Tagged: congress

Republican Chris Collins was sworn in Thursday as one of the newest members of  the U.S. House of Representatives. Collins is among 82 freshman representatives in the House.

It’s the first time in around 40 years that New York has held June primaries.

The state was forced to change the date from September to be in compliance with a federal  rule that requires  adequate time between primary day and election day to distribute election ballots to service men and women overseas.  

Turn out is expected to be low, for that reason and a number of other factors.  

The only statewide primary features three largely unknown candidates who want a shot at running against US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

Republican Congressional candidate David Bellavia is answering questions regarding his personal finances.

According to the Buffalo News, public records show Bellavia was late in paying school taxes and water and sewer fees on his residence in Batavia.

Bellavia has acknowledged the late payments, but points out that in each case penalties and interest charges were paid in full.

It was recently revealed that Bellavia's campaign has been scrutinized by the Federal Elections Commission for failing to explain certain expenditures.

U.S Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand say the postal reform bill passed by the Seante Wednesday would keep Buffalo's main mail processing center open for at least three years, if it becomes law.

The overhaul legislation passed with a 62-37 vote. It gives the financially-troubled U.S. Postal Service an $11 billion cash infusion and delays decisions on closing post offices and ending Saturday delivery.

A version of Rep. Louise Slaughter’s Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge, or STOCK, Act, which is aimed at ending insider trading in Congress, is on its way to President Obama’s desk for his signature. 

The Senate approved the legislation by a voice vote of 96-3 Thursday afternoon. 

Slaughter first introduced the measure six years ago, but it failed to gain traction until the CBS show 60 Minutes aired a piece on it last fall.  Hundreds of sponsors soon signed on and the bill passed in the House overwhelmingly last month. 

Eliminate former Erie County Sheriff Patrick Gallivan from consideration for a Republican run in the newly-drawn 27th Congressional district.

In a statement released last night, Gallivan said, "I cannot in good conscience ignore my commitment to the voters of the 59th Senate District by seeking new office when so much important work remains in New York State."

Gallivan outlasted several Republican primary challengers on his way to replacing retiring veteran lawmaker Dale Volker in 2010.

A new bill in Congress would incentivize businesses to hire more interns.

The Workforce-Ready Educate America Act would deliver a $1,000 tax credit for each student given an internship. Congresswoman Kathy Hochul (D-NY) is expected to introduce the measure within a few weeks.