Assemblyman David Buchwald Calls Mandate Relief Major Component of Assembly Budget Proposal

Improved state takeover of local Medicaid growth; first increase in AIM funding in 5 years

March 11, 2013

Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester) announced the State Assembly passed a 2013-14 state budget proposal that includes a more than 10-percent increase in Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) funding, and provides $120 million over two years to accelerate the state takeover of local Medicaid growth (E.182).

“These measures would go toward helping local governments in Westchester balance their budgets, ease the burden on taxpayers and maintain valuable services our communities rely on,” Assemblyman Buchwald said. “It’s important for state government to recognize the difficult fiscal situations our cities, towns and villages are facing and do all we can to help.”

The increase in AIM funding is the first in five years. The Assembly proposal maintains this new funding level for a total impact of $660 million to assist local governments balance budgets and keep essential services operating.

The Assembly budget further assists counties through the proposed state takeover of local Medicaid growth, which is one of the most costly county expenses. Under the proposal, 2013-14 growth in the local share of Medicaid would decrease to 1 percent, instead of the 2-percent increase provided by current law. In 2014-15, growth in the local share of Medicaid would be eliminated – the state would instead cover all increases in Medicaid growth that year and every year thereafter.

“Talking with local officials in Westchester, I hear similar remarks,” Buchwald said. “Without some extra state assistance, local governments struggling to keep up with costs and mandates would be forced to raise taxes. This extra funding and mandate relief would help Westchester taxpayers and I’ll continue to fight to make sure these are included in a final budget.”

Furthermore, increased support to Westchester Community College in the amount of an additional $150 per-Full Time Equivalent (FTE) student would provide additional mandate relief to the county.

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