Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda) recently and officially took his oath to represent Western New York’s 148th Assembly District. At a ceremony at the State Capitol, Giglio outlined his priorities for the new legislative session and highlighted the work that needs to be done in order to keep New York moving forward.

“The last several years have been very difficult for families and businesses in the Empire State,” said Giglio. “I welcome the opportunity to work with Governor Cuomo and the plan that he has outlined for our state. New Yorkers are still facing the reality of an economic recession, high unemployment, high taxes and no jobs. We must focus on private-sector job creation and innovation, mandate relief for municipalities and school districts to lower the property tax burden, Medicaid cost control, government reform, and elimination of burdensome state regulations to save taxpayer dollars.”

Assemblyman Giglio was a member of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Medicaid Redesign Team. The team was responsible for examining Medicaid funding from top to bottom and working to secure savings in the program. Many of the Medicaid Redesign Team’s proposals already had been enacted as part of the state budget, resulting in approximately $2.5 billion in taxpayer savings.

“Medicaid administrative costs will soon be taken over by the state rather than paid for by local property taxpayers,” said Giglio. “New York recently phased in a gradual takeover of the three percent local share of Medicaid costs, but I believe that more must be done to bring down costs for local property taxpayers. Counties have no control over the rules or eligibility for Medicaid, but county taxpayers are stuck paying for a significant portion of the cost. This must end.”

Giglio also highlighted some local priorities on which he will focus his attention.

“Unfunded state mandates are absorbing a majority of local revenues and contributing to higher property taxes,” said Giglio. “We have to start thinking outside the box and look at ways to help offset the tax burden carried by families and businesses. I will continue to work to conclude the sale of the State’s JN Adam facility in Perrysburg in order to return this valuable property to the local tax rolls.”

Giglio also added that a solution to the current arbitration between the state and the Seneca Nation is needed. Giglio stressed urgency on this because the stability of several Western New York municipalities is in jeopardy if no agreement is reached.

Assemblyman Giglio will serve on the following Assembly committees: Aging, Codes, Children and Families, and Ethics and Guidance, as well as serve as the Ranking Minority Member of the Correction Committee. Giglio was also recently appointed to Chair the Assembly Minority Steering Committee.