Continuing to 'fix' Medicaid tops 2007 agenda
MARY LOU RATH New York State Senator
My sincerest thanks to the citizens of the 61st Senate District for returning me to

public office for two more years. I look forward to continuing to represent our community's varied interests on the statewide level, and take great pride in all that we have

As Thanksgiving approaches, we all take time to count our blessings. It also provides an opportunity to look ahead. Turning our attention to next year's agenda, many issues come to the forefront, including: restoring Medicaid to its intended purpose of providing care for New York's most vulnerable citizens; providing real property tax relief by controlling state spending; building a stronger local economy by investing in small businesses and high-tech industries; and encouraging healthy lifestyles in an effort to decrease health costs.

One of my top legislative goals has been to "fix" the Medicaid system.

Last year, the State Legislature capped county Medicaid expenses. The action has exceeded expectations, and for years 2005 and 2006 Erie County will have saved more than $22 million. This year, the Legislature passed a bill that I co-sponsored which will root out fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicaid system. This anti-fraud plan is the most comprehensive in the nation and is expected to save New York State billions of dollars. I am currently at work on new measures to create substantial, yet responsible, Medicaid reform.

Tax cuts I have voted for over the years have benefited working families, seniors, homeowners, businesses, farmers and shoppers. Although there's been criticism of recent tax-cut measures, including rebate checks and STAR program enhancements, they represent forward progress. Our state is diverse and includes many constituencies, which is why it is important for upstate legislators to be able to work with New York City legislators.

This past election showed, as it usually always does, that continued tax relief is a must, and we as elected officials must meet that challenge.

It is vital that we constantly work to create the type of environment that has brought new jobs, such as Geico, and kept existing businesses, such as GM, competitive on a global scale.

Also, we need to build on the momentum that has led to historic state investments in area research entities such as the University at Buffalo, Hauptman-Woodward, Roswell Park and the Buffalo Center for Excellence.

In order to try to reverse the trend of rising health insurance premium costs, I developed a program, Western New York Wellness Works, being administered by the UB School of Public health, that is making people aware of the correlation between healthy lifestyles and the potential decrease in the need to utilize health insurance.

This program has allowed local businesses to provide wellness incentives to employees, which, by cutting down on sick time and hospital visits, will improve employee health while expanding the company's productivity.

So as this season of home and hearth and family and friends comes to the top of all our agendas, please know how honored I am to work on your behalf in the state Senate.