The meeting commenced at 2:00 PM.

Dr. Adel was the invited guest. The first item for discussion was agenda item 8, a letter from the Westchester Coalition regarding the relationship between the Westchester County Department of Health and County providers of pre-school services to children with disabilities. Leg. Stewart-Cousins opened the discussion by reiterating the contents of a letter from the Westchester Coalition which stated that the Westchester County Health Department does not reimburse not-for-profit agencies for their expenses when current commission rates are not available. According to the Westchester Coalition, this leaves the agencies in a position to fund mandated special services while other counties use the most recent approved rate to fund agencies. Leg. Stewart-Cousins questioned what is the process and is the above true. Dr. Adel stated that the real issue with this item is the "cash flow system" Dr. Adel stated that the County

elected not to "float or capitalizing" private organizations with taxpayer money. In addition, the legal department verified that this practice is appropriate. Leg. Bronz stated that the State Education Department which sets the rates had not set the rates in a timely fashion and this was the cause of the problem. Dr. Adel stated that if the rates are set payment would be made expeditiously. However, the State is adopting strategies which may even make it impossible to collect money that is owed from prior year disbursements. Dr. Adel stated that it is they who in fact are being victimized. Dr. Adel states that although they have regularly been a creditor for the State, after a period of time they have been successful in capturing this money however this may no longer be the case. Leg. Stewart-Cousins questioned whether there was a uniform process in treatment and information to provider agencies. Dr. Adel stated that the Department of Health administers 368 contracts, all of which are uniform. Dr. Adel noted that of the 368 agencies there have not been many complaints. Dr. Adel concluded by stating that currently legislation is being proposed to change this law. Leg. Stewart-Cousins stated that the Committee will invite the "State Representatives" to further discuss this issue.

During the budget process, Leg. Stewart-Cousins advocated and attained money for Prostate cancer. Today, Leg. Stewart-Cousins requested an update from Dr. Adel. Dr. Adel stated that he has already initiated an number of education pamphlets and folders which will be used in a campaign that will involve community based organizations in the formation of networks that would carry the message to their constituents and the public. He will also commence immediate campaigning and he is trying to get some notable public figures to help with the immediate presentation. Dr. Adel stated that

he would like to tie prostate cancer and prevention with other cancer issues in men. Dr. Adel will keep the Committee appraised as to the status of this campaign and he would welcomed suggestions from the Committee of any organizations that would like to work with him on this campaign.

In addition to money for prostate cancer, Leg. Stewart-Cousins advocated and acquired funds for Lyme Disease. Leg. Stewart-Cousins asked Dr. Adel to update the Committee on this topic. Dr. Adel stated that he has issued Requests for Qualifications and has received 10 submissions from interested qualified researchers. Once those proposals are reviewed and scored it will be no longer than a month before applicants are accepted. Leg. Wishnie, co-chair of the Budget Committee, noted for the record that the Board of Legislators did have specific intentions for the money when it was first allocated. In addition, he stated that there is some concern that the partitioning of the $46,800 may result in inefficient research. Dr. Adel stated that although portions of the money may be distributed to different applicants, eligible applicants can be joined to create research team. Leg. Wishnie and Leg. Stewart-Cousins addressed the Action League for Lyme (ALL) organization and requested that open communication between commence. Leg. Stewart-Cousins offered her presence at these meeting if needed.

Leg. Swanson moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 3:10 PM.