Senate Budget Helps Little Falls

The 2005-2006 state budget proposed by the New York State Senate Republican Majority includes $100,000 in special aid for Little Falls, Senator James L. Seward said today. The senate’s budget embodies positions advanced by the senate Republican majority going into budget discussions and conference committees, and was passed today.

"Seven cities are currently left out of special municipal aid that all other cities currently receive, including Little Falls," Seward said. "I have been working to include Little Falls in the supplemental municipal aid program for a number of years, and I am optimistic that we can finally secure parity for the seven localities left out in the March cold. Municipalities are pressured to meet pension costs, salaries, health insurance premiums, and additional state funding helps taxpayers."

The senate proposal allocates $700,000 to Little Falls, Ithaca, Glens Falls, Sherrill, Watervliet, Rye and Saratoga Springs.

Little Falls Mayor Ted Wind has worked with Seward’s office to bring the inequity to the attention of state officials. The money was included in last year’s budget, but was vetoed.

The senate’s proposal must now be negotiated with the assembly.

"This is another step forward in the process as we look to finalize a budget before April 1 that meets the needs of the people of the state," Seward said.

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