Local government leaders are objecting to a budget proposal from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that would cut nearly $60 million in state funding to local governments.

The state Association of Towns January 18 called the cut "disrespectful" and said it could force local officials to trim services or dip into reserves.  Leaders from the City of Binghamton and towns and villages in Broome County gathered at Binghamton City Hall to respond to the proposed cut in Aid & Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) program.

Kathy Whyte/WNBF News
Kathy Whyte/WNBF News
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Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D., Endwell) says she’s expressed outrage concerning the cuts and has assured the Chair of the Local Governments Committee that restoration of the funding will be one of her “highest priorities.”

Bob Joseph/WNBF News file photo
Bob Joseph/WNBF News file photo
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More than 1,300 towns will lose funding if state lawmakers support the cut.

Cuomo's budget spokesman defended the reduction, saying it amounts to less than 1% of the typical town's annual budget.

The Governor is also proposing a change in the way internet sales taxes are collected that could allow towns to split a $350 million windfall.

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