The Erie County Legislature passed a resolution expressing disappointment with New York State’s failure to provide funding for recent criminal justice reform efforts. The resolution was introduced by Legislators Lorigo, Dixon, Rath, and Mills.

Last week, the Erie County District Attorney appeared before the Legislature requesting additional money to cover the costs his office will need to take on as a result of new criminal justice reform measures. This includes over a dozen additional support staff at a cost of an estimated $1.2 million. The DA also expressed frustration that he had to come before the Legislature to request the funding, as it was initially promised to counties from New York State.

Legislator Lorigo said, “This is another unfunded mandate handed down from Albany. Local governments continue to be burdened by these additional costs. The DA’s office has no choice but to comply with these state-mandated changes and it’s a shame New York State hasn’t stepped in to help cover the costs associated with them. We can no longer continue to afford mandates coming down from on high. It’s time for New York State government to put their money where their mouth is...literally. ”

Legislator Dixon said, “There are benefits to many of these criminal justice reforms but it is going to severely impact the budgets of local governments. We are asking that New York State leaders come up with emergency funding to help us and other counties keep up.”

Legislator Rath said, “It is estimated that these changes will cost millions of dollars statewide. Local governments are struggling to stay afloat thanks to constant unfunded mandates coming from Albany. The Erie County DA does great work and we support his need to fill these positions, but the money should be coming from New York State.”

Legislator Mills said, “Local governments are already operating on tight budgets and unfortunately we have just been handed another bill from Albany. The District Attorney’s office needs support from New York State to cover the cost of this and the constant stream of unfunded mandates placed on local communities must stop.”

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.