Executive Budget Proposal Amplifies Counties’ Call for Federal Aid

• By: NYSAC
• On: 01/19/2021 15:53:23
• In: Press Releases

Today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo outlined the SFY 22 New York State Executive Budget, which calls on Washington to deliver state and local aid. Counties have pledged to continue working with the Governor, State Lawmakers, and our NYS Congressional Delegation to urge Washington to provide federal funds for states and local governments. Without this aid, the Governor said he will be forced to make dramatic cuts, which would impact county budgets, place new burdens on local taxpayers, and jeopardize county health and human service programs for the New Yorkers most in need.
 
Included in the budget presentation materials supplied by the Division of Budget were several key proposals that counties proposed in November, including
 

• Making local sales tax authority permanent and allowing all counties to go to 4% percent
• Collecting of local sales tax on recreational cannabis transactions
• Reducing in the state's withholding of local aid – contingent upon the amount of federal aid
• Reducing the judgement interest rates to the market interest rate. 
• Extending the authority to piggyback on contracts for 2 years
• Allowing shared jails between contiguous counties
• Providing flexibility in jail staffing
• Reforming Early Intervention to provide savings and greater flexibility
• Expanding investment options for local governments

 
?NYSAC will provide more details from the proposed spending plan as they become available.
 
NYSAC President Jack Marren and chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors said “While this state budget proposal includes plenty of unknowns, especially whether the federal government will provide state and local COVID response funding, we are optimistic that our county leaders can work with state lawmakers to finalize a budget that strengthens our communities and help rebuild our local economies. Our staff of legislative experts at NYSAC will be looking through the budget bills as they become available, and they will report on areas of direct and indirect impact on counties.”
 
NYSCEA President and Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said, “This year, in response to the unprecedented fiscal challenges posed by the pandemic, counties began engaging with the Division of Budget earlier than ever before, providing a range of constructive ideas that would enable local governments to reduce costs while protecting essential services needed to fight the pandemic and support our residents. We remain concerned about the continuation of the diversion of local sales tax revenues and will work with the Governor and legislature to craft a budget that works for all New York's counties. With a new strain of COVID to manage and mass vaccination efforts to implement, this may be the most consequential year in history for local governments; we'll need a state budget that meets the magnitude of the moment and provides counties with the tools they need to do this essential work.”
 
NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “This state budget depends of federal funding from congress and the new administration. Counties, too, have made the case for the over $2 billion in lost county revenues during this COVID-19 pandemic. We are confident that Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and New York's congressional delegation understand the challenges facing our local governments, and they will work in Washington to ensure the passage of a federal stimulus packages that helps states and local governments as we fight to win this war against COVID.”