COMPTROLLER MYCHAJLIW TO COUNTY LAWMAKERS: MEDICAID COSTS & STATE BUDGET DEFICIT COULD BE DISASTROUS FOR ERIE COUNTY

State budget proposals put unfair burden on local governments

Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw warns of the devastating impact an increase in Medicaid costs would have on Erie County.  The county’s Chief Fiscal Officer sent yet another official warning to the Erie County Legislature informing them of the devastating impact on taxpayers and the fiscal health of the government if New York State yet again forces Erie County to pick up even more Medicaid payments.

 As New York State lawmakers work to close a budget deficit of $6 billion or more, Erie County In a letter sent to Erie County legislators, Comptroller Mychajliw stated he is closely watching the maneuverings in Albany, and the proposals being considered that would force counties like Erie to pay even more of New York State’s Medicaid bill will negatively impact Erie County’s ability to continue operations as usual.

 “Every crushing unfunded mandate put forth by Governor Cuomo punishes Erie County families and our county government for out of control Medicaid costs that we have nothing to do with.  New York State picks the ‘Cadillac’ of benefits and forces us to pick up the tab.  Erie County does has zero say about eligibility requirements or what benefits are offered.  The out of touch Albany politicians that got themselves into a $6 billion deficit does.  They created this mess.  Not us.  Albany should be the ones to clean it up,” said Mychajliw.

 Comptroller Mychajliw recently attended a New York State Association of Counties conference in Albany where many local government representatives expressed similar concerns about the impact rising Medicaid costs and budget deficits will have on their counties.

 In his warning correspondence to county lawmakers, Comptroller Mychajliw says services and programs could be cut if Erie County is forced to take on additional Medicaid costs.  Erie County’s Chief Fiscal Officer advised that raising property taxes should not be an option. 

 “Increasing property taxes on our already overburdened taxpayers is not recommended,” said Mychajliw.  “Instead, state lawmakers should practice fiscal responsibility for a change.  Struggling families do more with less.  They tighten their belts when times are tough.  New York State should do their jobs, and find a way to manage Medicaid costs, without making Erie county families pay for it,” concluded Comptroller Mychajliw.

For a copy of the letter please click here