RENSSELAER COUNTY TO BEGIN PROVIDING FUNDING TO YOUTH SPORTS GROUPS AS PART OF RENSSELAER COUNTY RESPONDS EFFORT, MCLAUGHLIN AND LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCE
Rensselaer County is beginning in the coming days the third round of funding as part of the Rensselaer County Responds effort, County Executive Steve McLaughlin announced today with members of the County Legislature.
Funding will be provided to youth sports organizations across the county, starting this weekend. Efforts are now underway to contact youth sports organizations in the county regarding the funding, county officials noted.
“Our youth sports organizations provide tremendous support and instruction to kids and families. This funding will help youth sports organizations across the county continue to do their good and valuable work for the future of our county,” said McLaughlin.
The Rensselaer County Responds effort was proposed by McLaughlin and approved by the County Legislature in 2021. The funding utilized a portion of savings derived during the 2020 fiscal year, was created to help community organizations offset losses in fund raising and other expenses during the pandemic.
A resolution approved in June, 2021 to create the Rensselaer County Responds fund, allocated $1.2 million. The resolution was approved along party lines in the Legislature.
Funding from Rensselaer County Responds was provided to over 40 fire and ambulance organizations during the summer of 2021, with visits by McLaughlin and legislators to all organizations. In fall of 2021, funding was provided to all veteran organizations in the county.
Along with the funding for youth sports, remaining funds may be utilized to purchase additional public safety and emergency services equipment, county officials said.
“The county continued our focus on saving money during 2020 and 2021. We did the right thing, by returning some of those funds to the people and the community groups that do so much good for so many,” said McLaughlin.
“Our children need positive involvement in organizations that bring out the very best in them. Whether it is youth sports, arts and music, or scouting and the like, we need to support and encourage involvement in positive activities. I am thrilled that we able to make a difference in the lives of our children with this funding,” said Chairwoman Kelly Hoffman - North Greenbush.
“Youth sports are so important. It creates so many memories and friendships that last a lifetime. The coaches that dedicate their time to coach and mentor our kids help shape their lives for the better,” Legislator Dan Casale-Brunswick.
“Participation in youth sports is an important part of growing up for many children, and proper funding for these programs is critical. We are pleased to be able to provide some funding to make up for the loss in fundraising during the pandemic,” Vice Chair Bob Loveridge - East Schodack.
“In small communities where donations are down, this a great shot in the arm to help strengthen the youth programs,” said Legislator Bruce Patire, who spent 13 years as a little league coach and also coached youth football in Hoosick Falls.
“Rensselaer Little League has created great memories for generations of children in our city. This funding will be helpful in creating more lasting memories and friendships for kids in the future,” Legislator Brian Stall- Rensselaer.