Senator Gallivan Announces Senate Passes Measure Requiring State Funding of Mandated Program

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) says the New York State Senate has passed legislation to prohibit unfunded mandates from burdening local governments, schools, and their taxpayers. The bill (S2295), co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan, would require certain state mandated programs imposed on municipalities and school districts to be funded by the state.

“Local municipalities and school districts should not be forced to pay for programs imposed by the state,” Gallivan said.  “Too often these unfunded mandates put a financial strain on local communities and result in higher school and property taxes for residents.  It’s not fair for the state to tell local governments what to do without providing the necessary funding.”   

State mandated programs place local taxpayers and local officials in the position of paying for services they didn’t budget for. These programs allow the state, rather than local officials, to set priorities for the locality, forcing municipalities to levy more taxes on its residents in order to pay for these state mandated programs. Under the provisions of the bill, the education law is amended so that no unfunded mandate will be enacted if it creates a net additional cost on any school district or local government.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.

 

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