Erie County Legislator Joseph C. Lorigo announces that the Legislature has supported his request for funding for the Rural Outreach Center, located in South Wales, in the 2016 Erie County budget. The Legislature approved $5,000 at today’s annual Budget Meeting to support the center’s efforts to combat rural poverty and help residents through various services. 

“It is amazing to see what the Rural Outreach Center has accomplished in a short amount of time. I want to thank my colleagues for recognizing the value of this center and for supporting my request,” said Legislator Lorigo. “I especially support the Rural Outreach Center’s focus on getting individuals back to work and back on their feet so they don’t need to rely on public assistance. It is great to know that residents in my district have the Rural Outreach Center to help them in their time of need.”

“Neither the public nor the private sectors alone can adequately address the complexities of poverty, but in partnership, we have a greater chance of providing the multiple resources needed to help people attain self-sufficiency,” said Frank Cerny, Rural Outreach Center Executive Director.

Legislator Lorigo urges the County Executive to stay his veto power and support this additional funding priority in next year’s budget. It is important to note that the additional funding was added into the 2016 budget without increasing overall spending in the next fiscal year. In fact, the Legislature lowered the property tax rate for the second consecutive year.

For information or assistance, please contact Legislator Lorigo’s Legislative Office at (716) 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.