Latest news with #ErieCountyDepartmentofSocialServices
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Poloncarz says proposed federal budget cuts could cost Erie County over $100M by 2028
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Proposed federal budget cuts and changes to Medicaid and SNAP could cost residents of Erie County hundreds of millions of dollars by 2028, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said Friday. Erie County would be hit with a direct cost of $12.3 million next year and over $100 million annually by 2028 if the proposed changes become law, according to estimates by the Erie County Department of Social Services. Poloncarz said Erie County would have to pay ECMC to cover cut federal funds estimated at up to $50 million. Additionally, the county might have to pay for its portion of state SNAP cuts at around $84 million, among other costs. He said the proposed budget would target poor, elderly, sick, and hungry Americans above all. 'While the president is accepting a $400 million bribe from a foreign dictator he's simultaneously taking away critical programs and services that residents in communities nationwide, including Erie County, rely on to improve their everyday lives,' Poloncarz said. 'Now is the time to speak up against these injustices and I implore everyone to do so.' The tax break bill did not pass in the House Budget Committee on Friday, but the committee plans to reconvene on Sunday. Some right-wing lawmakers are reportedly calling for even steeper cuts to Medicaid before they vote in favor. Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Former Erie County DSS employee admits to stealing HEAP benefits
BUFFALO — A former Erie County Department of Social Services employee was recently caught using her position to fraudulently divert public assistance funds for personal gain, according to State Welfare Inspector General Lucy Lang. Denise Nelson, 56, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Erie County Court before the Honorable Sheila A. DiTullio to one count of third-degree attempted grand larceny, a class E felony under New York State Penal Law. Under the terms of her plea agreement, Nelson has made full restitution of $4,917 to the Erie County Department of Social Services, National Grid, and National Fuel Gas. Following a referral from the Erie County Department of Social Services, an investigation by the Inspector General's Office revealed that Nelson misused her access as an Erie County Department of Social Services worker to redirect HEAP benefits in the names of other people to properties she owned, without the knowledge or consent of the rightful recipients. Her fraudulent actions resulted in nearly $5,000 worth of unauthorized heating services at the expense of Erie County taxpayers. 'As a public employee, Ms. Nelson was entrusted with administering essential services to those in need,' Lang said. 'Instead, she exploited her position for personal gain, undermining a vital program intended to assist vulnerable New Yorkers. This case underscores our unwavering commitment to holding those who abuse public resources accountable.' 'This program is reserved for low-income individuals and families who truly need help paying for their home utilities,' added Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane. 'I want to thank the Offices of the New York State Inspector General and Erie County Department of Social Services HEAP Office for their partnership in this investigation. Together, we will continue to hold those who fraudulently obtain these benefits accountable.' Nelson's employment with the Erie County DSS was terminated as a result of her actions. Inspector General Lang extended her appreciation to the investigative team, including Investigative Counsel John Philipps, Investigator Erynn Migaj, and Investigator Christopher Martello, under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General Jeffrey Hagen, Chief of Investigations Martin Stanford, and Attorney-in-Charge of Welfare Matters Andrew Weiss. Lang also commended the Erie County Department of Social Services for its prompt referral and cooperation, as well as DA Keane and his office for their diligent prosecution of the case.
