It was time to “spring ahead” earlier this week, and with that we enjoy some more daylight hours. Another sure sign of Spring; roadwork gets underway across the region. Erie County is responsible for the maintenance of 1,176 center-lane miles, so there are always many needs. I have long advocated for increased infrastructure funding. Bad roads are both a quality of life and a safety concern. These are roads Erie County owns and therefore must be responsible for their upkeep.
The New York State Thruway Authority is pushing to increase tolls; 10% increase over the next four years for E-Z Pass holders. For those who pay by mail, the current 30% toll rate differential would be increased to a 75% differential beginning January, 2024. We live in a region where folks use the Thruway daily for commuting to work, shop, or visit friends and relatives. The unelected Thruway Authority is making decisions that will hurt many Erie County residents. If, in fact the Thruway Authority is hurting for cash, they need to be creative and find other ways to raise those funds.
My colleagues and I voted to extend gas tax relief for those still feeling the pain at the pump. We extended limits on taxing gasoline and diesel fuel sales to two dollars per gallon. This means you will not be charged the 4.75% Erie County sales tax on any amount above that two dollars per gallon. This will be implemented in June and run through the end of this year. The cost of everything has gone up and we need to find ways to give residents a break.
It seems New York State isn’t interested in giving hardworking taxpayers a break. State leaders are proposing New York State hold on to the federal assistance local governments receive to help fund Medicaid. New York has what is considered the “Cadillac of Medicaid offerings.” Because of that, the federal government sends financial assistance to New York State to help fund that Medicaid expansion. New York, in turn sends some of those federal dollars to local governments for their share of Medicaid costs. If the state holds on to those funds, the State Association of Counties estimates it will cost Erie County nearly $27 million in 2023 alone. We passed a resolution in the Legislature opposing this plan.
A reminder that the application process for the 2024 Arts and Cultural funding program is underway. To apply, go to www.erie.gov/CulturalFunding.
The Small Business Administration acknowledges the devastation of the December blizzard and made an emergency declaration. To see if your business, non-profit or home are eligible for assistance, go to www.disasterloanassistance.sba.gov
A reminder, that Maple Fest will be Saturday, March 25th at the Bureau of Forestry Sugar Shack in East Concord. Be sure to stop by and pick up some maple syrup!
Finally, on this Women’s History Month, I wish to recognize the contributions and achievements of the many women who’ve made this community a great place to live.
Find me on Facebook at Legislator John Mills.
