Today, Tuesday, January 6, 2004, members of the Erie County Legislature's Democratic Caucus joined Erie County Executive Joel A. Giambra and leaders from other counties across New York State to send out a unified bi-partisan appeal for the need to relieve taxpayers of the rapidly increasing costs associated with the Medicaid program.

     "Again and again this legislative body has called upon the State to ease the cost burden placed on taxpayers resulting from state mandated expenses," said Legislator George A. Holt, Jr. (D-Buffalo), a member of the Legislature's Finance Committee. "Hopefully by coming together our message will speak volumes to our State leaders as to the dire need to address this issue immediately."

     Medicaid is the largest of the $362.08 million in 2004 state mandated expenses paid by Erie County this year. Expected to cost Erie County taxpayers over $175 million this year alone, Medicaid costs have increased over $16.5 million in the last year. This staggering Medicaid expense equates to a cost of $484 per property taxpayer in Erie County.

     "The state must develop a long-term solution to this ever-growing problem," said Legislator Lynn Marinelli (D - Buffalo/Tonawanda). "In the past we have gone on record in support of a cap on county share Medicaid costs. Without some kind of relief counties across New York will continue to struggle with increases in property taxes, decreases in economic development opportunities and cuts in vital service delivery areas."

     Local Erie County Medicaid costs have risen by $48 million in the last 4 years alone, from $127 million in 2000 to $175.3 million in 2004.

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