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February 18, 2009

Three counties to share in $18.58 million

<a href="mailto:dheath@pressrepublican.com">By DAN HEATH</a>

PLATTSBURGH — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer was in Plattsburgh this afternoon to announce $18.58 million in federal funding to be shared by Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties.

“We do have some good news from this stimulus package that does affect Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Warren counties,” Schumer said.

Clinton County will receive $9.47 million, Franklin County will receive $5.45 million, and Essex County will receive $3.66 million.

The money is coming as relief in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, the amount of money the state has to pay toward Medicaid expenses. New York is one of 17 states where local government has to help the state pay its share, in this case a 50-percent match of federal funding.

Clinton County Social Services Commissioner Jay LePage said 62 percent of the county’s property-tax levy goes to Medicaid costs. The county expects to pay $16.1 million in Medicaid services in 2009.

Schumer said the funding is intended to help the counties avoid massive layoffs or steep property-tax increases.

Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said property taxes have long been the number-one concern voiced in the chamber’s annual issues survey.

“With the current economic shortfalls, that concern has been heightened,” he said.

Clinton County Legislature Chairman Jimmy Langley said Schumer has been a frequent and welcome visitor to the North Country. He said with the stimulus package signed by President Barack Obama yesterday, Schumer could have just as easily spent the day in the New York City area.

“I can’t say just how appreciative we are that you are here,” Langley said.

Schumer said the money has to be used for Medicaid costs, but the county can choose in which way.

E-mail Dan Heath at:

dheath@pressrepublican.com

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