CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY MOTION NO. __ - 17 TITLE: In Support of Federal Legislation that Prevents New York State from Sharing its Medicaid Costs with Local Governments AT THE REQUEST OF: Legislator Borrello, Chairman Himelein, Legislator Odell, Legislator Wilfong, Legislator Gould, Legislator Chagnon, Legislator Lemon, Legislator Starks, Legislator Wendel and Legislator Tarbrake: WHEREAS, New York State has chosen to compel county governments to share Medicaid costs; and WHEREAS, New York State counties pay more than triple in Medicaid costs than all other counties in the United States combined; and WHEREAS, New York State government controls the size and scope of the Medicaid program throughout the state; and WHEREAS, Chautauqua County government and its taxpayers face an undue burden due to New York State’s Medicaid funding policies; and WHEREAS, Medicaid costs constitute an unfunded mandate from the New York State government that consumes nearly 50% of the county tax levy; now therefore be it KNOWN, That the Chautauqua County Legislature urges its representatives in the federal government to support legislation that would reform the Medicaid program so as to prevent New York State from continuing to share its Medicaid costs with local governments; and be it further MOVED, That the Clerk of the Legislature is hereby directed to forward copies of this motion to Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Tom Reed, Senator Catharine Young and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell and all others deemed necessary and proper.