Broome would receive $8.3 million to help fund Medicaid expenses

(BINGHAMTON, NY) Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala is calling for support of Senator Schumer’s Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) economic stimulus package proposed to assist local governments. The FMAP legislation would distribute $100 billion of direct aid to New York State Counties to assist in Medicaid costs. In 2009, upstate counties will need to contribute nearly $2 billion dollars to Medicaid, $35.6 million coming from Broome County alone.

“I want to thank Senator Schumer for his progressive leadership on this issue.  His work with federal lawmakers and the Obama administration, to address looming financial problems facing New York State Counties is critical to our future,” said Executive Fiala. “Medicaid costs continue to increase and counties have less revenue to afford mandated costs and make needed investments to improve local infrastructure and continue to provide vital services to our residents.”

Executive Fiala recognizes fiscal constraints New York State counties are facing, including reductions in sales tax revenue. Such reductions are projected to force lawmakers to eliminate services or raise property taxes to pay for fixed budget items such as Medicaid. FMAP would provide direct assistance to counties by helping to pay a portion of Medicaid costs and therefore, reduce the burden on county budgets.

“Our taxpayers have been carrying a large Medicaid burden for years,” said Fiala.  “It is heartening to see that Senator Schumer has heard our cries for relief and is acting upon those requests for help.  If approved this could provide much needed tax stabilization for our hard working families.”

Click here for more information regarding the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) economic stimulus package and Senator Schumer’s remarks.