LEGISLATION SPONSORED BY SENATOR ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS APPROVED BY SENATE; Measure Allows Not-For-Profits to Make Purchases Through County Contracts

      State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/WF – 35^th District) announced that her legislation, Senate bill 5601, was approved by the Senate.  The bill amends the general municipal law to allow not-for-profits, that provide services for their respective county to make purchases for goods and services through existing county contracts.

      Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Chair of the Local Government Committee, stated, “Local governments across the state rely on services provided by not-for-profits like Meals-on-Wheels to ensure the best quality of life for our residents.  By lowering the cost of providing services, more people - especially our youth and our seniors - will benefit from these vital programs, because municipalities will be able to do more while spending less.”

      Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins said that the not-for-profit arena has been severely impacted by the current economic downturn.   Many organizations provide essential services to counties and this legislation will allow counties to provide opportunities to these not-for-profits to realize savings, without compromising service delivery.

      “I was pleased to sponsor this important bill supported by the New York State Association of Counties.”  It is my hope the Assembly and Governor will take favorable action as well,” concluded Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.