Press Releases: 10/30/09 Legislators Iannello, Reynolds Call for a County Tax Abatement Law for Home Improvements 10/08/09 Erie County Legislator Michele Iannello News Release 09/30/09 Iannello Calls on County Executive to Include Tax Cut in Budget 08/26/09 IANNELLO APPOINTED CO-CHAIR OF THE NIAGARA ERIE REGIONAL COALITION BY LEGISLATURE CHAIR MARINELLI 08/07/09 LEGISLATOR IANNELLO DEFENDS PREVAILING WAGE VOTE

Michele M. Iannello - District 10 March 6, 2006 COUNTY LEGISLATURE ASKS STATE LEADERS TO FUND CULTURAL ASSETS, HUMAN SERVICES EFFORTS The Erie County Legislature unanimously voted to request the New York State Legislature to provide $6 million to fund county cultural groups and human service efforts at its March 2 session. New York State Legislature members pledged to offset the $12.5 million negative financial impact of sharing the recently approved 1 cent in sales tax February 2, 2006. The resolution seeks funding for cultural groups and other assets including the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Museum of Science and the Buffalo Zoo, as well as human service efforts. These assets benefit not only the residents of Erie County but the people of Western New York and New York State. "Due to the continued budgetary restraints that will continue in 2007 and later years, Erie County may be forced to reduce or eliminate funding for these vital institutions, which would have a negative impact on the region, particularly the tourist industry," Legislature Michele M. Iannello (D-Kenmore, Tonawanda) said. "Previous County cuts have resulted in fewer hours these culturals are open to the public, and further cuts will no doubt put these institutions at risk for survival. We feel justified in asked for state funding for the cultural assets and human services efforts." The Erie County Legislature appropriated $5.6 million to support the county cultural assets in 2004, but due to the 2005 budget crisis, the County support for these cultural assets was reduced, and in 2006, $3.5 million was appropriated. "Following conversations with our colleagues in state government, we have been told that the state budget will be on time. We don't want a deficit in the 2007 budget, and we believe that some aid can be redirected to these important cultural assets," Legislature Chairperson Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) said. Back to District 10 Homepage