People Inc., Summit receive federal funding

Congress has approved $1.7 million in federal investments for area hospitals, research foundations and colleges, and organizations in Amherst will see a part of it.

The House passed the Conference Report, the fiscal year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill on Nov. 6.

"These investments will be vital to our area's economy, families and future," Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds, R-Amherst, said. "By providing funding that rebuilds, reinvigorates and renews our commitment to health care, education and research, we can provide a great environment for businesses and families to grow. I am proud to have fought hard to secure the approval of these important projects for our area, which will mean jobs, now and in the future."

People Inc., a nonprofit agency that provides healthcare and human services for Western New York, will receive $400,000 to be used to establish an electronic health records system that will improve customer service and healthcare delivery and ultimately lead to lower costs for People Inc.'s more than 12,000 clients.

Summit Educational Resources, located in Getzville, is a socially integrated education program for children with autism. The program serves more than 1,600 children from 10 Western New York counties.

The funding, $200,000, will be used specifically to help effectively monitor and prepare children with autism and other developmental disabilities to more easily integrate into their local public schools. The center estimates that with early therapy, local school districts can save an estimated $1 million per child over the child's life span.

The Conference Report is pending, and needs the signature of President George W. Bush.