February 20, 2009

Senator Gillibrand Continues Working Tour in Nassau County

Meets With Local Leaders, Citizens to Discuss Economic Recovery Plans

Washington, D.C. - New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand continued her working tour in Nassau County today, meeting privately with local leaders and citizens to learn more about their concerns and discuss her ideas for solutions.  Senator Gillibrand focused on the economic recovery plan she helped pass last week in Washington, which will create jobs and cut taxes for Long Island residents.

"I was so pleased to introduce myself today to some of Long Island's leaders and constituents," said Senator Gillibrand.  "This was my opportunity to listen to their concerns and discuss my ideas for solution. I look forward to returning to Long Island to continue working together on these important issues."

Senator Gillibrand met with such elected officials as Nassau County District Attorney, Kathleen Rice; Glen Cove Mayor, Ralph Suozzi; Town of North Hempstead Supervisor, Jon Kaiman, and members of the Nassau County Legislature. In afternoon, Senator Gillibrand met with Kevin Law of the Long Island Power Authority, representatives of the Nassau Council Chambers of Commerce, the Long Island Federation of Labor, and representatives of the Glen Cove School District among others.  They discussed everything from jobs and infrastructure to education, housing and energy. The Senator expressed her desire to work closely with local leaders to address the concerns of their constituents and communities.

Senator Gillibrand later met with a group of local leaders and community members at La Bussola Restaurant in Glen Cove.  She spoke with local business owners, union workers, educators, about funding in the economic recovery package that will help address their most pressing needs.

"My top focus is creating jobs and rebuilding this economy and I believe the economic recovery plan I helped pass last week will help us do that," said Senator Gillibrand.  "I look forward to working with people on Long Island to secure federal funding to grow the economy in Long Island."

The stop was reminiscent of the frequent "Congress At Your Corner" stops that were a hallmark of Senator Gillibrand's tenure in Congress.  Senator Gillibrand plans to host similar events around the state in the coming months to hear directly from folks and strategize how to access more federal dollars.

While this was the Senator's first trip to Long Island since being sworn in just a few weeks ago, she is no stranger to the Island or its issues.  Earlier this month, Senator Gillibrand met with Nassau County Executive Tom Souzzi and State Senator Craig Johnson to discuss critical issues affecting families and businesses in the area.