John Hall NY-19 Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand NY-20 Rep. Paul Tonko NY-21 Rep. Maurice Hinchey NY-22 Rep. Michael Arcuri NY-24 Rep. Daniel Maffei NY-25 Rep. Christopher Lee NY-26 Rep. Brian Higgins NY-27 Rep. Eric Massa NY-29
There are two bills that I am so glad to see pass in the House floor today, because they will change the lives of so many women and American workers. I’m talking, of course, about the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Today as we reconvene the 111th Congress, I introduced the Rules package on the House floor. Through making common-sense changes to the House Rules, Democrats are keeping our commitment to the American people to continue restoring integrity to Congress. These changes not only make great sense, they will make Congress more effective in solving the challenges facing our country.
Thank you for visiting my new blog. I hope to use this space to better communicate with you online, as well as to be able to better inform you about issues important to you before Congress. I hope you take some time to peruse this blog for issues important to you and provide me with feedback about the issues that are important to you.
