Senator Gillibrand visits Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - New York State's Junior US Senator made a stop in the Queen City today.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has now made two trips to the WNY area. She couldn't help but address the grave economic crisis that the country is in.

"The crisis that we are facing needs a dramatic and very strong response" said Senator Gillibrand, "New York sends a dollar to Washington and we get back 79 cents. We have to change that, we have to get our fair share."

Her first stop was to talk to the New York State Teachers Union at the Buffalo Convention Center, where she ensured the crowd that she supports more funding to education, and was able to secure some federally for New York.

"We got a lot of money for education, which helps to keep our teachers teaching and keep resources in education community."

After that, it was on to the Broadway Market on Buffalo's East side, where Gillibrand again discussed federal stimulus money and the need to kick start the economy with projects in infrastructure and those that encourage energy independence.

The broadway market has already seen some energy efficient changes, such as lighting and heating.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown was present and said, "We will be able to save $25,000 - $30,000 a year."

The goal is to invest a $2.7 million federal grant into other city buildings to do the same. Brown says it has the potential to save the City $2 and a half million a year, and keep construction workers working for up to four years.

Senator Gillibrand also mentioned the much talked about high speed rail line, which is expected to go from NYC to Niagara Falls. She says it's going to spur economic growth for upstate New York and make it more desirable for big businesses to open up shop along the rail line.