The Assembly introduced a budget resolution that delivers Sullivan and Orange counties nearly $7.6 million in local Medicaid savings (Resolution C322). The Assembly’s plan calls for a complete cap on Medicaid costs paid by county taxpayers, with the state permanently taking over additional Medicaid costs as of January 1, 2006. This, combined with the state takeover of the Family Health Plus program enacted last year, will yield significant savings for local taxpayers – without compromising the care our families deserve.

In fact, the Assembly’s plan provides faster and superior relief than the governor’s plan. Our plan provides nearly $3.3 million more than the governor’s plan would provide in 2006, and nearly $6.4 million more in 2007. Now that we’ve outlined our priorities, I urge the governor to negotiate a budget that reflects the values of working families.