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Wednesday, May 24, 2000
The State Senate today passed a bill, (S. 1290) sponsored by Senator Mary Lou Rath (R-C, Williamsville), which would provide mandate relief to local governments, eliminating red tape and helping keep local property taxes down.
�This is about strengthening the partnership between state and local government,� said Senator Rath, Chairwoman of the Senate Local Government Committee. �Localities should not be powerless in the face of unfunded mandates-- which potentially could force them to raise property taxes or compromise existing services. This constitutional amendment addresses this problem by giving local governments and school districts the option of choosing to accept the mandate.�
�When faced with an unfunded mandate, localities are often forced to cut existing services or raise property tax levies to cover the additional requirements,� said Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno (R-C, Brunswick). �By passing this bill, the Senate Majority is helping provide local governments with relief from expensive, state-imposed mandates and the flexibility they need to do their jobs effectively, while saving taxpayers from expensive tax hikes.�
The bill would make compliance with most unfunded new state mandates voluntary for local governments, school districts, special districts and other local bodies. Any associated increases in cost would be offset by funding to carry out the new mandate and savings associated with other mandate relief.
The legislation would establish a Council on Local Mandates to resolve any disputes brought by local governments about whether a law is an unfunded mandate. Council determinations would be subject to judicial review and would be given precedence over all other cases before the Court.
The Council will consist eleven members appointed by the Governor, the Temporary President of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly, the State Comptroller, the Attorney General and the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. Five of the members would be recommended by local governments.
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