As we welcome summer, I want to remind you that it is peak road construction season. Please be mindful of the workers in those areas. There are several road projects in the 11th legislative district. These include mill and overlay on Boston State Road from Mill to Zimmerman and Webster Route 277 Route 20. Cold Recycle with Top Course treatment on Curriers in Sardinia from Route 16 to Miller, Gowanda Zoar from R/R to South Quaker and South Quaker to Lone Road, Eden Evans Center/West Church 62 to Townline. Several roads will also get oil and chip work in Collins, Orchard Park, Boston and Colden, and bridge projects in Collins, Boston, North Collins and Orchard Park.
I was pleased that the Erie County Legislature was successful in its override of the County Executive’s veto of the youth hunting law. The Department of Environmental Conservation noted themselves that there have been zero incidents involving young people since the law was enacted in other New York counties. Youth as young as 12 and 13 can now hunt larger game with a supervising adult. Courses offered to them will better prepare them for this.
I was disappointed that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle did not support our amendment which would have prohibited elected officials from entering or using the Buffalo Bills Suite. That suite should be strictly used for non-profits and other entities that can offer a game to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity. By rejecting our amendment barring elected officials, it suggests that they plan to be present in the suite. We should always be putting our constituents, and not ourselves first. This concerns me.
The rollout of the Biometrics Law has been clumsy and confusing. The law makes it illegal for commercial establishments to collect, store, or sell customer biometric data, but many businesses have indicated the measure lacks clarity. Businesses face fines of $5,000 if they don’t comply. Erie County set a deadline to comply for July 5, 2026, however many companies indicate the measure still lacks clarity. In addition, the Administration said it would provide more specifics in the coming months. Why then would they set a deadline of July 5, and clarify details of the law months later? It is challenging enough to do business in New York State. As a result of this law, it becomes even more difficult to operate here. Erie County should not be punishing businesses before providing better direction for companies here.
Every day we are one step closer to the unveiling of the new stadium. As dismantling continues at the old stadium, the ribbon cutting to show off the new home of the Buffalo Bills is June 23rd. I look forward to fans enjoying the new facility for decades to come.
A reminder that this marks the 250th birthday of the United States of America. There are many local events planned to mark this significant day. Check with your local community for special events marking this occasion.
If you have a county related issue, please contact my office at 716-858-8850 or by email at www.John.Mills@erie.gov You can also follow me on Facebook at Legislator John Mills.
