County legislature votes to reallocate funding from Metro Justice to VOC

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Republicans in the Monroe County Legislature have voted to reallocate American Rescue Plan funding from Metro Justice to the Veterans Outreach Center.

Two Democrats also voted in favor of the amendment. Republican leaders say that Metro Justice, a grassroots activist organization, has a history of advocating for “divisive policies” including anti-law enforcement positions and radical economic reforms. Metro Justice has pushed for a government takeover of RG&E because of billing and customer service issues.

Metro Justice released this statement about the vote:

“Metro Justice absolutely supports resources for veterans. The Republican-led decision to block ARPA funds for Metro Justice should be considered separately and should be fact checked. Metro Justice is a nonpartisan community-based organization that has educated residents and built grassroots movements around racial, economic, and social justice in Rochester for nearly 60 years.”

“Our current priorities are affordable healthcare and affordable, reliable energy service for all. During the COVID pandemic, Metro Justice was instrumental in aiding mutual aid networks to support families. By blocking support for Metro Justice, Republican legislators — and the two Democrats who joined them — are showing just how little they care to address the worsening cost of living crisis faced by all county residents.”