By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Niagara Partnership Thursday unveiled its legislative agenda for state and federal governments in the coming year. The partnership seeks specific policy changes as well as funding from Albany and Washington for several local projects.
Partnership president Andrew Rudnick was joined by County Executive Joel Giambra and Mayor Anthony Masiello in unveiling the agenda. Rudnick said it's important the region approaches state and federal representatives with a unified vision, speaking with one voice.
The Partnership is asking the federal government to enact a more flexible border crossing plan for this region. The Partnership also proposes that localities where casinos are located receive a minimum 50 percent of the state share of slot machine revenues.
The city's fiscal stability is also addressed. The Partnership is asking the state for a number of policy changes that would include changes to the state's binding arbitration process that would take into account a municipality's ability to provide pay raises without having to increase taxes or cut services.