Modified: February 6, 2019 12:24pm
Erie County Legislator and Majority Leader April N.M. Baskin joined Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz at a ceremony to sign the 2019 Erie County Budget into law on Monday, December 10th.
The budget contains the largest decrease in the county’s tax rate in over a decade, funds for public health programs, and infrastructure improvements, as well as increased funding for community and cultural organizations.
Erie County Legislator and Majority Leader April N.M. Baskin joined Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz at a ceremony to sign the 2019 Erie County Budget into law on Monday, December 10th.
The budget contains the largest decrease in the county’s tax rate in over a decade, funds for public health programs, and infrastructure improvements, as well as increased funding for community and cultural organizations.
Legislator Baskin stated, “As an educator and an artist, arts and cultural funding is very close to my heart. I am so pleased that the strong financial position of Erie County has allowed us to fund so many new community groups. Under the management of the County Executive and with input from my fellow Legislators, Erie County has substantially broadened its cultural reach this year.”
Highlights include:
- $750,000 in funding to prevent and treat lead poisoning
- $250,000 to combat a cancer cluster, impacting the East Side of Buffalo
- $15,000 in funds for University District Community Development Association
- Buffalo City Ballet will see an additional $4,000 in county funding
- People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) Buffalo will be awarded $14,000 in funding, which is $8,000 more than originally proposed
- For Our Daughter’s Inc., West Side Neighborhood Housing Services, Project Mona’s House, and Restore Our Community Coalition (ROCC) will all receive 2019 county funds
“As a mom and the representative from one of the most underserved districts in Erie County, I am pleased that this budget delivers services to our youth. Providing children with opportunities for extracurricular activity decreases delinquency and enables them to thrive. Successful children contribute to our community and economy as they mature. This budget is a win for everyone.”
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