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Mayor Brown's Public Statement for Gov. Cuomo's Recommended State Budget

February 1, 2011

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recommended 2011-12 state budget reflects the difficult choices his administration must make to restore the state’s fiscal stability and competitiveness.

As Mayor of Buffalo, I know well the economic challenges that confront Governor Cuomo and I applaud him for delivering a recommended budget that seeks to reduce the cost and size of state government,  as well as merge and consolidate state agencies.

As with all governments, at any level, and even families that have had to tighten their belts, I understand the 2% reduction of funding for Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM), which reflects the Governor’s need to lower state spending.

Despite that difficult decision, the City of Buffalo is well positioned to compete for $130 million in funding that will be available through the creation of the Regional Economic Development Councils and for the Governor’s recommended $79 million in grants that will reward municipalities that either consolidate services or make added improvements and efficiencies in operations.

I am planning to testify on the Governor’s recommended budget this Monday, February 7^th in Albany before the state legislative fiscal committees.

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