State and Local Governments Need to Work Together
To represent the people of New York means understanding that government doesn’t only happen at the Capitol – it also happens on every street corner, in every city hall, village office, and at every local board meeting. Local officials operate at the most granular level of society, where every cracked sidewalk, blinking streetlight, and delayed emergency call is personal. They are on the front lines, doing the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the engine of our communities running. As the former Mayor of Chateaugay, I know firsthand the importance of local government.
But behind every functioning traffic light, clean glass of water, and responsive emergency service is a municipal government working with limited resources to deliver essential services. As legislators, we owe it to our local partners to recognize that this vital work requires sustained support and that begins with consistent and reliable increases in unrestricted municipal aid.
Last year, New York took a meaningful step forward by including a $50 million increase in unrestricted aid in the State Budget. It was the first such increase in 15 years, and while long overdue, it demonstrated what’s possible when we recognize and respect the work happening in our municipalities. I am also proud that this year, the Assembly once again stepped up to the plate by including an additional $50 million in its one-house budget. This investment not only reflects our understanding of local needs but also reinforces the strength of the partnership between state and local leaders, a partnership we must deepen.
The truth is, municipalities have been holding the line for far too long. While grappling with inflation, the end of federal ARPA funds, and flattening sales tax revenues, local leaders are still expected to maintain the same level of service. They’ve done it with ingenuity, grit, and a deep sense of responsibility to their residents — but they can’t do it alone. It’s time for the State to step in and do its part. A single year of temporary aid is not a solution. We need predictable, annual increases in unrestricted municipal aid to help keep our communities strong, safe, and affordable.
This is why strengthening the state-local partnership must be a top priority. When we in state government work hand-in-hand with our municipal leaders, we are better equipped to make New York safer, stronger and more affordable – goals that we all share. Our mayors are not asking for a hand out – they are simply asking for equity. And when our municipalities function well, our State is able to thrive.
As legislators, our job is not just to pass budgets. It’s to strengthen the foundation of government at every level. That means investing in the local leaders who are doing the hard work on the ground. That means working hand in hand with our municipal partners to ensure that unrestricted aid is not an afterthought, but a priority.
Let’s build on the momentum we’ve created. Let’s turn temporary relief into lasting stability. And most importantly, let’s show our mayors and the people they serve that New York State stands with them.
Billy Jones was elected to the Assembly in 2016 to represent the 115th District, as well as the towns of Bloomingdale, Jay, Keene, North Elba, and Wilmington in Essex County.
