Saint Patrick’s Day is here, and with it the unofficial welcoming of Spring to Western New York. The warmer weather also means the beginning of road construction season. There are numerous infrastructure projects that have been approved by the Erie County Legislature, and hopefully the weather will cooperate so work can commence. Speaking of roads, the New York State Thruway Authority is looking to increase tolls for motorists using the Thruway; a total of 10% for E-Z pass holders over the next four years, and 75% for those who do not have a New York E-Z Pass. This puts an undue burden on the many commuters who rely on the Thruway, and there is no justification for such an increase. I’m pleased my colleagues and I passed a resolution opposing the proposed toll hike, and I am hopeful the Albany decision makers will realize this unwarranted increase would be burdensome to so many.
The rising cost of groceries and other goods and services has put a strain on many household budgets. That’s why I supported extending limits on taxing gasoline and diesel fuel sales. Beginning in June, and through the rest of 2023 you will not be taxed by Erie County for any gasoline purchase over two dollars a gallon. That means the 4.75% Erie County sales tax rate will be applied as if each gallon of gas was two dollars per gallon and would not pay the county tax for any amount beyond two dollars per gallon.
Local governments pay a big price for New York State’s expansive Medicaid offerings. As a result, the federal government provides assistance to help fund the generous Medicaid package. Those dollars are sent to New York State which in turn, sends some of that federal assistance to local governments. This pass-thru is intended to assist county governments in funding their share of Medicaid costs. Now New York State is proposing to keep those federal dollars to pay for Medicaid expansion in the 2024 budget. The New York State Association of Counties estimates that Erie County will lose nearly $27 million in 2023 if this happens, meaning Erie County services could be cut, or the Administration could choose to raise the property tax levy to make up the difference. I sponsored a resolution that passed unanimously, telling Albany to reject this proposal.
We are fortunate to have so many arts and cultural organizations within Erie County, many of which receive financial support from the county. The application process for the 2024 Arts and Cultural funding program is underway. To apply, go to www.erie.gov/CulturalFunding.
I’m pleased to see the Small Business Administration understood the impact the December blizzard had on our region by making an emergency declaration. This allows for business physical disaster, economic injury, and home disaster loans. To learn more about eligibility, go to www.disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.
Finally, March is Women’s History Month. I am incredibly grateful for the many contributions that women have made to our county and community. We are a better county, state, nation, and world because of their countless achievements.
