Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today joined his counterparts from Suffolk and Albany counties in issuing a call to residents urging them to contact their members of Congress and voice their opposition to the tax legislation currently approaching a vote in Washington, D.C.

Poloncarz, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Albany County Executive Dan McCoy each issued a video message asking New Yorkers to contact Congress and urge them to vote against the current tax bill, which would eliminate or limit essential tax deductions and would cripple local economies. Poloncarz’ message asked residents to contact U.S. Representatives Tom Reed (NY-23), and Chris Collins (NY-27), while Bellone and McCoy targeted Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and Claudia Tenney (NY-22). If these four New York representatives were to vote against the tax bill and for the interests of their constituents, chances of the bill’s passage would be greatly diminished.

“We can’t stand idly or silently by while a tax bill that would devastate our local and state economy nears a vote. This tax plan takes from the poor and gives to the rich, undercuts property owners and governments, and would inflict long-term damage on NY and every county in it,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Residents have to act now to voice their opposition and urge their representatives to oppose this tax deform as well. This is a crucial moment in our state and national history, and we cannot let monied interests steal the future from our children and grandchildren. I am calling on Congressmen Collins and Reed to reject any Tax Reform Bill that hurts New Yorkers and ask all WNYers to call both Congressmen to do the same. Call today!”

Earlier this month, the New York State Association of Counties (“NYSAC”) Board of Directors adopted a bipartisan resolution at their biannual meeting in Albany that called on the entire New York State congressional delegation to oppose legislation that would eliminate or limit deductions for state and local income taxes as well as property taxes for homeowners. County Executives Poloncarz, Bellone, and McCoy are also NYSAC Board members; NYSAC represents 57 counties and the City of New York in Albany and Washington on matters germane to county governments.