Senator Kemp Hannon (R-6th S.D.) announced the 2005-2006 Legislative Budget agreement increases aid to local governments by $57 million over last year. The Village of Garden City will receive total funding in the amount of $177,027- an increase of $6,399 compared to State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2004-05.

Senator Hannon said, "The Village of Garden City provides important services to residents including the village's own police and fire department, court system, water plant, recycling and sanitation departments. Successful operation of these departments requires significant support from all levels of government and I am pleased to procure funds that help to effectively run our hometown."

The Senate successfully fought for a 3.75 percent aid increase for towns and villages along with a minimum increase of $500 to ensure each locality receives a reasonable hike in aid. The Town of Hempstead will benefit from total funding of more than $3.2 million in SFY 2005-06, an increase of $118,715 over SFY 2004-05. Total funding to all villages in Nassau County is more than $4.7 million, a $180,635 increase from 2004-05 aid.

The budget combines all the existing revenue sharing programs into one, so there is no longer a separate category for supplemental municipal aid (a.k.a. distressed aid). The budget increases aid to all cities aid by 12.75 percent.

Senator Hannon said, "This year's budget responds to local governments' need to control property tax growth. Increased aid to cities, towns and villages, combined with speeding up the state takeover of Family Health Plus and capping the growth of local Medicaid costs, provides substantial relief for counties and local municipalities."