Congresswoman Slaughter Creates Upstate Caucus

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28) has formed a new bipartisan Upstate New York Congressional Caucus. Its purpose is "to collectively advance issues that face upstate New York, such as reviving the local economy and bringing new well-paying jobs to the region."

Members of the caucus, in addition to Rep. Slaughter, are: John McHugh, R-23rd District; John Hall, D-19th District; Kirsten Gillibrand, D-20th District; Paul Tonko, D-21st District; Maurice Hinchey, D-22nd District; Michael Arcuri, D-24th District; Daniel Maffei, D-25th District; Christopher Lee, R-26th District; Brian Higgins, D-27th District; and Eric Massa, D-29th District.

Rep. Slaughter says in her press release:

"I am proud that all of my colleagues who represent Upstate New York are joining me in forming the Upstate New York Caucus," said Congresswoman Slaughter. "The region we represent faces a particularly challenging road ahead. The current economic crisis has compounded problems that have been developing in each of our districts for years. The purpose of this caucus will be to concentrate our abilities and work together, on both sides of the aisle, in the best interest of Upstate New York.

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. It is critical that we work together to weather this financial storm. Upstate New York cannot afford to be left behind."

If your member of Congress is a part of the caucus, don't forget to remind them of who usually is "left behind" -- people in poverty. Poverty within prosperity is false prosperity. Poverty in hard times is everybody's problem.