Hardwick announces funding in budget for Legislative District 4

Youth, senior groups to receive additional funds for coming year

Erie County Legislator Kevin Hardwick announced Thursday additional funding in the 2019 Erie County budget, which was signed into law on Dec. 10 by County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz.

The budget contains the largest decrease in the county’s tax rate in over a decade, funds for public health programs and infrastructure improvements, as well as increased funding for community and cultural organizations.

“This budget provides resources to organizations that enrich our community,” said Hardwick.

According to Hardwick, highlights include:

•$8,000 for Brighton Place Community Resource Center and Library.

•$22,500 for the Boys & Girls Club of the Northtowns.

•$3,000 for additional senior services across Grand Island and Tonawanda.

•$60,000 to continue Hearts and Hands’ mission of serving vulnerable adults in underserved communities.

•The City of Tonawanda, Citizens Science Community Resources, and American Reparatory Theater will also receive county funding for the first time this year.

Hardwick noted that, “This budget was a compromise, and I am happy we were able to support the services residents value, while granting them much-needed relief on their taxes. I thank the county executive and my legislature colleagues for coming to the table with open minds.”