In response to the President’s Executive Budget proposal, the Erie County Legislature has taken action in support of funding for several key agencies that benefit the community. At the March 9 session, the Legislature unanimously approved a resolution in support of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and this week will be taking up the issue of HEAP funding and support for the Meals on Wheels program, voting on resolutions at the March 23 session. 

“The proposed cuts to these important programs need to be reviewed. Slashing funding for many of the programs mentioned would be a mistake. I want to thank our local delegation who has come out in support of funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Meals on Wheels, HEAP and others. In any budget process there has to be diligent reviews of programs and how services are delivered, however I know these programs are very important to Western New York, and myself and many of my colleagues support restoring funding,” said Chairman John Mills. 

Chairman Mills, along with members of the Majority Caucus are taking part in Meals on Wheels’ Champions for Meals event this week to promote the importance of the program.

A resolution will be voted on by the Legislature this week in support of funding for HEAP, which helps many local families pay for heat during the winter months and is run by the county. 

“The HEAP program helps families get through some tough WNY winters. It is important to our region and the county that the federal government continues to fund HEAP going forward,” said Legislator Lynne Dixon. “This week the Legislature will be voting on a resolution that calls on Congress to not cut funding.”

The Legislature continues to monitor the federal budget process, working with its partners in Congress to protect services that are critical for our region.