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East Hampton Press / News / Government / Government / News / Southampton Press / 1769340

State Budget Fully Restores $39 Million in Local Government Funding

authorStaff Writer on Apr 12, 2021

Last week, Senator Jim Gaughran and Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., chairs of the Committee on Local Government in both the Senate and Assembly, respectively, announced this year’s state budget, adopted last week, has fully restored Aid and Incentives for Municipalities, otherwise known as ‘AIM’ funding. The governor’s budget proposed cutting over $39 million, including from Long Island town and village government budgets, a change Mr. Gaughran and Mr. Thiele decried.

The legislature demanded full restoration of this funding, to compensate for what the Long Island region sends to Albany each year. Town supervisors and village mayors rely on this vital funding to maintain programs and services — including senior services, public safety services, mental health initiatives, youth programs, and public infrastructure.

“After a year that has left local governments across the state in dire fiscal distress, it was imperative that the state provide adequate necessary support funding to our municipalities,” said Mr. Thiele. “Local governments have been on the front lines providing essential services throughout the pandemic, and I was proud to have joined with Senator Gaughran in fighting for the restoration of this vital aid. I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of New York’s local governments.”

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