Senator Robach announced today that late last night the Legislature reached an agreement to give the City of Rochester a 17.8% increase in Aid Incentive for Municipalities (AIM) funding. This represents a $3.2 million dollar increase over former Governor Spitzer’s proposed budget.
Senator Robach acknowledged that these efforts would bring Rochester even closer to achieving per capita funding parity with the other large cities in New York State.
Senator Robach said, "I am very pleased to announce this substantial and much needed funding increase for the City of Rochester as part of the finalized budget agreement. I was proud to work with Mayor Bob Duffy and my Senate colleagues to get this increase appropriated in our budget. This will bring us that much closer to an equal and fair funding formula for Rochester."
The 2007-08 New York State Budget included a total of $81 million for the City of Rochester as part of what is known as AIM funding. The finalized budget agreement for 2008-09 increases this total funding for the City of Rochester to $95.4 million, a $14.2 million, or 17.8% increase over the 2007-08 budget. In addition to the large AIM increase, the City will be able to access an optional accelerated payment (spin-up) of up to $20 million.
For years, the disparity in funding parity drove Senator Robach, Mayor Duffy and our state legislature delegation to work to close the gap in an effort to address our city’s growing needs.
Senator Robach added, "Our needs here in Rochester are just as important and urgent as the needs of any other large city in New York State. While more needs to be done, I am very satisfied with the progress we made on this budget."
Earlier this year, Senator Robach held a press conference and was joined by Joe and Jean Carrozzi, Charlotte Community Association; George Moses, Northeast Area Development; Albert Algarin, North Clinton Avenue Business Association; amongst others, to call for equal state funding for the City of Rochester.
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