Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams will conduct a Home Energy Assistance Program (H.E.A.P.) Outreach on Wednesday December 13, 2017 at the following locations:

• Wednesday, December 13, 2017 – 9:30am to 12:30pm

George K. Arthur Center

2056 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14211

• Wednesday, December 13, 2017 – 1pm to 4pm

Dorothy J. Collier Center

118 E. Utica Street, Buffalo, NY 14209

Constituents are encouraged to apply for the benefit even if their bill is current so that the H.E.A.P. benefit can be applied as a credit to their account. All eligible households may submit an application to receive services for the Regular H.E.A.P. benefit, Weatherization Assistance program, Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Assistance program and the Heating Equipment (Furnace) Clean and Tune Assistance program. Emergency Assistance and Electric Assistance will be available starting January 2, 2018.

Applicants are requested to bring the following Documentation to the Workshop:

• One (1) form of identification for all household members (birth certificates, license, Social Security Card)
• Proof of income received within the last 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, SS or pension award letters, proof of child support, rental income, unemployment benefits, worker’s comp., etc.)
• Current heat bill (and/or electric bill; opens January 2, 2018)
• For Heating Equipment: Two (2) furnace estimates from participating H.E.A.P. contractors; Proof of homeownership- Deed to home 

Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams is taking action to proactively refine the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program and ensure the initiative’s long term viability and efficacy.

In conjunction with the Energy and Environment Committee, Legislator Miller-Williams moved to allow the Department of Environment and Planning to enter into a contact with Solara Inc. and obtain their consulting services to conduct a feasibility study on the collection program in hopes of maintaining and improving it. Main goals of the study include assessing the program’s current procedures, evaluating its management practices, completing an economic appraisal, and providing recommendations to the County for it to best serve its constituents’ hazardous waste disposal needs.

Since its inception in 1988, the Erie County Hazardous Waste Collection Program has provided residents the opportunity to properly dispose of unwanted household chemicals, thereby protecting the environment and improving home safety.  Two to three free events are held annually for residents to freely dispose of their hazardous items, serving nearly 850 households looking to dispose of items labeled as “poisonous,” “toxic,” “flammable,” or with other cautionary labeling. With events known to exceed 1,500 households in often limited space, the program’s efficiency is at times hindered and unable to be properly executed.  

“Reaching out to a professional consultant to evaluate the Household Hazardous Waste Program is a giant step in promoting the County’s environmental protection initiatives, and I look forward to evaluating the study’s results once completed to implement its suggested reforms and help residents dispose of their household items effectively and efficiently,” stated Legislator Miller Williams.

The study is funded through a grant received by the New York State and will have no impact on County resources. Legislator Miller-Williams hopes the study will begin shortly and for changes to be implemented before the next collection event is held. 

Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams, along with her legislative colleagues, unanimously adopted the Erie County budget for 2018, ensuring that vital services remained intact.  County Executive Mark Poloncarz is expected to approve amendments including added support for local community initiatives.  Legislator Miller-Williams championed funding for the Hispanic Heritage Council as well as increasing the funding levels for Erie Community College, and the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system.

“I would like to thank the many residents and community groups who took their time to share their concerns regarding the 2018 proposed County budget.  I look forward to continuing our public discussions as we monitor the 2018 County budget and prepare for the 2019 budget process.  It is my intent to host a public meeting regarding the Erie County budget funding application process to outline the entire process for community organizations,” stated Legislator Miller-Williams.

Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams worked collaboratively with fellow legislators on the amendments, to ensure that Public Safety, Youth Programs and local Community Service Organizations maintained funding at sustainable levels.  The 2018 budget also includes a reduction in the property tax rates for all Erie County residents, funds critical services, and includes an increased investment in the County’s infrastructure.

Legislator Miller-Williams also is proud to have worked hand in hand with the administration and her colleagues to increase efforts and additional help for the effects of the opioid epidemic.

Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams will conduct a Home Energy Assistance Program (H.E.A.P.) Outreach on Wednesday December 6, 2017 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Moot Senior Center, 292 High Street, Buffalo NY 14204. Constituents are encouraged to apply for the benefit even if their bill is current so that the H.E.A.P. benefit can be applied as a credit to their account. 

All eligible households may submit an application to receive services for the Regular H.E.A.P. benefit, Weatherization Assistance program, Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Assistance program and the Heating Equipment (Furnace) Clean and Tune Assistance program. Emergency Assistance and Electric Assistance will be available starting January 2, 2018.

Applicants are requested to bring the following Documentation to the Workshop:

• One (1) form of identification for all household members (birth certificates, license, Social Security Card)
• Proof of income received within the last 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, SS or pension award letters, proof of child support, rental income, unemployment benefits, worker’s comp., etc.)
• Current heat bill (and/or electric bill; opens January 2, 2018)
• For Heating Equipment: Two (2) furnace estimates from participating H.E.A.P. contractors; Proof of homeownership- Deed to home 

Legislator Miller-Williams and the Erie County Legislature extends it's heartfelt Congratulations to the Greater Refuge Temple Church on the occasion of it's 80th Anniversary. Since the 1970's, Bishop Sanders and First Lady Janice Sanders have extended their ministry beyond the church and into the Erie County Home and Infirmary as well as behind prison walls - at the Erie County Penitentiary, serving as Chaplain and evangelizing to those confined to the buildings. Since 2013, the Greater Refuge Temple Church has been under the new Spirit-lead leadership of Pastor Robert L. Sanders, Jr. and First Lady Anitris Sanders and continues to be a church that is on the move for God, with divine purpose and destiny. Congratulations Greater Refuge Temple.