PRESS RELEASE
January 8, 2008

Legislators Unanimously Support Reform Resolutions

The Rensselaer County Legislature approved three resolutions seeking reform of state mandates and improvements to the upstate economy, with county lawmakers say they are hopeful their calls for reform are included in the governor’s State of the State address Wednesday. 

The reform resolutions were each passed unanimously. Legislators said they are also hopeful reform of state mandates is included in the upcoming State Budget, which will be introduced later this month, and in the upcoming 2008 legislative session.

Legislators were spurred to call for reform of state mandates after the cost for mandates rose in the 2008 budget to a level where 89 cents out of every tax dollar goes to pay for mandates. County officials from across New York State have called for reform of mandates, saying mandates are driving up property taxes and threatening needed county services.

“We hope the resolutions we send over to the governor become topics for consideration at the upcoming legislative session. The need for mandate reform is greater than ever,” said Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher.

“The State of the State speech and presentation of the state budget later this month will be great opportunities for the governor to make good on some of his promises to reform state mandates and revitalize the upstate economy,” added Legislator Martin Reid.

“This is our wish-list for the State of the State and the upcoming legislative session. We are ready and willing to work with the governor to make these initiatives a reality,” said Vice Chairman of the Legislature Thomas Walsh Sr.

The first resolution approved at the January 8 legislative meeting calls for an overall 25 percent rollback of state mandates, a restriction on any new state mandates being placed on counties and school districts, and formation of a special state commission to review other state mandates and rates of reimbursement. The resolution also stipulates the Legislature’s willingness to do an equivalent rollback of property taxes to accompany any reduction in state mandates.

The second resolution asks for funding for the state-ordered expansion of the county jail to be included in the state budget. The expansion of the jail is expected to cost more than $50 million, making it one of the most expensive construction projects in county history. Legislators have held off approving bonds for the state-ordered project in the hopes of securing additional state aid.

The third resolution calls for adoption of an upstate economic development infrastructure fund to help pay for municipal sewer and water projects that help create jobs and new business. The resolution seeks state and federal funding for the effort and mirrors a plan introduced by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer.

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