The 2026 budget process is completed with the spending plan passing by a vote of 7-4. The Republican lawmakers offered amendments that would have reduced property taxes, giving residents a break at the pumps by putting a cap on the gas tax, and implementing legislative oversight on excessive overtime and out of area travel. Unfortunately, those cost-saving, taxpayer-friendly amendments were not supported by our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Going forward, there needs to be spending guardrails in place, as we continue to hear the warning signs echoed from financial experts of impending fiscal instability in Erie County government. Spending has increased by $704 million since 2021, and that is simply something that cannot continue. We are a region that is not growing in population, and therefore the County Executive and legislators on the other side of the aisle cannot keep growing government while placing that burden on taxpayers.
The holiday season is officially upon us with the beginning of Chanuka. In an all-too-common event, we have experienced another anti-Semetic terrorist attack. This time at Bondi Beach in Australia during a celebratory gathering. We pray for the victims and their loved ones in this difficult time. I hope all of us can cherish the times we have with our family and loved ones not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year and remember that not everyone has that luxury.
We are fortunate to live in a place that embraces the season. In fact, there is an article in People magazine this month with the headline, “This Surprising Spot Was Just Named the Most Festive U.S. City to Celebrate Christmas,” in referencing Buffalo. The article tells of the hundreds of holiday events, markets, reasonable hotel rates, outdoor skating, historic tours, the “Tom and Jerry’s trail” which celebrates the spiced holiday cocktail that has been served here since the 1940s, and of course, the snow. It is nice to see others taking notice of the wonderful place we call home.
It's great to celebrate another Bills comeback win. I hope that the Jets and Dolphins can deliver a gift for Western New York and we can carry the winning streak through the playoffs and bring the ultimate victory to Bills Mafia everywhere.
If you have a county related issue, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (716) 858-8676 or by email at Christopher.Greene@erie.gov. You can also follow what’s happening in Erie County government by going to my Facebook page at Legislator Chris Greene. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Chanuka, and wishing you all the best in 2026.
