Report examines Hanna’s initiatives, commitment to Madison and Oswego counties
(Oneida, NY – Jan. 2014) U.S. Representative Richard Hanna issued a year-end report as part of his ongoing commitment to transparency and accessibility to the citizens of Madison and Oswego counties.
The yearlong look back provides an update and sampling of Rep. Hanna’s work on issues important to a broad cross section of constituents in the 22nd Congressional District. The report covers constituent services, legislative work, local successes and district outreach, among other areas of interest.
“As 2013 draws to a close, it is clear that Washington is broken,” Rep. Hanna said. “However, your congressional office is not. We are making good progress both in the hall of Congress and across upstate New York to support families, businesses, farmers and veterans in the 22nd Congressional District. I look forward to constituents’ ideas on how we can serve them even better in 2014.”
By the Numbers
Rep. Hanna responded to more than 48,500 constituent letters, emails and faxes in 2013. Rep. Hanna places a priority on answering constituents’ questions and concerns about pending federal legislation and policies.
Madison County:
Correspondence: 4,006 letters
Assistance with federal agencies: 48 individuals
Oswego County:
Correspondence: 2,560 letters
Assistance with federal agencies: 25 individuals
Notable Constituent Service Successes
Veterans Affairs Assistance – Rep. Hanna helped 303 constituents with Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense issues. Success stories include helping a veteran with terminal cancer by expediting his claim and assisting another veteran in getting reimbursed for life-saving emergency services.
Social Security – Rep. Hanna helped more than 123 constituents work through Social Security benefits difficulties. Success stories including helping one constituent receive retroactive benefits in the amount of $33,000 and another received benefits due to him from his late mother in the amount of $11,000.
Medicare – Rep. Hanna aided more than 28 constituents resolve Medicare claims in 2013. Notable successes include assisting a rural ambulance company in obtaining $30,000 in back claims and helping a constituent receive a favorable decision for immune system medication which was needed due to a life threatening illness.
Around the District
Rep. Hanna and his staff met face-to-face with constituents to hear their concerns and find solutions to their problems. Rep. Hanna and his staff hosted 17 public meetings with constituents, including Open Doors with Rep. Hanna, Staff Open Doors, Veterans Office Hours and other Open House events throughout the district.
The Town of Lenox in Madison County received a $3.6 million USDA Rural Development loan and $500,000 grant for a water project.
The Port of Oswego in Oswego County received a $1.5 million federal grant for a new rail link.
The Port of Oswego in Oswego County received a $192,000 federal grant for rail upgrades.
Military Medal Awards
Rep. Hanna was able to provide 43 military medals to deserving veterans in the 22nd District.
This included:
18 Army medals
11 Navy medals
7 Marine Corps medals
5 Air Force/Army Air Corps medals
2 Purple Hearts
The Purple Heart recipients were: the family of Sgt. Thomas Cook of Hamilton in Madison County who served during Vietnam, and the family of Nicholas Maiola of Herkimer who served during World War II.
These are just some of the topics covered in the 23-page report.
Constituents are encouraged to provide feedback to Rep. Hanna’s office.