Senator Gallivan Introduces Legislation to Ensure AIM Related Payments are Made

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C-I, Elma) has introduced legislation (S.6844) to resolve issues related to the Aid and Incentive to Municipality (AIM) program and to ensure payments are made to dozens of towns and villages in Erie and Nassau counties.  As part of the 2019 budget process, traditional AIM funding was replaced by a portion of state sales tax.  However, the Office of State Comptroller has indicated the change did not allow sales tax funds to be distributed to towns and villages in counties with fiscal control boards, such as Erie and Nassau. The result has been a delay in vital state aid to municipalities in both counties.

“This legislation will correct this unintended consequence and ensure these towns and villages receive payments as promised, this year and in the future,” Senator Gallivan said.  “This funding is critical as these municipalities finalize their budgets for 2020 and I urge the governor to call for a special session of the legislature to resolve this issue as soon as possible.”

The delay in funding affects communities throughout Erie County.

“We need to see a legislative fix as soon as possible,” said Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa.  “This bill represents a great step forward in making sure the cash flow for all the towns and villages is handled correctly in the coming year.”

“The loss of funding would be devastating to our town and would force drastic cuts affecting public safety, youth services, and other programs,” said Eden Supervisor Missy Hartman.  “The fact that this funding has been provided to all towns and villages except those that reside in Erie and Nassau counties puts an unneeded burden on our residents simply because their county is under a control board.”

Assemblyman Edward Ra, (R-Franklin Square) is expected to introduce the bill in the Assembly.          

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