RANZENHOFER COUNTY HALL REPORT
April 2006

Dear Friend,

As Spring has arrived, we look forward to longer, warmer and brighter days, and a very busy time of year for the Erie County Legislature. I want to keep you updated on some of the issues concerning your Erie County government and let you know what we are working on as we move through 2006. As always, I appreciate your feedback, and I'm happy to have the opportunity to continue to give you my perspective on these important county issues...

Apprenticeship Law

I have been fighting against oppressive and unnecessary Apprenticeship Legislation for several years, yet on January 25, 2006, eleven Legislators sponsored Local Law 1-2006 entitled "The Erie County Workforce Development and Diversification Apprenticeship Training Program." Eight days later, on February 2, 2006, Local Law 1-2006, which required onerous training programs through the New York State Department of Labor for any contractor or sub-contractor doing business with Erie County, was passed by an 11-4 vote and became law without any opportunity for community input or discussion. The County Executive then vetoed the law on February 28, 2006. At a session of the Erie County Legislature on March 16, 2006, this Local Law failed because the sponsors lacked the votes necessary to override the County Executive's veto.

Local Apprenticeship Law 1-2006 is bad policy for Erie County taxpayers. It undermines the competitive bidding process and does not treat all companies equally in bidding on Erie County contracts. It's a law that would ultimately hurt not only small companies, but also every taxpayer in Erie County.

There will certainly be further attempts by those who want to impose additional regulations and increase costs to introduce other bills designed to curtail competition under the guise of "worker training." Rest assured that I will continue to fight for small business owners in Erie County and will not support any legislation that would negatively impact the lives of our working men and women. We don't need additional burdensome regulations like Local Law 1-2006.

Majority Votes to Increase Spending
Without Looking for Savings

* Increased Sales Tax by .5%. On November 15, 2005, the old Erie County Legislature, by a 10-5 vote, approved the 2006 budget which raised the sales tax from 8.25 to 8.75% effective January 15, 2006. This newest sales tax spike is on top of a 13.5% increase in property taxes for 2006; skyrocketing property assessments; increased fees; and hundreds of new employees added to the county payroll. Needless to say, the Legislature's inability to pass a budget which makes necessary structural cuts and reforms service delivery systems, keeps our county as one of the highest taxed in the nation. This increased sales tax will be permanent unless cuts are enacted and reforms made in the way Erie County conducts business and Albany imposes mandates on local governments.

* Extension of Additional 1% Sales Tax. In February 2006 the new Legislature Majority voted to extend the original additional 1% sales tax and give $12.5 million to the City of Buffalo and other cities, towns and villages. I voted against this extension because sharing $12.5 million with the City of Buffalo and other municipalities was made without cutting one cent and pushed the 2006 deficit to over $50 million.

* Approved ECMCC Lawsuit Settlement. At our very first session this year on January 5, 2006, the new Legislature voted 14-1 to approve a lawsuit settlement between Erie County and Erie County Medical Center Corporation. ECMCC received $19 million for 2005, and will receive $20 million in 2006 and $14 million in 2007 in subsidized payments. Figures for 2008 and 2009 would bring the total amount to over $100 million. Additionally, Erie County must give ECMCC $15 million for employee concessions. I voted against this proposal because there were no reforms made to the hospital compensation structure and work rules, and there was no money provided for it in the 2006 budget.

* Additional Majority Staff Added. Unnecessary spending continued when the Legislature, also by a 14-1 vote, approved adding $100,000 for Legislative staff including a $78,000 a year Democratic Chief of Staff. I voted against this new and unnecessary patronage position.

* Cultural Spending Increased. Despite the fact that additional reforms need to be made in the delivery of cultural services before increased spending occurs, the Legislature voted on January 19, 2006 to approve an additional $700, 000 for cultural organizations, which had already been restored from 2005 cuts, including $400,000 to the Buffalo Museum of Science and $150,000 to the Film Commission. This increase in funding was not supported by the Cultural Resources Advisory Board, the agency that advises the Legislature on funding for cultural organizations. I did not support this increased spending because Erie County just cannot afford it.

It will be my top priority to continue to advocate for state mandate relief and sensible and responsible ways to cut the cost of government. We must continue to make reforms rather than inflict tax increases on our already over-taxed residents.

Charter Review Commission

Charter Review is an extremely important process and the Charter Review Commission is currently examining issues such as the county manager concept, an independent budget office, and other changes in the duties and powers of elected officials.

I look forward to the Commission's report and reviewing their recommendations. It is important to make those changes that make Erie County government better, and not adopt changes which do not reduce the overall cost and improve the efficiencies of government operations.

DMV Opens New Satellite Office

Through the cooperation of local communities, along with the Erie County Clerk's office, I am pleased to announce the opening of a DMV satellite office in my district at Erie Community College North Campus located at 6205 Main Street in Amherst. This new DMV satellite office will process motor vehicle transactions Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. This compliments the Mobile Auto Bureau serving residents at the Clarence Public Library, 3 Town Place, every Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

After a chaotic year last year for the Department of Motor Vehicles, it is encouraging to see some of the new ideas and enhancements that I advocated brought forth, making it more convenient for residents and less expensive for county taxpayers to do their business. Utilizing space at no cost to county government and bringing services closer to resident's homes keeps the revenues generated from the DMV in Erie County and benefits all county taxpayers. For more information about Erie County Auto Bureau locations visit www.erie.gov/clerk.

New Legislation For Waiver of Temporary Food Service Fees
For Charitable, Philanthropic, Religious and Municipal Corporations

Recently I sponsored legislation to restore the waiver of Section 11 Sanitary Code fees (such as the fee charged for a temporary permit for food service) for charitable, philanthropic, religious and municipal corporations. When the legislature passed a resolution on November 15, 2005, all Sanitary Code fees were increased and the waiver provision for these organizations was eliminated. It defeats the purpose of these organizations in their fundraising efforts to pay up to $146.00 per day for a temporary food service permit. I proposed this legislation because I feel it is important to encourage and promote these organizations in their mission to provide essential social and human services to the community.

Programs to Assist Seniors

Since residents age 60+ make up more than 20% of the population of Erie County, I feel it is important to inform you about some of the valuable services available to senior citizens in our community.

A real property tax exemption for seniors was established to provide Erie County senior citizens with property tax relief to ensure that those who live on fixed incomes can afford to own and maintain their homes. In order to qualify, you must be 65 years of age or older and have owned your home for the past 12 consecutive months prior to filing for the exemption. You must apply for this exemption, as well as for "Enhanced" STAR (School Tax Relief) with your local assessor's office every year by May 1st. Seniors and other taxpayers who receive the "Basic" STAR tax relief benefits need not apply on an annual basis.

The Going Places Van is a door-to-door van service available to seniors who are unable to use conventional means of transportation and need to schedule doctor appointments, trips to grocery stores, and other appointments. Seniors can call 895-0400 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to schedule transportation.

As you may know, beginning January 2, 2006, new Medicare drug plans are available to everyone with Medicare. With this change in coverage, there are many questions and much confusion about choosing a Medicare drug plan. Erie County provides a Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program to answer questions and assist seniors in making the best decisions. Information is available by calling 858-7883.

Seniors helping other seniors... Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a wonderful opportunity for anyone over the age of 55 to volunteer a few hours every week to assist other seniors in their community. RSVP volunteers use their life experience and skills to assist in local hospitals, health organizations, meals on wheels, long-term facilities, adult day health services, after school programs and youth mentoring as well as many other areas. Van transportation is available for volunteers. If you are interested in helping your neighbors in need, call 858-7548.

The Erie County Department of Senior Services also provides a vast array of support services. For more information about all the services available, call 858-8526.

HEAP

Applications are still being accepted for the 2006 heating season for those individuals who meet certain income eligibilities and are struggling with high energy bills. Those 60 years of age or older may apply for this important program by mail. Applicants under the age of 60 must apply at the downtown HEAP office. Applications are available through my district office.

I hope you find this information helpful in updating you on the issues before the Erie County Legislature. If you have any questions or concerns about any issue facing county government, please feel free to write or visit me at 8860 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221, call my district office at 631-8695, or e-mail me at ranzenhofer@erie.gov.

Sincerely,

MICHAEL H. RANZENHOFER
Erie County Legislator – 4th District