The Erie County Office of Public Advocacy (ECOPA) is joining other Erie County departments to celebrate National County Government Month (NCGM) in April. National Financial Literacy Month coincides with NCGM and highlights some of the ECOPA advocacy services to assure fair and equal treatment of all county residents regardless of race, sex, religion, age, disability, and national origin. ECOPA includes the Commission on the Status of Women and the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Bureau of Weights and Measures.
Commission on the Status of Women
The Erie County Commission on the Status of Women works to provide resources and services to the women and girls of Erie County to ensure that they participate fully in matters that have an impact on their lives and toward eliminating all gender-based discrimination and promoting women's economic, societal, and political empowerment.
Office of Consumer Protection
The Erie County Office of Consumer Protection was created to ensure that Erie County's residents have access to education, information, and resources regarding consumer protection. The office will investigate consumer complaints through voluntary mediation and educate Erie County consumers on the policies, best practices, and their rights and responsibilities as consumers. ECOPA has a dedicated attorney assigned who collaborates on General Business Law§§ 771-774 cases, assisting consumers who have faced wrongdoings by a home improvement contractor to be made whole again.
Bureau of Weights and Measures
The Erie County Bureau of Weights and Measures (ECW&M) ensures equity prevails in the marketplace!
ECW&M has two divisions: Weights and Measures and Scanner Accuracy. Erie County Deputy County Sealers are tasked with assuring that all devices used commercially within the county are accurate and are constructed in a manner to prevent fraud. The Erie County Scanner Accuracy Examiners are responsible for compliance with the local item pricing/scanner accuracy law, Local Law 7(1997). This law requires that consumers know and pay the lowest advertised price. Erie County is the only County in New York State that offers consumers a Super Refund from waiver stores found violating Local Law 7(1997).
If you have questions about our services, please contact ECOPA!