JUNE 13, 2008

COUNTY LEGISLATURE SUPPORTS ECC

The Erie County Legislature recognizes Erie Community College's role as a major institution for both higher education and our economy.

The $93.3 million 2008-09 academic operating budget is now before the Legislature. There are three main sources of funding: state share, county share and student tuition. The county's current share of 18.7% is not in compliance with State Education Law, and is below the 26.7% called for by law, a gap of $7.5 million. Legislators unanimously sponsored and approved a resolution that I submitted along with Legislator Betty Jean Grant, chair of the Community Enrichment Committee, to support the increase in the county's share of the college subsidy. We will continue to work with the county executive, college officials and colleagues in seeking phased increases in the local sponsor share.

We will hold a public hearing on the 2008-09 ECC operating budget at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 19, in the Legislature, 4th floor of 92 Franklin St. The budget must be voted on at the June 26 Legislature session, then gain approval from the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority and SUNY. Over the past five budgets, New York State has increased its contribution by $7 million, the student share has increased by $4 million and only last year the county raised its share by another $2 million to $17.4 million in the 2007-08 $90.5 million budget.

The County Legislature also approved projects in its capital spending plan, including equipment, $1,800,000; building restoration, $700,000; campus security, $700,000; and roof replacement & HVAC equipment at the athletic center at the City Campus, $1,750,000. These investment dollars are matched 50-50 with the state.

We consider ECC a key component with local economic development, education and job training. With voters telling us that jobs and the economy are the top priority, then our county dollars are a worthy investment for our citizens for local jobs. According to ECC officials, the college, with more than 80 academic degree and certificate programs, has an estimated annual impact on the WNY community of $668 million. Notably, the college has increased enrollment 35% over the past decade. In ECC President Jack Quinn's budget message he noted that over 90% of ECC graduates live and work here, pay taxes and raise their families here. We continue to work with ECC and the Workforce Investment Board as partners on economic development, the education of our residents and to keep students here.

The future of Erie County can be shaped by the resources to educate and train students of any age. Additional resources for the college will assist in gaining the reaffirmation of accreditation for the college and its professional training programs. I continue to work with County Executive Chris Collins, ECC President Quinn, ECC Board members and its chair Raymond Gallagher, and the four bargaining union leaders to create a shared agenda with funding, partnerships, grants and in workforce development areas, including between Erie Community College and the Buffalo & Erie County Workforce Investment Board.

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