Lawmakers urged to return to Albany

Assembly Republican Leader Charles H. Nesbitt urged the speaker to call the Assembly back to Albany as soon as possible to return to work on budget negotiations as well as to act on a lengthy list of important issues that still need to be resolved.

Topping the list of unfinished business, Nesbitt said is Medicaid reform, needed to alleviate the crushing property tax hikes that many communities have experienced. Assembly Republicans launched a plan to refinance the Medicaid system with a five-year phased in state takeover of local costs this spring. The Assembly ended session with no action on that or any other Medicaid reform measures.

Nesbitt said, "I am asking for an immediate return to Albany to address this unfinished business. We owe it to everyone we represent to pass an equitable budget and act on these other significant issues as soon as possible."

Other legislation on Nesbitt's to-do list includes stronger anti-crime measures like civil confinement and Megan's Law enhancements, renewal of economic development measures like the Empire Zone and Power for Jobs Programs and pension reform. While a number of important issues linger, Republicans did point to one major achievement. Patriot Plan II, which increases benefits for New York military personnel and their families, did pass in the final days of session. "The passage of Patriot Plan II demonstrates that when we work together, we can accomplish major achievements," said Nesbitt. "That should act as a template for the remaining issues and legislation that need to be addressed by the Legislature."