Press Room
You Are Here:
Counties Caught in the Gridlock: County Executives to hold press conference and call on state lawmakers to get back to the people's work
June 18, 2009
County leaders from across the state today called on the New York State Senate to reconvene and get back to the people’s business.
“With the challenges facing our state right now, the last thing that our counties and our residents need is gridlock in Albany,” said NYSAC President Sarah Purdy, the Yates County Administrator.
Among the legislation held hostage by the standoff between Senate leadership factions include 36 home rule bills that would extend the current sales tax rates in 36 counties and the City of New York. Failure to pass these bills will result in reductions in local programs and services, staff cuts and property tax increases.
“Our country, state and local economies are in disarray and at this most crucial time we are looking for leadership and action. Instead, we have gridlock,” said Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala, the president of the New York State County Executives Association. “Every day that goes by during this impasse is a lost opportunity to do the people’s business.”
“During this time of economic uncertainty for New York families and communities, we need and deserve stability in the State Capitol,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.
Other measures affecting county leaders that are caught in the State Senate leadership impasse include:
- Pension reform
- IDA (Industrial Development Agency) reform designed to foster job creation and construction projects in our communities
- Stimulus-related bill that will help New York leverage additional federal support
The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.
###