By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers applauded a recent Supreme Court ruling that the National Rifle Association can pursue a claim against a New York state official who, in 2018, after the Parkland, Fla. school shooting urged insurance companies to reconsider their NRA ties.
The Supreme Court ruled in a 9-0 decision on May 30 that the NRA plausibly alleged former Financial Services Superintendent Maria Vullo violated the NRA’s right to free speech in a bid to coerce insurance companies from doing business with the NRA.
The NRA alleges Vullo told insurance executives in one meeting that she would be less likely to pursue regulatory action against insurers that do not have ties with the NRA.
Sponsors of the resolution included Legislature Chairman Andrew Burr, R-Gowanda; Vice Chairman Michael Brisky, R-Frankilnville; Donald Benson, R-Allegany; Laurie Hunt, R-Salamanca and Ginger Schroder, R-Farmersville. In the end, all 15 legislators became co-sponsors.
The resolution states: “Such outright blazen coercion from Vullo shocks the conscience and demonstrates the liberal Democrats occupying governmental positions will stop at nothing to further advance their left-wing agendas in New York state.” It also notes the legal assistance the NRA received in the case from the American Civil Liberties Union.
The resolution adds: “Government officials should take this as a warning that there is no tolerance for using their substantial power, position and authority to bully and blacklist political groups they do not like or agree with. The Cattaraugus County Legislature stands with the NRA in its pursuit for fairness and justice.” “Government Officials” have not responded to the Cattaraugus County Legislature’s warning.
Increased fees on Electric Vehicles.
Legislators condemned state and federal officials for allowing electric vehicles to go untaxed.
When motorists fill up their gas tanks, 17.3 cents from every gallon goes to the New York petroleum business tax and 18.4 cents a gallon goes to the federal excise tax. Both are used to fund road and bridge construction and repairs.
Benson was the prime sponsor, noted that each electric vehicle will use the roads, but pay nothing toward their maintenance while gas and diesel powered vehicles will pay a combined 44 cents a gallon in taxes for upkeep.
The Allegany Republican and former oil producer said that to help make up for this discrepancy, more than 30 states have adopted fees on electric vehicles to make up for the loss of revenue.
“The federal government and New York State have made electric vehicles an economic free rider which enjoy the benefits of our county infrastructure but fail to contribute to the sustainability of such infrastructure,” the resolution stated.
“It’s very unfair,” Benson told colleagues, who agreed to become cosponsors.
Other business.
Legislators formally agreed to a contract with Duflo Spray Chemical Inc., for aerial spraying larvicide to keep mosquito larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes over Allegheny River Valley wetlands. Last Wednesday, legislators argeed to contract for the spraying under emergency authorization.
The contract calls for Duflo to aerial spray of 3,463 acres in the cities of Olean and Salamanca and the towns of Olean, Portville, Allegany, Hinsdale, Carrollton and Great Valley at a cost of $69,857. The municipalities are paying the cost of the spraying except for $5,000 in higher costs which the county agreed to pickup.
The aerial spraying started Wednesday morning over Carrollton and would continue east of there on Thursday. The larvicide targets mosquito larvae in early instars and remains effective for 30 days.
In another memorializing resolution, legislators urged the New York State Public Service Commission to turn down a request from National Grid for a 15% rate increase for electricity and 20% for natural gas.
Sponsors Benson, Brisky, Burr, Hunt and Schroder urged outright rejection of the rate hikes.
The resolution states the hikes “are a consequence of the New York liberal Democratic green energy policies pushing incentives and mandates which ultimately push the economic burden on consumers.”
Schroder said the concepts of energy affordability and the state energy plan are “incompatible,” yet the state continues to pursue “a ridiculous green energy policy that is unrealistic and illogical.”
The resolution further “condemns National Grid for its proposed excessive electric and gas rate increases,” and asks Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature “to protect citizens” from the proposed increases.
Legislators approved a resolution to paint 221 county bridges and sealing 30 of them under a federal aid program administered by the state Department of Transportation. The county will be responsible for paying upfront costs estimated at $440,000 while waiting for DOT reimbursement of $352,000.
Another resolution approved by county lawmakers accepts $191,065 over the next three years to help boost child immunization rates in the county.
The program is fully federally funded and administered by the county Health Department, which works closely with healthcare providers, day care providers, schools and other vulnerable populations.
A countywide Emergency Medical Services Mutual Aid Plan was adopted by legislators on the recommendation of the county EMS Advisory Council. The mutual aid plan calls for efficient, patient-oriented quality care.
