Education
Education is one of the most powerful tools we can give our children. From early education all the way through graduate studies and beyond, Brian strongly believes that all students should be given an equal chance to succeed. In order to prepare students to enter the workforce, Higgins has been a strong advocate for math and science education, in addition to workforce training programs, to give students the marketable skills they need to compete in a globalized economy. Brian has also been outspoken on the need to make higher education more affordable to reduce the skyrocketing education debt burden faced by so many recent graduates.
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Buffalo, NY – After several weeks of collecting donations, Congressman Brian Higgins, Erie County Legislator Howard J. Johnson, and Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski hosted a backpack and school supplies giveaway today, August 29th , for hundreds of families in need in the City of Buffalo. As families navigate the new school year remotely, these supplies will give parents and kids additional resources to be successful in continuing their education from home while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to strain school districts and teachers.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) joined a group of 89 members calling on Congressional leadership to include funding for the census in the next COVID-19 relief package, accompanied by a necessary extension to census reporting deadlines. The letter follows a recent announcement by the Census Bureau to suddenly end field data collection by September 30.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced a total of $911,186 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Education for three Western New York colleges. Trocaire, Medaille and the University at Buffalo each received grants through the Student Support Services (SSS) Program.
“This federal funding gives local students access to additional resources to help set them on a path to success in college and beyond,” said Higgins.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced his cosponsorship of the Pandemic Response & Opportunity Through National Service Act (HR 6702). Upon enactment, this legislation will provide critical funding to a number of national service programs, mobilizing thousands of Americans to respond to the damages wrought by the COVID pandemic.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House of Representatives approved an appropriation package funding various government programs and operations for fiscal year 2021.
“These are challenging times for our nation,” Higgins said. “This legislation invests in our communities and builds a path to a healthier and stronger America.”
Below are highlights of the package with a focus on several aspects important to Western New York:
Transportation-Housing & Urban Development
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced passage of H.R. 2420, the National Museum of the American Latino Act. The bipartisan bill, cosponsored by Higgins, establishes the National Museum of the American Latino in the Smithsonian Institution. Separate legislation approved last week honors Puerto Rican veterans who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced $1.6 million in additional federal funding for the Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment Board (WIB). The funding, which is allocated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, will be directed to the WIB’s Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program. The program previously received two five-year awards; this extends WIB’s successful HPOG program for an 11th year.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced approval of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. The bill, co-sponsored by Higgins, dedicates more than $1.5 trillion to rebuilding America’s infrastructure and creating American jobs.
(To access video go to: https://youtu.be/zHb4yEFHlwo)
Fighting to protect students defrauded by predatory, for-profit colleges, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) voted to override President Trump’s veto of a Resolution rejecting the new Department of Education “Borrower Defense Rule.” A bipartisan majority of members in the House of Representatives voted in favor (238-173) but the measure did not receive the two-thirds vote needed for a veto override.
As Western New York continues to battle the novel coronavirus, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) joined D’Youville College in announcing a federal grant for the college’s nursing program. Allocated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the grant will give D’Youville $707,983 to help address a shortage of faculty available to educate future nurses.