New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R-Rome) is encouraging his Republican peers to approve an aid relief package for New York and the other communities downstate ravaged by Superstorm Sandy.

In letters to House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Griffo writes, “It is essential that all of us in public service at all levels show leadership and commitment to work collaboratively and swiftly to do all that we can so that the damage from this storm is repaired, and so that the one-time burdens of such a unique and devastating storm are supported by the federal government.”

Griffo’s 47th Senate District includes Massena, Brasher, Norfolk, Stockholm, Potsdam, Pierrepont, Russell, Clifton, Fine and Pitcairn in St. Lawrence County, and all of Lewis County and his home county of Oneida.

Griffo’s letter to Sen. McConnell and Speaker Boehner follows:

On behalf of all the people and communities impacted by Superstorm Sandy, I am writing to urge you to take swift action to approve the funding necessary to begin the rebuilding process. The Governors of the states impacted by the storm have made a compelling and fact-based case for the amount of funding needed from the federal government. The scale and scope of the devastation are such that all parts of this region are feeling the aftereffects. Although as a Senator for the Central New York and Northern New York regions of New York State the direct impacts of the storm were limited, there is not a day that goes by that my office is not made aware of families impacted by the destruction or companies whose suppliers and customers either no longer exist or are unable to do business. Just as the ripples of good times impact all parts of this great nation of ours, so, too, do the impacts of devastation. In times of urgent need, there is also an urgent need for action. Nothing can undo the damage, but it is essential that all of us in public service at all levels show leadership and commitment to work collaboratively and swiftly to do all that we can so that the damage from this storm is repaired, and so that the one-time burdens of such a unique and devastating storm are supported by the federal government. Although as a legislator who has worked with our Governor to battle back from fiscal hard times I fully understand the importance of fiscal conservatism, the human and economic toll of this storm is such that it commands our attention and our action. New York deserves the same kind of support Washington has shown to other regions impacted by horrific disaster. Action to approve the full amount of federal funding needed for this important effort needs to take place so that, in this season when joy is a word too many people will live without, there can at least be hope. As a Republican elected official, I am urging action because it is important that the National Republican leadership reflect the urgency felt by both sides of the aisle -- and all the people -- on this issue. Thank you for your attention on this issue.

Sincerely,

Joseph A. Griffo