Press Releases: 02/28/08 Mills announces Additional Springville HEAP Outreach 02/28/08 Mills Announces Orchard Park HEAP Outreach 02/15/08 Mills Announces Springville HEAP Outreach 02/05/08 Bee Column 02/08 01/04/08 Mills announces HEAP outreach efforts

John J. Mills - District 13 February 21, 2007 Mills Supports Reform in STAR Program (Amherst-New York) On Wednesday February 21, 2007 Republican Legislators Barry A. Weinstein and John J. Mills met with a subcommittee of the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority (ECFSA) to discuss their application for an efficiency grant. Dr. Weinstein stated that "the reason for applying for a $99.45 efficiency grant was to demonstrate that a spectacular taxpayer benefit can be achieved in Erie County at a very small cost." A resolution recently passed by the Erie County Legislature asked members of the local state delegation and Governor Eliot Spitzer to amend the STAR program to include in its calculation of benefits the amount of sales tax revenue a county spends on local school districts. Five Counties in New York State share sales tax revenue with local school districts. The current STAR program does not reimburse Erie County residents at the same rate as other county residents because of the revenue sharing. Legislator Weinstein stated "I am happy that our resolution passed through the Legislature, I just don't know why it took so long." Members of the ECFSA's Finance sub-committee were unable to recommend it for further action because it does not provide a savings to the operational cost of Erie County Government. However, all ECFSA Commissioners in attendance expressed support for the change in the STAR program and some offered to write letters supporting changing the formula. Legislator Mills stated "At the heart of this matter is fairness. Regardless of the source of the revenue that is spent on our schools, Erie County taxpayers are owned a STAR benefit that accurately reflects the amount of tax dollars that were spent." Legislators Weinstein and Mills intend seeking support from the state delegation in both houses. Legislator Weinstein added "this isn't about politics; this is about righting a fiscal wrong." Back to District 13 Homepage