Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) is calling on the governor to increase Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) funding in this year’s state budget, noting that proposed funding levels remain flat for a second consecutive year despite rising costs facing local governments.

“For towns and villages across my district, flat AIM funding is not sustainable. Fuel costs are up. Equipment costs are up. Insurance, materials and labor costs are all up. So when AIM funding stays the same, our municipalities are forced to do more with less,” said Bendett.

AIM funding helps municipalities pay for essential, everyday services residents depend on, including road and bridge maintenance, snow plowing, police and fire protection and upkeep of public facilities. In many small and rural communities, AIM funding can mean the difference between repaving a road or postponing repairs, hiring additional highway staff or leaving positions unfilled.

“In the winter months alone, towns are dealing with skyrocketing salt and fuel prices just to keep roads safe,” Bendett said. “When a plow breaks down or a culvert needs replacement, those costs don’t wait for a better budget year. Flat funding forces tough decisions that directly affect residents’ quality of life.”

Bendett is committed to advocating during budget negotiations for a meaningful increase in AIM funding to ensure local governments have the resources they need to keep communities safe, maintain infrastructure and deliver core services residents rely on every day.