April 2021 Meeting Highlights:

Tax Stabilization Fund – As a result of 2020 cost reductions in the legislative budget, the legislators unanimously approved the transfer of these savings, totaling $ 202,903.45, from the 2020 budget to the County’s Tax Stabilization Fund. Staying under the tax cap and saving the taxpayers any additional funds remains our priority.

2020 Census and Redistricting – The Minority Legislators sponsored resolution P/147/21, which was approved by a 15-4 vote, for a fair and equal redistricting process. The process to accurately determine the demographic changes, the growth or decline in population is essential to guarantee equal voter representation. We also require full transparency and that the funding is not paid to an outside entity as in the past.

Cap on Food Delivery Service Fees – The Minority legislators also sponsored a resolution to cap third party food delivery fees at 15%. As the COVID-19 pandemic surge closed down the food service industry, take-out and delivery became their life sustaining option. Some third party delivery enterprises charged fees as high as 30%, cutting into an already tight profit margin.

The resolution was approved by a 12-7 vote.

Animal Abuse Registry – The Minority Office’s submitted Local Law, which was supposed to be voted on at the April meeting, faced several questions and objections by the Majority Legislators. Instead a resolution urging NYS to create a statewide database for all convictions of animal cruelty was introduced.

Aging – For our seniors the legislature unanimously approved personal care and respite services; and renewed two leases for three years each for the senior centers in Rensselaer and Grafton.

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, May 11, 2021 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located on the 3rd floor of the Ned Pattison Government Center, 1600 7th Avenue, Troy.

Residents are welcome to contact our office at 518 270-2890.

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