County Executive Ryan discusses how the proposed Medicaid Local District Spending Reforms included in Governor's Fiscal Year 2020-21 Executive Budget would negatively impact Ulster County residents and services
ALBANY, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Patrick K. Ryan met today with legislators who represent Ulster County in Albany to share his concerns about the proposed Medicaid Local District Spending Reforms included in Governor's Fiscal Year 2020-21 Executive Budget. In a letter to lawmakers and Senate and Assembly leadership, County Executive Ryan highlighted the negative impact the proposal would have on taxpayers and the County.
County Executive Ryan wrote that the proposal could result in a $5.35 million annual impact to the County’s budget and a nearly 7% increase in the property tax levy. These changes would reduce the County’s ability to fund critical services and programs such as transportation, mental health, and addiction services, Sheriff road patrols, road repair, snow removal, youth services, veteran’s services, 911 dispatch, senior services and more for the over 180,000 residents of Ulster County.
“As County Executive, one of my top priorities is ensuring that the 180,000 residents of Ulster County have the best services possible at the best value to taxpayers,” said County Executive Ryan. “The current Medicaid proposal is premature and threatens our ability to provide essential services that our residents need and deserve. We had productive conversations in Albany, and I will continue to be vocal in calling out proposals that negatively impact our area.”
County Executive Ryan stressed to legislators his support of the work of the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT II) to find solutions and savings and urged that until the recommendations are completed, the $150 million cost shift to taxpayers across counties is premature. Additionally, he encouraged lawmakers to remove Part R of the Health and Mental Hygiene Article VII language from the Final Budget and reject these proposals.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed a $178 billion budget with State Operating Funds increasing by 1.9 percent. The Legislature has until April 1st, the end of the fiscal year, to adopt an on time budget.
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