Legislator Greene
Many of you were able to have your first experience in the new Highmark Stadium. It truly is a state-of-the-art facility. I’m pleased they are using natural grass, and I think in the long term, this will be a wonderful home for the Buffalo Bills. While I have had my policy disagreements with Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz over the years, the vision for the new home of the Bills is one I was proud to stand behind. The development of this stadium is truly a testament to the fine work by many, including the workforce that has been on the scene for the last few years working tirelessly to have the stadium ready for the 2026 season. This investment will bring in tax revenues that will benefit this region and overall, Erie County taxpayers are expected to be made whole on their investment with between nine and ten years remaining on the new lease.
I have been hearing from some constituents about the rising cost of their utility bills. Federal data shows New York’s electricity costs are 58% higher than the national average. Even the Progressive Policy Institute finds New York State experiencing some of the fastest increases in electricity prices in the country. The State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) has put impossible to meet energy mandates in place, requiring the state to produce 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and 100% by 2040. That’s simply not feasible. In addition, leadership in Albany has shortchanged us on the economic and pricing benefits of the Niagara Power Project. Despite it being in our own backyard, we don’t see a proportional discount on our electric bills. Instead, those hydropower allocations managed by NYPA benefit downstate or out of region initiatives. Albany’s overly aggressive targets have resulted in much higher utility bills for residential consumers.
Outward migration of New York residents is also a big concern. Our state lost hundreds of thousands of residents following the Covid-19 pandemic and that trend is continuing. In 2025, New York State lost 0.8% of our population in a single year alone, ranking us dead last. The impact of that troubling statistic goes directly to our pocketbooks. Increased spending in Albany with less taxpayers to foot the bill is not sustainable. We must do a better job providing an environment for growth opportunities that will make our children want to stay and raise their own families here.
The opportunity for manufacturing growth is at our doorstep. In a recent survey by KPMG of Canadian manufacturing companies, 42% have moved or plan to move some or all their manufacturing to the United States, with 77% of those planning the move within two years. The top three reasons for such drastic moves were the high cost of energy, high cost of housing for their labor forces and heavy corporate taxes. While none of us should derive any pleasure in the struggles of our neighbors to the north, we can’t ignore their difficult business climate and recognize that our region’s border proximity would be an ideal home for those seeking relocation to the States. In July’s mid-year budget meetings, I was happy to hear from Erie County’s Environment and Planning leader, who stated that they have already helped rehome four companies and they continue to stay engaged with more opportunities.
Now that we are more than halfway through August, I know many families are getting ready to send their kids back to school. We are busy preparing our four sons for their return. I hope for a safe, happy and healthy school year for all our children.
If you have a county related issue, contact my office at 716-858-8676 or by email at Christopher.Greene@erie.gov You can also follow the latest issues impacting the county by going to my Facebook page at Legislator Chris Greene. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
