On this edition of In Focus, New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen Acquario discusses growing frustration among county leaders over unfunded mandates, rising costs and increasing pressure on local budgets. He says counties are being forced to use reserves and, in some cases, raise property taxes to cover mandated services, limiting their ability to invest in economic development.
Also, NYSAC Immediate Past President Philip Church discusses the financial pressures facing counties, including state and federal mandates and the potential shift of SNAP-related costs to local governments. He also highlights Oswego County’s support for expanded nuclear power and argues New York needs a diverse energy portfolio to meet growing demand.
Finally, NYSAC President Dr. Kevin Watkins discusses the growing pressure on counties to provide essential services without enough funding, pointing to challenges in public health, EMS, public safety and workforce recruitment.
You can watch the full interviews above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.