December 1, 2009

Legislative Republican Caucus Opposes Passage of Budget Amendments in 2010 Budget

(Buffalo) - The Erie County Legislature Republican Caucus voted today against the amended 2010 Erie County Budget. The budget passed by a vote of 12-3, with Legislators John J. Mills (13th District), Edward A. Rath (15th District) and Raymond W. Walter (4th District) voting against the budget package. While supporting certain amendments within the budget, such as increased funding for economic development organizations and certain regionally significant cultural assets, the caucus could not support the entire budgetary package. "We are happy that the budget holds the line on taxes. We agree with amendments that strengthen certain economic development vehicles, such as Cornell Cooperative Extension and Soil and Water Conservation, as well as certain regionally significant cultural organizations. However, we cannot support a budget that threatens our transportation infrastructure and spends tax dollars providing duplicative services," stated Legislator Mills.

Legislator Rath questioned the restoration of funding for clinics that will duplicate services provided by New York State through non-profit healthcare providers. County Executive Collins ended Erie County's involvement in operating health clinics in the 2010 proposed budget. This move allowed non-profit healthcare providers to bid to provide the services for the New York State funded program. It was a move to encourage health care services to be provided by health care providers, as well as save the county money. "These services will still be provided by through a New York State contract. The only difference is that they will be offered by non-profit health care providers with modern facilities whose mission it is to provide health care. Saying that people will be denied health care is a lie and a disservice to people who take advantage of this state funded program," stated Legislator Rath. "Now, the legislature has earmarked tax dollars to fund a program to compete against a non-profit organization funded by New York State. Erie County taxpayers will pay twice for the same level of service. This is a waste of tax dollars when we can afford it least."

Legislator Rath also commented on a number of budget amendments to fund organizations in specific districts. "This year's budget is laden with pork and patronage, given as gifts to certain legislators for their votes. The Erie County Legislature should focus on the needs of Erie County taxpayers, not on the pet projects of some legislators. This is politics as usual and I cannot support it."

Legislator Walter questioned the wisdom of removing funding to the county to pursue delinquent property tax bills. Over the past several years, the county has sold its tax liens to outside vendors for collection. In so doing, the county collects less than it is owed and loses the ability to work with families facing hard times to avoid foreclosure of their properties. "Too many of the budget amendments we see here today don't truly address the needs of Erie County residents. Rather, these amendments are being used to settle a political score with the county executive. The time to do that was in November at the polls, and voters spoke clearly that they want their government to be run more like a business. Successful businesses work with their customers during difficult times and don't give away money owed to them just to make a fast buck. But that is what the legislature chose to do today," commented Legislator Walter.

Legislator Mills spoke against the amendment to cut $700,000 from the highway supply budget. "The highways and roads in Erie County are a keystone of economic development. They need more funding, not less," stated Legislator John J. Mills. "This is a matter of public safety. It is unfathomable that this would not be a matter of the utmost importance for every legislative district in the county. Do we need to see a serious accident before a ‘no brainer' like this is taken seriously? I am shocked and dismayed that any of my colleagues would find this acceptable."

The legislature approved budget now goes to the county executive for final approval. If the county executive vetoes any of the amendments, the legislature will convene on Tuesday, December 8 to consider overriding the vetoes.

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