December 5, 2009

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS PARTNER WITH LEGISLATOR WHYTE TO URGE SUPPORT FOR YOUTH FUNDING IN COUNTY BUDGET

Leaders call upon the county executive to support $200,000 amendment and NOT VETO money for youth programming

(Buffalo, NY) Legislature Majority Leader Maria Whyte called upon County Executive Chris Collins to support funding for summer youth programming at a Press Conference today. An additional $200,000 was allocated to Operation Prime Time as part of the Democratic Legislature's 2010 Budget amendments.

Operation Prime Time is a summer youth program that provides structured activity for youth till 9:00 p.m. during July and August. "This funding is necessary to keep our children safe," said Legislator Whyte. "Without it, many youth do not have supervised, structured activities in which to participate during the long summer days."

Funding for Operation Prime Time is typically matched 2:1 by New York State but with the state budget crisis, financial support from Albany is uncertain. County Executive Collins had allocated $200,000 for the program but indicated he would only spend the money if Albany's match comes through. The Legislature's Democratic Majority amended the County Executive's budget to include an additional $200,000 and to insist that Collins expend the money regardless of Albany's match.

"Funding for youth programming must be a priority," added Whyte. "Erie County must step up to the plate regardless of the state's budget woes. Even if Albany cannot do its part, Erie County must not abandon our youth."

Legislator Whyte was joined by representatives from community organizations who provide youth programming. "The Prime Time program is essential to all youth in the City of Buffalo and Erie County because it gives them opportunities to strengthen their job readiness skills, academic skills, and social skills," said Tony Williams, Director of Agency Operations at the North West Buffalo Community Center which receives Prime Time funding. "But most of all, it helps keep our youth off the streets and out of trouble."

Mike Milovich, Recreation Director for the Asarese Center, added his voice to the chorus of those calling on the County Executive to support the funding. "Prime Time funding is much needed in all of Erie County and especially in the inner-city. The County Executive has an open invitation to come to our center any day to see where the money is being spent. As a Boy Scout leader, Mr. Collins should understand the importance of safe and structured activities for kids. I urge him to practice what he preaches and support this vital funding."

The County Executive vetoed Prime Time funding that was added by the Legislature last year. He has until Monday, December 7 to issue any vetoes on the 2010 budget. The Legislature will then meet at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 8 to override.

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