Written by Molly Criscitello in North Country Now

I want to take a moment to thank our Congresswoman for prioritizing the needs of the North Country. Elise is doing exactly what our district requires in this time of uncertainty. In addition to securing funding for our NY-21 Hospitals, Congresswoman Stefanik has also voted to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program which is undoubtedly bringing the assistance our families need to the district.

Around the clock, Congresswoman Stefanik is fighting for the North Country in every capacity. Every day her office announces more success from her unwavering advocacy. You name it, she’s achieved it.

Let’s start with the men and women of the North Country who serve as correctional officers. Congresswoman Stefanik’s advocacy to provide PPE to our officers led to the NYSDCCS announcing the authorization for CO’s to bring their PPE to work. Next, Congresswoman Stefanik, regarding her efforts to protect funding so our district is well-equipped to fight this virus, secured $26 million in emergency funding for NY-21 colleges and universities, $6 million in grant funding for North Country airports, and $33 million for North Country Hospitals.

Also, Congresswoman Stefanik offered students with necessary loan relief by co-introducing COVID-19 Graduate Relief Act, which allows 2020 graduates to defer their student loans for up to 3 years.

I can go on, but my point is this: Congresswoman Stefanik is ensuring that the economic needs of the North Country are met, and I am certain her efforts on the President’s Bipartisan Task Force on Reopening the Economy will be an unquestionable game changer.

Molly Criscitello

Potsdam

You can read the full letter to the editor at: northcountrynow.com