This week the Erie County Legislature officially returned to session after the August recess, getting ready for what is the busiest time of the year: budget season. As the County Executive prepares the proposed 2016 budget I encourage him to take the necessary steps to reduce the tax rate and bring much-needed relief to the residents of Erie County. The Legislature has shown that through smart budgeting we can reduce spending and lower the tax rate, and we accomplished just that last year.  

Erie County Legislator Edward A. Rath III announces that Clarence Center Road will be closed from Transit Road to Newhouse Road beginning Wednesday, Sept. 2. The closure is expected to be in place until Dec. 4 or when the replacement of Clarence Center Road Bridge over Gott Creek is complete.

On July 30, the Erie County Legislature approved a resolution opposing the recommended minimum wage increase for fast food workers to $15 an hour. As the largest upstate county in New York, I believe Erie County has a responsibility to make a statement on this issue and send a message downstate that this recommendation is worrisome and bad for the state.

Erie County Legislator Edward A. Rath III recently honored the Salvation Army on its 150^th anniversary, presenting a proclamation recognizing the milestone to Major Thomas Applin from the Salvation Army of Buffalo.

Today, the Erie County Legislature opposed the recent recommendation of a $15 minimum wage for fast food workers in New York State by the New York Minimum Wage Board. Per the recommendation, rates would be raised incrementally in New York City, reaching $15 by 2018. Statewide, chains with at least 30 locations would be forced to pay employees a wage of $15 an hour by July 2021. The county resolution was approved 6-5.