March 16, 2009

Erie County Executive Chris Collins Ends County Participation in WIC Program After More than 30 Years of Service to Local Women, Infants, and Children

Majority Leader Whyte and Other Legislators Outraged as 16,000+ Women and Children Could Lose Service

(Buffalo, NY) On Thursday, March 12th, in a rare, bipartisan, unanimous vote, the Erie County Legislature demanded via a resolution that County Executive Collins reapply for the federally funded WIC program grant, which is due to New York State by March 30, 2009. WIC (women, infants, and children) currently provides nutrition information and vouchers to approximately 16,000 Erie County women, infants, and children and the County Executive wants to turn the program over to the private sector, including Kaleida Health and Catholic Charities.

Legislator Maria Whyte (D-Buffalo) stated, "The County Executive's move to privatize this service is outrageous! He has utterly failed to demonstrate how the private sector will be able to administer WIC cheaper and to as many people. Precisely at a time when County government should be expanding services due to these tough economic times, the County Executive is looking to shut them down." In addition, the Chairman of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee, Legislator Thomas Mazur (D - Cheektowaga) indicated that negotiations at this juncture, between the County Executive and the private sector, including Catholic Charities, have not been sufficient to address a smooth transition for thousands of Erie County's needy infants, children, and women.

The County Executive made his decision to withdraw from the program behind closed doors without the benefit of Legislative, WIC employee, or public consultation. Last month, in February, the County Executive sent a letter to Kaleida Health indicating he would not reapply for the WIC grant money - hence putting an end to WIC services provided by Erie County. Whyte stated, "The County Executive made his move, which then forced the Legislature to take a stand. Now, with a 15-0 vote we expect Collins to react quickly to submit the application to New York State on behalf of needy families by the deadline of March 30th. If you're as outraged as I am, call the County Executive at 716.858.8500."

WIC was permanently authorized by Congress in 1974 and is the most successful federally funded supplemental nutrition program for low-income families. Nationwide, over 8 million people receive WIC benefits each month. Pregnant or postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 are eligible. Family eligibility depends on income guidelines (currently $35,798 for a family of four), residency requirements, and a "nutritional risk" designation by a health professional. Children have historically been the largest category of benefit recipients. In 2004 for example, approximately 4 million of the recipients were children, 2 million were infants, and 1.9 million were women.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call Legislator Whyte's district office at 716.874.3257.

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