We will soon be voting on a 2026 spending plan. Last week we heard from all department heads about Mark Poloncarz’s proposed budget, and earlier this week the public had an opportunity to voice their opinions on the budget, as well as make requests for funding for various organizations. I appreciate the opportunity to hear from constituents, as their requests often lead to budget amendments and help shape the final document we will vote on in early December. There is plenty to be concerned with in this Administration’s spending plan. Projected future budget gaps one year ago were estimated to be between nine and $19.6 million, are now between $83.6-$95.3 million and could go higher. General Fund salary costs have gone from $202.4 million in 2021 to $320.6 million in the proposed 2026 budget. The proposed budget adds new positions and increases costs, with concern about future years. The County Executive has characterized the four-year plan as “dead flowers and arsenic.” The numbers don’t lie. Spending has increased. The Erie County Comptroller has stated that much of the increase is discretionary, which is a serious problem.
I am somewhat relieved that New York State is pausing the implementation of the All-Electric Buildings Act, which was supposed to begin on January 1. This is simply not realistic. The grid cannot handle this shift, and Albany lawmakers need to repeal this misguided endeavor altogether. It truly puts lives at risk. There are so many older homes in Western New York with gas heat and gas stoves. Many more are putting their home building plans on hold because they prefer gas to electric. We have seen in this region that power often goes out when strong storms hit our community. In the 2022 storms, lives were lost, while many others were saved by their gas heat or stoves. For the safety of our residents, there needs to be energy choice. Albany lawmakers, especially those representing this region, need to understand this and put their constituents first.
As we approach the holiday season, please look out for your family and friends. There are many who aren’t fortunate enough to have loved ones return home for the holidays, and perhaps setting a place for them at your Thanksgiving dinner table would be just what they need.
Happy Thanksgiving and if you have a county related issue, contact my office at (716)858-8676 or email at Christopher.Greene@erie.gov
