Monroe County Legislature Vice-President Mercedes Vazquez-Simmons, Legislator of the 22nd District and Legislator Rachel Barnhart, of the 17th District, call on Monroe County to use remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist agencies impacted by United Way funding cuts.
Agencies sent a press release today identifying $5 million in collective United Way funding cuts, which would impact 40,000 individuals and families. The United Way is providing $2 million in bridge funding. According to a spreadsheet provided by the Bello administration to the Legislature, there is $4.3 million in ARPA money remaining to be allocated by the end of the year, more than enough to cover the gap.
“This is something we can do right away to meet the deadline to spend the ARPA dollars and make sure these vital services continue,” said Vice-President Vazquez-Simmons. “Many of those services take place in my district. We have the power to act and we must do so.”
Last week, Legislators Vazquez-Simmons and Barnhart introduced an amendment to a $6 million fund for youth and senior services at municipally-run centers in suburban towns. The amendment would have added $2 million and allowed the City of Rochester to access the funds. In advocating for the amendment, they noted cuts from the United Way to services to youth and seniors, and the legislation’s flexibility in how municipalities could use the dollars.
“Unfortunately, the amendment failed. It was painful to see fellow Democrats argue that the city already received enough ARPA dollars,” said Legislator Barnhart. “Now we have a chance to right the wrong. Obviously, the need is great. Let’s get this done.”
While the legislature also passed a $6 million fund that allows nonprofits, mostly in the city, to apply for grants, the average grant is unlikely to make up for the United Way funding cuts because the awards are dependent on the number of nonprofits that apply. The nonprofits are also not required to be focused on human services.
“We understand that this is not a long term fix to decreased charitable giving and changes at the United Way,” said Legislator Barnhart. “But the house is on fire. There’s no excuse for Monroe County, which has the resources, not to help.”
“I encourage our colleagues to join us in advocating to bridge the remaining gap for these agencies. We stand ready to help,” said Vice-President Vazquez-Simmons.
The fastest way for legislation to be introduced would be for the Bello administration to work with the President and the impacted agencies to make sure the Legislature can vote on the funding at the September meeting.