Statement by NYSAC President John F. Marren as State Leaders Continue Working on 2021 State Budget

• By: NYSAC
• On: 04/01/2020 11:17:27
• In: Press Releases

“While counties recognize that the response to the COVID-19 pandemic will lower state and local revenues, now is not the time to cut vital local services like public health, healthcare, social services, mental health and public safety. 

"County leaders across the state are making one last request to state lawmakers to reject proposals that would undo local Medicaid caps and result in higher property taxes for struggling homeowners or cuts to vital local services.

"Instead, we recommend that state lawmakers accept the $6.7 billion in new federal healthcare funding that was included in the first federal stimulus package and intended to help states and local governments through this public health crisis.
 
"This is an opportunity for the state to accept this funding now, during this COVID-19 emergency, and then implement the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT II) recommendations as soon as the emergency has passed, and the federal funding is no longer available.

"As we enter this crucial time for our state and nation, counties stand ready to partner with state leaders to call on congress to pass a fourth federal stimulus bill designed to help states and local governments weather the steep drops in revenues resulting from the COVID-19 response and frozen economic activity."