Griffo, Local Leaders Push Mandate Reform Bill

Senator Joseph Griffo has introduced legislation that would provide mandate relief to counties, municipalities and schools.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Oneida County Association of Towns President Benjamin Simons and Westmoreland Central School Superintendent Rocco Migliori are throwing their support behind the bill.

Griffo's legislation would impose an immediate moratorium on unfunded state mandates and would require that any state-mandated program imposed on municipalities and school districts be funded by the state.

The legislation also would establish a mandate review council to review existing state mandates on local governments and schools.

"Local municipalities and school districts already face enough fiscal challenges that they shouldn't be burdened with trying to find ways to pay for mandates from New York State," Deputy Minority Leader Griffo said. "My bill seeks to protect our municipalities and school districts from unfunded mandates and allows local officials to set their own priorities. By enacting this legislation, we will allow Albany to be a good faith partner with our local governments and school districts to help them reduce their costs and keep property taxes down."

Griffo is urging the Senate and Assembly to pass the legislation before the end of the legislative session on June 19th.