WATERTOWN, NY (news release) — In a historic showing of bipartisan coalition building, state Assemblyman Mark Walczyk (R,C,I,Ref-Watertown) and nearly forty Town Supervisors and Mayors from across the Front Yard of America have sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo outlining the need for a complete restoration of Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) funding in the final state budget.
Weeks ago, the governor released the details of his Executive Budget Proposal, including a glaring omission of $49 million in AIM funding, which would have a crippling impact on local governments across the region. This slash in funding would put local officials at odds when they begin to balance their respective budgets and decide what services for residents of Northern New York may be on the chopping block. In response, Walczyk reached out to the Governor’s office
urging them to restore the funding to our communities.
“Since the Governor proposed a seven percent cut to AIM funding in his budget proposal, I’ve heard from numerous officials, all of whom have expressed their concern with the executive’s proposed cuts to AIM, which allows cities, villages and towns to provide necessary services that residents rely on,” said Assemblyman Walczyk. “I’m thrilled to have this bipartisan support from our local leaders from across Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. Together, we’re
urging the Governor to restore these critical AIM funds, which will help keep the Front Yard of America a great place to live, work and raise a family for generations to come.”
“We depend on AIM funding in the state budget to help us provide the key services
Sackets Harbor residents depend on day in and day out,” said Molly Reilly, Mayor of Sackets Harbor. “I’m pleased to add my name to this letter to Gov. Cuomo to help hammer home how important this funding is to the North Country.”
“When funding for programs like AIM get slashed, it puts local governments, like
Louisville, in a difficult position as we work to balance our budget and ensure that essential services can be delivered to town residents,” said Larry Legault, Town of Louisville Supervisor.
“I’d like to thank Assemblyman Walczyk for his efforts to restore this funding and I’m proud to have added my name to this letter.”
Walczyk letter to Governor … by on Scribd