Comptroller Mychajliw comments on the increase of struggling job seekers leaving unemployment rolls to collect welfare benefits, lack of relief in the form of tax cuts and massive increase in government spending
(Buffalo, NY) – “The proposed budget is now in the hands of the Legislature. There are serious concerns about increased government spending, lack of relief for struggling homeowners in the form of tax cuts and an increase of people on welfare. On its face, a budget without a tax increase seems like a good thing, but when that fact is coupled with $40 million in increased spending, an increase in welfare rolls, and lack of a property tax cut, I have serious concerns.
Municipalities across Erie County are tightening their belts and shifting their priorities to provide tax relief. This year, the towns of Cheektowaga and Lancaster will decrease taxes. Kudos to those Supervisors, one a Democrat and the other a Republican, for cutting property taxes.
Those strong leaders understand that the only way to grow our economy and encourage people to live and do business here is to make it affordable. The County should be setting this example, but since the County Executive refuses, we now must follow their lead.
The largest driver of that $40 million growth is in our Social Services budget. Despite cranes in the air, and a renaissance on our waterfront, our unemployed and underemployed friends and neighbors have stopped seeking work and have checked into the last resort of social services. This is not a good sign for our economy and should be a wakeup call for elected leaders.
$40 million in new spending without a tax increase signals to me that the County Executive didn’t try hard enough to prioritize and deliver tax relief, and the Legislature should do what he didn’t. As the County’s Chief Fiscal Officer, I will be here to help them.”
Hon. Stefan I. Mychajliw
Erie County Comptroller
For a PDF Version of this Press Release, click here.
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