It is hard to believe we’ve reached the mid-way point of 2023. It’s already been a year of consequence in this community; extraordinary events that could be game changers.
I recently attended groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Buffalo Bills stadium. I was proud of the agreement my colleagues and I in the Republican caucus were able to negotiate. By re-working the deal on borrowing for the stadium, we save taxpayers an estimated $80 million in interest by paying more of Erie County’s obligation in cash from budget surplus. This project will be a difference maker in many ways, and I’m hopeful my hometown of Orchard Park will see benefits from this project for decades to come. The new stadium will bring jobs. Those folks will then spend their money in our community, bringing in additional tax revenue. This will be a positive impact for local restaurants, shops, and other businesses.
Some of those budget surplus dollars were allocated to non-profits that perform important functions in our communities. Additional funds were also designated for libraries in my district. I was pleased to ensure these organizations receive these public dollars from the 2022 budget surplus. Their viability is important to the well-being of our citizens and our towns and villages.
The legislation we introduced earlier this year to provide a ten percent exemption on property tax assessments to volunteer first responders has been signed into law. I want to stress this is the most we were able to do within the parameters of New York State law, but we will continue looking for ways to help with recruitment and retention, while honoring those volunteers who do so much to keep our communities safe.
The migrant crisis that has enveloped our nation has now reached our doorstep. There has been a lack of transparency from the Administration, and so many unanswered questions as to how this issue would be managed here at home. As the legislative body responsible for approving county expenditures, we need to have a clear understanding of how Erie County is expected to manage the asylum seekers the County Executive is welcoming here. That requires significant resources, and given the fact New York State is already holding on to federal Medicaid dollars intended for local communities to help pay our share of the Medicaid tab, it is difficult to fully trust the Governor and Mayor Adams when they tell us New York City will pick up the tab. In addition, we have many of our residents in need already, and resources are stretched thin. To date, the Legislature has not been briefed.
Albany’s move to hold local elections on the same years as state and national races is bad for local government. National polarizing issues drown out important debate on town matters. Governor Hochul, a product of town and county government needs to reject this.
Western New York has a small window in which to do roadwork. Please keep an eye out for road crews and exercise caution.
If you need assistance with county issues, contact my office at 716-858-8850 or by email, John.Mills@erie.gov
