By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The first official day on the job could be a rough one for new Erie County lawmakers Thursday. Eight new Democrats got at preview at Tuesday's caucus meeting.
There was a lot of laughing and joking. New Legislature Chairwoman Lynn Marinelli even bought everybody lunch. But that's where the honeymoon probably ended.
In a two hour long session, lawmakers were given an overview of procedures, committee assignments and duties - and prepared for their first regular session Thursday.
Once they take the oath of office, business in Erie Coounty picks up where it left off.
Top on the agenda - the court ordered subsidy for the Erie County Medical Center.
Marinelli said the County Executive sent over a "place-holder," indicating he will propose something regarding ECMC. And she said lawmakers will have to act on that plan. Marinelli did not rule out cuts.
"Let's see what they are proposing over here for how it will impact the '06 budget, what might have to be done for future years, or if there is anything left tended to for past time," said Marinelli. "Or, they'll have to propose some other methodology."
If there is no settlement reached with the Hospital, the County will once again begin the year with a deficit. That will bring added pressure from the County's Fiscal Stability Authority that can take over if a deficit is not corrected.
New Democratic Majority Leader Maria Whyte was among the new lawmakers who realized quickly on Tuesday there would be no down time.
Whyte said that is how it should be.
"I mean, I think there is a requirement - it doesn't matter how new we are - we definitely need to be prepared to deal with these issues. And I will be prepared, certainly, by Thursday," said White.
Thursday morning Democrats will meet again in caucus before the regular session in the afternoon to decide a host of issues, including staffing appointments, as well as what to do about the subsidy for ECMC.