Governor Cuomo Addressed Mandate Relief, Fails to Mention Medicaid

Albany, NY (WIBX) - During his 2012 State of the State Address, Governor Cuomo talked about reimaging government. One of the ways the Governor hopes to bring about change, by creating a Mandate Relief Council that will hold public hearings and develop recommendations that can be voted on.

Assemblyman for the 116th District, Democrat Anthony Brindisi says unfunded mandates are one of the big issues that needs to be addressed. "The big unfunded mandate for the county is Medicaid, it's costing Oneida County taxpayers $55 Million a year", said the Assemblyman.

Assemblyman Brindisi went on to say that he, along with other members in the legislature have sponsored a bill which would call for New York State to take-over the local share of Medicaid, that's something he believes is long overdue.

Republican Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney represents the 115th district, she says the Governor didn't say enough about reform."The Governor was not really decisive in describing Medicaid mandate relief" said Tenney, adding that she feels Medicaid relief is the single biggest issue facing New York State.

Republican Senator for the State's 51st District, James Seward was surprised the Governor didn't mention medicaid reform by name, he's hopeful the Governor will talk about it when the 2012 State budget is released, January 17th. "The fact that he did not address the mother of all mandates, the Medicaid program, by getting it off the backs of our county governments and county taxpayers, I'm hoping he will address that issue when he presents his state budget" said Seward.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picenti was also disappointed he didn't hear more about the issue. According to Picente, Cuomo's Mandate Relief Council was an idea mentioned last year.