Rep. Collins, New York State Leaders Praise Inclusion of NYS Property Tax Reduction Language in Senate Obamacare Repeal Bill

WASHINGTON, June 23 -- Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., issued the following news release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today hailed the inclusion of his amendment to the House passed American Health Care Act into the Senate version of the bill. The amendment, introduced with Congressman John Faso (NY-19), would require New York State to take over the county portion of Medicaid by 2020 and would provide the largest property tax reduction ever to Western New York.

"This was a long fought battle against the injustice in Albany and is a big victory for taxpayers," said Congressman Collins.

Federal law now permits states to share some of their costs with local governments, but New York is the only state that has imposed this level of burden on property taxpayers. Counties currently have no say in how local revenues are spent on Medicaid; they're simply required to foot part of Albany's bill. Local state leaders agreed that the inclusion of the amendment is important and welcome news for Western New York residents.

"Mandate relief has been talked about in Albany for as long as anyone can remember - it certainly wasn't new when I was talking about it as mayor. It's not a headline-grabbing or attractive issue, so meaningful proposals on mandate relief are generally swept aside. But I can tell you that it's real. It's real for the local governments who deal with tight budgets and it's real for taxpayers who pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation. I applaud Congressman Collins for bringing this issue to the forefront. Ideally, this would have been a serious discussion at the state level, but having failed that, I'm pleased that we could possibly address the crippling burden placed on our local governments as part of larger, federal health care discussions," said State Senator Ortt.

"As a long-time supporter of curbing the costs of Medicaid, which would take a heavy burden off of local governments, I am proud to support Congressman Collins' amendment. The impact on my assembly district and local taxpayers will be tremendous with estimated tax reductions of 49 percent in Orleans County and 35 percent in Genesee County. It is clear that New York's outrageous Medicaid spending is one of the driving forces behind property and school tax increases and it is time for government to take that burden off our residents' backs," said Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

"Western New Yorkers pay some of the highest property taxes in the state. Rep. Collins' amendment fixes this problem and protects upstate taxpayers from Albany's unfunded mandates. Removing the unfunded county Medicaid mandate is key to reducing local property taxes and growing our economy," said Assemblyman Ray Walter.

"This amendment is a blessing for upstate families, small businesses, and farms that've been crushed by the high taxes and unfunded mandates coming from Albany. The inclusion of this amendment is a win for our towns and villages and I appreciate Rep. Collins efforts to stand up for our taxpayers," said Assemblyman Joseph Errigo.

"I'm pleased that the Senate has included Rep. Collins's amendment in the healthcare reform bill. This promises real relief for property tax payers in communities like Niagara County, and holds state government accountable to fund their mandates instead of passing on costs to the local level. Americans deserve access to the best healthcare possible, but it shouldn't fall to just homeowners to fund the system," said Niagara County Legislature Chairman Wm. Keith McNall.

"Congressman Collins' Medicaid proposal will provide historic "real" property tax relief for hardworking local taxpayers. Currently over 30 perfect of the Ontario County property tax levy currently goes towards paying for New York's unfunded Medicaid mandate. I look forward to working with Rep. Collins and the members of the Board of Supervisors as we continue our efforts to reduce the burden on hardworking taxpayers in our community," said Jack Marren, Chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors.

"This is an important step forward in our fight to reduce unfunded mandates and protect local taxpayers. This measure will reduce local property taxes and help ensure that our seniors can afford to stay in their homes," said Bob Green, Vice Chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors.

"We as a board supported a resolution in support of this measure because protecting property taxpayers is one of our prime concerns. This legislation will reduce an unfunded state mandate and help us deliver real tax relief to local homeowners," said Eric Gott, Chairman, Livingston County Board of Supervisors.

"We appreciate Rep. Collins efforts to relieve the counties of this extraordinary unfunded mandate. This will be a tremendous relief to local county property taxpayers and will allow us to invest in our infrastructure and other county services," said Raymond Cianfrini, Chairman, Genesee County Legislature.

"For years counties in New York have decried the use of property taxes to fund New York State's expansive Medicaid program. We are optimistic that changes at the federal level can result in real, substantive, positive changes to the bottom line for county property tax payers," said David B. Callard, Chairman, Orleans County Legislature.

The Senate is expected to vote next week on their version of the Obamacare repeal bill.