We had a challenging start to the year, with plenty of snow and extreme cold. Our Erie County Highway crews worked hard to ensure roads were clear for motorists and first responders. We used a significant amount of our salt supply, but as it is near March, let’s hope the worst of it is behind us.
The failed policies of many Albany politicians are making an impact here at home. Budget gaps are the result of government job growth and overspending. Governor Kathy Hochul continues to spend billions to bail out New York City, then handing taxpayers the bill. The state is giving $1.5 billion to the Big Apple to help fix a massive budget gap. This new funding includes $510 million to cover expenses the state once paid for, another $300 million for youth programming, $150 million in sales tax receipts and $60 million for public health. Another half billion dollars will be targeted for other priorities not yet listed. It is hard enough in a state that overspends and overregulates, placing the burden on hardworking New Yorkers. Additional unfunded mandates puts more strain on New York taxpayers. The so-called leadership in Albany makes it increasingly difficult for so many residents, who will now likely shell out more money to cover these costs. It’s unfair and shows a complete lack of reason and leadership.
We face budget issues in Erie County, as well. Since Mark Poloncarz took office in 2012, he has increased spending exponentially. He even has issued dire warnings about the future of Erie County finances, then goes and adds more jobs and spending. It is difficult to understand why a person who is now in his fifteenth year as County Executive and who claims to be a strong financial steward of county finances, doesn’t see that his own spending practices are taking Erie County down a dangerous fiscal path.
We have often heard over the years that the property tax rate continues to go down when that literally means nothing. What is concerning is what happens with the property tax levy. Under this Administration, property taxes have gone up considerably. Think of what you paid in property taxes five, seven, ten years ago, and look at what you pay now. We are not adding to our tax base, yet the number of jobs the County Executive has added since taking office is unfair to the county taxpayers.
Speaking of which, Albany’s efforts to go all electric, while maybe well-intentioned, are quite dangerous. Our grid cannot handle this. Additionally, when we have strong storms, electric is often the first thing to go. Aging homes in the City of Buffalo rely on gas for heat and for stoves and we should not be forcing energy policies that will quite literally put lives at risk.
If you have a county related issue, contact my office at 716-681-2071 or by email at Frank.Todaro@erie.gov. You can also stay up to date on Erie County issues by following my Facebook page, Legislator Frank Todaro. I am grateful for the privilege of serving you.
