Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R,C-Greenwood Lake) today said she supports Gov. George Pataki's budget proposal.
"The bottom line is that New York counties need Medicaid relief," Rabbitt said. "I applaud the governor for laying out a sound plan that will save taxpayer money."
The governor's plan includes provisions to reform Medicaid, which is the single biggest expense supported by taxpayers. The budget also contains $164 million in new aid to cities over the next two years and increases funding for the very successful Operation IMPACT (Integrated Municipal Anti-Crime Team).
Gov. Pataki also announced the Co-STAR plan, which would provide further property tax relief to counties that adhere to modest spending increases. Co-STAR provides a $100 rebate in 2006 and a $200 rebate in 2007 to taxpayers whose county governments keep new spending growth to 3.5 percent in 2006 and 3 percent in 2007.
The governor had other good news to pass along when he pointed out that the state's projected budget revenues are 10 percent higher than last year, which he cited as further demonstration that New York is on the road to recovery.
"The governor's proposals to cap Medicaid and provide additional aid to cities demonstrate his priorities of relieving the property tax burden while making New York safer and better," Rabbitt said. "I am encouraged by these proposals, and I am optimistic that by working together we can accomplish true reform and achieve real results."