Seward Takes Aim at Unfunded State Mandates

ALBANY, 06/07/16 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today announced senate passage of a bill (S.7155) he sponsors that would cut costs for school districts by reducing unnecessary government red tape.  Additionally, a bill (S.2295) co-sponsored by Senator Seward that would require the state to pay for mandated programs imposed on schools and municipalities, also received senate approval earlier this week.

“Schools and local municipalities are taking numerous steps to keep spending in check and hold the line on property taxes,” said Senator Seward.  “The state needs to be a strong partner in this effort by providing real mandate relief.   These bills will help accomplish that goal.”

Senate bill 7155 would allow school districts to complete costly internal audit risk assessments biennially instead of annually.

Senate bill 2295 requires programs that originate from the state to be paid for by the state and not have the burden to find funding fall upon local municipalities.

“New York State’s tax levy cap has helped save property owners billions of dollars and I have always supported the concept.   However, when the cap was first approved, I also called for mandate relief measures to help our local governments and schools hold the line on expenses.   Unfortunately, while the senate has adopted a slew of bills to address this issue, the assembly and governor have failed to follow suit in any substantial manner,” added Seward.

Seward is also working to advance two key bills to help reduce costs for county governments by providing funding to cover indigent legal services and mandated salary increases for full time district attorneys.

“When I meet with local elected officials and school administrators and ask them what New York can do to help them succeed, one of the first answers is always mandate relief.  These measures would make real strides and would help make sure that local governments have funds to spend on local needs – not edicts from Albany,” Seward concluded.      

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