County leaders across state meet in Albany for Advocacy Day
Counties don’t want to be hit by federal cuts and cost shifts, especially with SNAP
Press Release, NYS Association of Counties
ALBANY – County leaders and officials from across New York State convened at the State Capitol on Tuesday for the New York State Association of Counties’ annual County Advocacy Day, meeting with state legislative leaders to advance shared priorities impacting counties and the communities they serve.
County officials held meetings with the Senate and Assembly leadership, including the Chairs of the Assembly and Senate Committees on Local Government, as well as numerous state legislators representing NYSAC member counties. Discussions focused on counties’ legislative concerns and NYSAC’s 2026 Legislative Program priorities and county-specific concerns affecting residents statewide.
“Counties are where state policy meets real life,” said NYSAC President and Oswego County Administrator Phil Church. “Counties are in Albany to ensure that our partners at the state level understand what we need to continue providing the essential services New Yorkers rely on while also protecting local taxpayers.”
During the meetings, county leaders emphasized the importance of infrastructure investment, government modernization and efficiency, workforce expansion, and systems reforms to keep New York affordable while maintaining essential services.
A central focus of this year’s advocacy was the need to hold counties harmless from the impact of federal funding cuts and cost shifts, particularly proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that could significantly increase local administrative costs and compliance burdens.
“When federal actions shift costs or impose new requirements, counties are often left to manage the consequences,” said NYSAC President Phil Church. “We’re urging the state to work with counties to protect local taxpayers and preserve the vital services that keep our communities strong.”
NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario underscored the bipartisan and statewide nature of the advocacy effort.
“County leaders from around the state came to Albany speaking with one unified voice,” Acquario said. “Strong state–county partnerships are essential to maintaining the services and programs that residents rely on every day, from public safety and infrastructure to health and human services.”
County Advocacy Day highlighted the role counties play as the primary implementers of state and federal policy, often with limited flexibility and significant fiscal exposure. NYSAC leaders stressed that proactive collaboration with counties can help the state achieve policy goals more effectively while keeping communities affordable and resilient.
NYSAC will continue working with state leaders throughout the legislative session to advance solutions that strengthen counties, protect taxpayers, and ensure local governments have the tools they need to succeed.
