Taking Medicaid politics up more than a notch

The Nassau County Executive, Thomas Suozzi, has formed a political action committee to push Medicaid reform in New York. Named "FixAlbany," it even has its own website, www.fixalbany.com. Former NYC Mayor Ed Koch and Conservative Party Chairman, Mike Long joined Suozzi for the announcement.

I can't recall another instance in which the political forces trying to restrain Medicaid spending have become so political. Certainly, the forces trying to protect or increase Medicaid spending have. We noted lobbying expenses just a few days ago. The interesting thing about this is that the local crankiness is bi-partisan. This is probably going to get ugly in a public way.

Suozzi, a Democrat, ruffled Albany feathers a little while back by threatening to campaign against one Democrat and one Republican legislator until Medicaid's pressure on county finances was removed. He's got a Medicaid petition going since January.

Newsday covered the story this afternoon. No doubt there will be lots of press tomorrow.

Comments

[Bobbi D.]

Well I agree with alot you have to say, to bad your not a Republican, you would be welcomed by all....should think about voting for "two faced Kerry" NOT a good idea.....good luck and hopefully you'll see the light and join us Republicans!!!!

[Marina Woolcock]

Fiscal stress is currently hurting many counties and to address these fiscal challenges, counties have increaserd their reliance on sales tax, hotel/motel occupancy tax etc. Currently 46 of the 57 counties, not including NY City,have sales tax that exceed the three percent local limit. The reality of this "mess" is that Medicaid, has been a source of ongoing stress to counties across the state.