County Executive Notes Positive Local Impacts

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz today spoke glowingly about the Executive Budget proposed by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo. The budget, presented today in Albany, addresses mandate relief, local government aid, health care, and economic development, among other topics.

Poloncarz said, “For too many years, local governments have been overburdened by costly mandates that have hurt taxpayers and driven people and jobs from our state.”

“Today is a historic day in New York, as Governor Cuomo is taking the lead and putting forward a bold plan to dramatically reduce local costs and provide sweeping relief to municipalities. I thank the governor for his efforts and will continue to work together with him to get our state running and make government work for the people.

“The budget also impacts Erie County in other ways, including the recently-announced Buffalo Regional Innovation Cluster, which marks the first phase of the Governor’s multi-year, $1 billion investment in Buffalo.

“Governor Cuomo has also made a down payment for historic investment in Buffalo and Erie County today.  We’ve never had a partner in Albany like Governor Cuomo because he knows what we need here in Western New York: jobs, lower taxes, and a government that works for us. Governor Cuomo is leading the way.

“Also of note in the budget is a promise of support for ongoing economic development initiatives, including the retention of professional football in Western New York.  This is further evidence that the Governor understands the economic and emotional value the Bills bring to WNY and he, like myself, is committed to keeping the Bills in Buffalo.”

In his address, Governor Cuomo also touched on other topics of interest to Erie County residents such as funding for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the SUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program, and the NY Works Infrastructure Investment Program.