County Legislature punts on nuisance fees
The Erie County Legislature isn’t taking a stand against the state budget’s nuisance fees.
County legislators often approve statements suggesting that Congress or state leaders in Albany pass or reject certain bills on philosophical grounds.
But Albany’s budget haggling plays out along party lines that lead back to Erie County.
The Democrats who took control of the State Senate this year are feeling the heat for a budget that raises fees on hunting and fishing licenses, utility bills, beer and wine and cell phones, and ends the STAR property-tax rebate checks.
The Democrats who control the County Legislature weren’t letting Republicans highlight those problems Thursday. A GOP-sponsored statement condemning the state budget proposal for 2009-10 was shunted to a County Legislature panel.
It was reminiscent of a news conference that town supervisors held Tuesday to complain about the budget. When the appointed hour arrived, only the Republicans were there.
“The budget is currently being discussed in Albany. Time is of the essence in voicing our opposition,” said Legislator John J. Mills, R-Orchard Park. “I am disappointed the Legislature refused to take a stand on behalf of the [county] taxpayers.”
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