ERIE COUNTY – Kathy Hochul, candidate for New York’s 26th Congressional District, reports raising more than $350,000 in the first quarter of 2011. 

In the report -- filed with the Federal Elections Commission earlier this month -- Hochul will show having more than $300,000 in the bank.  There were nearly 450 individual donors who contributed to the campaign, more than 90% of whom are residents of New York State.

“Our supporters are excited and committed to helping us win on May 24th,” said Fabien Levy, Communications Director for Kathy Hochul for Congress.  “More than 50% of the donations were at $250 or below, which shows we have strong grassroots support in this race.  Western New Yorkers are sending a strong message that they want a fighter to represent them in Congress.”

More information about Kathy Hochul can be found at http://www.kat

 Iara Lee: Cultures of Resistance Film Premiere 

Does each gesture really make a difference? Can music and dance be weapons of peace? In 2003, on the eve of the Iraq war, director Iara Lee embarked on a journey to better understand a world increasingly embroiled in conflict and, as she saw it, heading for self-destruction. After several years, travelling over five continents, Iara encountered growing numbers of people who committed their lives to promoting change. This is their story. CULTURES OF RESISTANCE explores how art and creativity can be ammunition in the battle for peace and justice.

Iara Lee, a Brazilian of Korean descent, is an activist, filmmaker, and founder of the Caipirinha Foundation, which supports projects to secure peace with justice.

On Wednesday, March 30 Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27), a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees, met with United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to discuss the Peace Bridge project in Western New York. 

Congressman Higgins released the following statement detailing the meeting:

“Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit with Transportation Secretary LaHood and share with him directly how critically important the Peace Bridge is to integrating Western New York’s economy with booming Southern Ontario, relaying the essential link this project provides to jobs and growth at our educational, cultural, sports, airports, medical and retail destinations.   

“There is a new level of commitment from the federal government never before seen on the Peace Bridge project.  Secretary LaHood, his staff and the Administration are informed and engaged with a clear understanding of how important this project is for