|
“Local aid increases have been sporadic over the past decade, often increasing
at less than the rate of inflation. In many areas of this state, tax bases are stagnant
and in decline and local governments have not had the resources they need. Our
proposal renews the state’s commitment to local governments. This increase will
help our cities, towns and villages provide essential services while holding property
taxes in check.”
-
Robert K. Sweeney
Chairman, Assembly Committee on Local Governments
|
|
Dear Friend:
In recent years, municipal officials across the State have been forced to do more
with less money as tax bases have shrunk and costs have increased.
As part of this year’s budget process, the Assembly has advanced an aid package
that would provide an additional $100 million in State Aid to municipalities across the
State. This increase would be in addition to the $50 million increase proposed in the
Executive Budget, bringing the total available aid to $1 billion.
The Assembly’s proposal would result in every city, town and village receiving an increase
of almost 12 percent more than the Executive’s proposal and an aggregate increase of
18 percent over the amount they received last year.
Specific information regarding the municipal aid increases for every city, town and village in
the state can be found on the Assembly’s Web site:
In addition to the increased funding, the Assembly’s aid proposal would also provide municipalities
with increased flexibility. Unlike the Executive Budget proposal that contains restrictions on how the
increased aid can be spent, the Assembly’s proposal would permit the municipalities to determine
how best to use the money.
In order for the Assembly’s municipal aid package to be implemented we will need the cooperation
of the Governor and the Senate. Please let them know that you support additional State Aid for our
cities, towns and villages.
As always, please know that our door is always open to you. Working together we can make this
much-needed local aid package a reality. Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or
concerns.
“The Conference of Mayors and our 575 city and village members strongly support
the Assembly local aid initiative announced by Speaker Silver yesterday. The
additional $100 million in municipal aid included in the Assembly’s initiative will
be put to use by every city and village to directly benefit New York’s overburdened
municipal property taxpayer.”
-
New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials
|
|
|
|
Very truly yours,
![signature signature](1490trans.gif)
Sheldon Silver, Speaker
New York State Assembly
|
![signature signature](1490trans.gif)
Robert K. Sweeney, Chairman
Assembly Local Governments Committee
|
|