Page 5 - Work Force March 2020

Lawmakers, community members rally around New York State Bridge Authority
HIGHLAND — A New York State Budget proposal to merge the New York State Bridge Authority with
the state Thruway Authority is receiving strong opposition from state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, as well as community groups and residents concerned by the implications a merger might have on the Hudson Valley.
A news conference organized
by Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson, where Southern
Region President Anthony Adamo voiced our union’s opposition
to the proposed merger, drew
both Republican and Democratic legislators, a representative from the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and members of the Bridge Authority Board of Trustees. Concerns expressed ranged from the impact on the local economy due to expected toll increases to worries about the maintenance of the five bridges the Bridge Authority oversees, all of which have the highest safety ratings.
“The proposed plan is nothing more than a solution in search of a problem,” said Jacobson, noting that the Bridge Authority is a self-sustaining entity that has not been reliant on the state for financial assistance.
Adamo said the five Hudson River crossings the Bridge Authority oversees aren’t just bridges, but essential local roadways that many residents use daily.
“These bridges keep the Hudson Valley connected,” said Adamo. “The reason why the they have been well- maintained and well-operated for so long is because of the experienced workers, who are laser-focused on keeping these five historic bridges both safe and affordable. Turning
these bridges over to an authority responsible for countless lane miles across the state makes it seem inevitable that the maintenance and affordability of these five Hudson River crossings will take a backseat to other projects.”
The proposed merger has received an outcry of opposition from residents reading about
it on social media, with many
people expressing concerns about affordability for commuters living paycheck to paycheck, students crossing bridges each day to community colleges, tourists visiting both sides of the Hudson River and local businesses using the bridges
Southern Region President Anthony Adamo addresses media during
a news conference announcing Hudson Valley-area state lawmakers’ opposition to a state budget proposal to merge the New York State Bridge Authority with the state Thruway Authority. At left is State Sen. Sue Serino. State Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson is at right.
for business.
The Bridge Authority oversees the
Bear Mountain Bridge, Newburgh- Beacon Bridge, Mid-Hudson Bridge, Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, and Rip Van Winkle Bridge. The Newburgh- Beacon Bridge is part of Interstate
84, a major commerce route for trucking companies and a major source of toll revenue that has allowed the Bridge Authority to remain self-sustaining.
— Jessica Ladlee
CSEA expresses concern over Medicaid cost-shift proposal
CSEA is expressing strong concerns over a state budget proposal that would shift Medicaid costs to local governments.
In testimony recently presented on behalf of our union to the State Senate Finance Committee and State Assembly Ways and Means Committee, CSEA Legislative and Political Action Director Fran Turner outlined the devastating impacts that such a cost shift would have on local governments and the services they provide.
While the state has taken positive steps in limiting the increased
costs of Medicaid for counties, proposals in the 2020-21 Executive state budget may threaten counties’ financial stability.
The proposed state budget proposes to shift Medicaid costs from the state to the counties in two ways:
1. Counties that override the property tax cap will have to
pay for the total growth of county Medicaid costs, which the state currently pays.
2. Counties whose growth in local Medicaid costs exceeds 3 percent will have to pay for any costs above that 3 percent.
While most local governments have stayed within the state’s property tax cap, it also squeezes their ability to fund services and oversee state programs, including Medicaid.
Counties are not responsible for setting eligibility guidelines or the level of services, but serve primarily as an agent to enroll eligible residents and have little control over Medicaid growth.
This proposal is nothing more than a cost-shift from the state to counties. While the exact financial impact on the counties is still unknown, counties would see major
cost increases while also having less ability to raise the revenues needed to meet those costs.
Counties would be forced to either raise taxes or cut services, including child protective services, programs for seniors and expectant parents and local roads and bridges. This becomes an even more difficult choice when local government
aid has been held flat for the past decade.
CSEA represents county workers in 50 counties outside of New
York City that could be impacted
by the cost shift. These members have been active in voicing their concerns with state legislators during ongoing in-district lobbying appointments. As the state seeks ways to address its budget shortfall, the continued viability of our local governments and the services they provide must be maintained.
For more about the state budget, visit cseany.org.
March 2020
The Work Force 5