Erie County Legislator Joseph C. Lorigo is pleased to announce that the Legislature has supported his request for funding for the Rural Outreach Center, located in South Wales, in the 2015 Erie County budget. The Legislature approved $7,500 at today’s annual Budget Meeting to support the center’s efforts to combat rural poverty and help residents in need of various services.
“With today’s approval, the Legislature has provided critical funding for the Rural Outreach Center, which works on a tight budget to help as many rural residents as possible. This funding will be a great help to families in my district,” said Legislator Lorigo.
“With the majority of the poverty in Erie County outside of the City of Buffalo, it is important that we form public/private partnerships to offer services to these outlying areas. The Rural Outreach Center provides multiple services to move people in our rural areas from dependency to self-sufficiency. Funding through the Erie County Legislature is an important step in forming such a partnership. This funding will enable us to expand our outreach services,” said Frank Cerny, Rural Outreach Center Executive Director.
The budgetary process allows the County Executive to veto spending increases made by the Legislature, which then votes to override or accept the veto. Legislator Lorigo urges the County Executive to withhold his veto power and allow this important funding in next year’s budget.
It is important to note that the funding was added into the 2015 budget without raising the bottom line, in fact the Legislature lowered the property tax rate. Legislator Lorigo encourages the County Executive to support the funding and families in his district.
For information or assistance, please contact Legislator Lorigo’s Legislative Office at (716) 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.