COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPORIATONS
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 18, 2002
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wishnie, Abinanti, Alvarado, Bronz, Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Latimer, Stewart-Cousins and Swanson
LEGISLATORS PRESENT: Pinto, Rogowsky, Ryan and Young
OTHERS PRESENT: County Executive A. Spano, B. Randolph, L. Schwartz; State Assemblywoman S. Galef, Budget: K. Carrano, A. Vietro; DSS: K. Mahon, N. Travers, J. Bandeh, A. Boyer, J. Page, S. Riordan, O. Rhodes; Human Resources: P. Redd-Zeman, W. Price; Child Care Council: S. Kewley, West. Children’s Assoc.: C. Greenberg; My Sister’s Place: J. Domonkos; West. Residential Opportunities: A. Spaeton; Journal News: K. Eddings; Early Childhood Directors Assoc.: H. Milbert; West. Youth Board: R. Cox; BOL: B. Boland, R. Indelicato, S. Schecter, S. Vanderberg
Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 9:23 a.m.
On the motion of Mr. Kaplowitz, seconded by Mrs. Stewart-Cousins, the minutes for November 12, 2002 were approved 5-0.
Ms. Redd-Zeman said Section 1, Schedule A refers to positions that were being deleted. Section 2, Schedule B refers to titles that have been added or adjusted. Section 3, Schedule C refers to a salary increase for the Director of Real Estate title justified by its recent combining of several different jobs. The salary rate has been flat lined at $135,335, this action does not add to the tax levy.
It was decided no action would be taken until Mr. Boland would review the numbers with the Department of Human Resources.
Mr. Wishnie asked if there was a possibility of mandates being reduced, or more fiscally prudent way of providing service. Mr. Mahon said over the last 4 years the Department has reorganized to meet the mandates of welfare reform.
Accomplishments made over last 4 years:
Medicaid
Viewed as the greatest problem in the Department’s budget due to the fact that they have no control over rates, the program has greatly expanded making more people eligible and the Department is mandated to pay a share of costs. The Department does not take issue with providing medical insurance to those in need, but feels the State and Federal Governments should take on more of the financial responsibility. Under new guidelines over 11% of entire population is Medicaid or provider eligible.
The program could potentially see 60,000 new enrollees in 2003. In some cases employers refer their employees to health care providers, such as Family Health Plus rather than pay health insurance.
Respectfully asked Board to consider supporting Senator Schumer’s bill calling for an increase in Federal funding (which remained unchanged for years despite all of the eligibility expansions).
Since the budget impacts every program there is very little flexibility. Mandates must be met in order to avoid sanctions, or endangering children and families. The mandates reflect the minimum obligation. Significant changes have been made to further streamline the budget.
Cuts result in increases in other parts of the budget and could result in the request for a supplemental. Medicaid could be cut because reimbursement is dollar for dollar, but this possibility is hindered by State. A breakdown of Medicaid costs will be provided for the Committee to review.
Some Grant programs have been cut because of cutbacks in State funding.
Due to expire this year, the integration of 1-stop has allowed them to maximize services and minimize employees necessary to facilitate them. System has been redesigned to allow 1 counselor for all the clients needs.
Reflects a $10 million dollar increase to this line. Areas increased:
Mr. Mahon feels merger with the Youth Bureau will strengthen services offered to children and families and it will save money on administration. The department already funds a good portion of Bureau’s programs. A number of positions were cut as a result of merger. A breakdown for Invest-In-Kids, and the Youth Bureau will be provided for Committee review.
A breakdown for line 4420, Technical Services will be provided for Committee review.
The increase refers to officers attached to the P.I.N.S. program, which has been expanded and could, expand further. 3 positions added to Probation because of the P.I.N.S. caseload, reflected as Departmental Revenue. The Department receives some reimbursement from State.
Breakdowns of vacant positions and day care actual numbers, the budget for Grasslands and a list reconciling the difference between State and Federal aid will be provided for Committee review.
Mr. Rogowsky said New York is the only state in the Country that puts burden of splitting cost for Medicaid on Counties. If State capped Medicaid at the 2001 level it would result in a $50 million dollar savings for the County. The proposed
Resolution, calling for a cap in Medicaid, would be the first step finding a solution.
County Executive Spano said the issue is not a comment on need but how the need is funded. This is a bipartisan concern throughout the State in Counties of comparable size, and the proposed Resolution has received the support of NYSAC and the Council Feels State should take on more of the responsibility.
Assemblywoman Galef said she has sought support from her colleagues who have served on the County level in the past, to take a pro-active stand on this issue.
For Budget & Appropriations:
On the motion of Mr. Kaplowitz, seconded by both Mr. Abinanti and Mr. Alvarado, the item was carried as amended, 8-0. Mrs. Swanson voted without prejudice; Mrs. LaMotte was out of the room for the vote.
For Legislation:
On the motion of Mr. Rogowsky, seconded by Mrs. Bronz, the item was carried as amended, 6-0.
For Budget & Appropriations:
On the motion of Mr. Kaplowitz seconded by Mr. Alvarado the meeting was adjourned at 12:19 p.m.
For Legislation:
On the motion of Mr. Kaplowitz seconded by Mr. Ryan the meeting was adjourned at 12:19 p.m.