Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) announced that the state budget will include funding to provide relief to its local government and taxpayers. Beginning on March 1, 2014, the county imposed a 3.75 percent sales tax on all residential electric bills. The 2014-15 state budget provides millions in funding to offset the costs and enable the county to repeal the energy tax.

"The taxpayers of Dutchess County have been saddled for too long with soaring costs --whether it's energy bills, unfunded mandates, or property taxes,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “Since I took office I have been determined to find ways to bring much needed relief to my constituents and I am pleased that working with County Executive Marc Molinaro and Senator Greg Ball we have secured the funds to provide real relief to county residents. The aid provided to Dutchess County as part of the 2014-15 state budget agreement will give the County the ability to repeal the local energy tax; once the final budget is enacted I urge them to do so as quickly as possible."

“This is what happens when public servants stop acting like politicians, and work across party lines to put people before politics. Dutchess, like many counties, has been strangled by unfunded mandates and I am proud to have worked with Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and Assemblywoman Didi Barrett to secure this funding for Dutchess County, at this most critical time. Marc is to be applauded for his persistent and professional advocacy for this funding, on behalf of Dutchess taxpayers,” said Senator Greg Ball. “My hope, and I have relayed this personally, is that the county will now move forward expeditiously, and in a bipartisan manner, to fully repeal the local energy tax.”

“By funding these critical yet unique Dutchess County needs, County Government will be able to reduce its net-to-county costs by approximately $6 million over the next 12 months. This assistance allows County Government to provide services that address community needs in mental health and criminal justice without the need for additional tax revenue,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. “Senator Ball and Assemblywoman Barrett have fought for the people of Dutchess County and delivered the necessary state aid so that we may reinstate the sales tax exemption on residential energy. By working together we have accomplished a major win for Dutchess County taxpayers. I am grateful to all those who advocated and responded so effectively including Senator Ball and Assemblywoman Barrett.”