One of the biggest issues facing New York State today has been the dramatic increase in property taxes for homeowners and small businesses. County governments must deal with the spiraling costs of the Medicaid program and are put in the difficult position of either having to raise taxes or reduce services. As the costs of Medicaid have increased, more and more critical services are being delayed or eliminated altogether.

The new, on time state budget adopted by the Legislature includes reforms to the Medicaid program that will provide assistance to local governments and tax relief to property owners. The most important reform enacted was a Medicaid cap, whereby the State will begin taking over the local share of Medicaid costs this year.

The reforms and savings in the Medicaid program are vital if New York is to provide new opportunities for businesses to create jobs, property tax relief for residents, and quality health care services for the millions of people that depend on them. In addition, the continuation of a record increase in state school aid will help hold down potential school tax increases while guaranteeing our children the opportunity to receive a first-rate education.

In addition to being an on time budget, this is a solid, balanced budget that meets the needs of New Yorkers and moves forward with measures that address the problem of rising local property taxes.

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