April 2, 2009

THREE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATORS SPEAK OUT AGAINST PROPOSED 2009 NEW YORK STATE BUDGET

(Buffalo, NY) – Erie County Legislators John J. Mills, 13th District, Edward A. Rath III, 15th District, and Raymond W. Walter, 4th District, were prevented from voicing their opposition to the proposed 2009 New York State Budget at session today. In a procedural move, an item expressing disapproval of the budget was referred to the Legislature's Finance and Management committee. The vote occurred along party lines, with the three Republican Legislators seeking to discuss and vote on the item at today's session, and the twelve Democrats refusing to challenge the Chairwoman's decision to refer the item to committee. By sending the item to committee, it is likely that it will never be discussed, due to the timeline for approving the New York State budget.

The proposed budget, crafted by Governor David Paterson and amended by the Legislature, would require New Yorkers to pay additional taxes and fees on daily activities such as operating vehicles and using heat and electricity in homes. There will also be additional fees and assessments on activities such as fishing and hunting, as well as consuming beer, wine and bottled water. The new fees, taxes and assessments will result in $7 billion in revenue to fund spending by the state government. The proposed budget would also eliminate the STAR property tax rebate checks, decreasing the average Western New Yorker's budget by approximately $350. The New York Association of Counties reports that this is the largest tax increase in New York State history.

"The budget is currently being discussed in Albany. Time is of the essence in voicing our opposition to the budget. I am disappointed the Legislature refused to take a stand on behalf of the taxpayers of Erie County," commented Legislator Mills.

Legislator Walter added, "The Democrats in the County Legislature had an opportunity today to send a message to Albany and they passed. This will in no way deter me from speaking out against this budget. I will continue to speak on behalf of the people of Erie County to our New York State representatives and tell them that the proposed budget is bad for New York State and worse for Erie County."

"The people of Erie County do not need higher taxes and fees. We need our government to operate more efficiently, not more expensively. We are taking steps to do that in Erie County and New York State must follow our lead," stated Legislator Rath.

Back to District 15 Homepage