Magnarelli secures additional $4.8 million to help keep vulnerable Onondaga County families warm this winter

Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli helped pass bipartisan legislation that expands the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to offset high energy costs that are endangering the well-being of the elderly and families of modest means in Central New York (Ch. 5 of 2006, Ch. 6 of 2006).

The state Legislature stepped up to the plate and provided approximately $4.8 million in financial assistance to Onondaga County. This money will help seniors and low-income families pay for heating bills and avoid the loss of critical utility services during the winter months.

If you have any questions, contact:

• Onondaga County Social Services Office, (315) 435-2985
• NYS HEAP Hotline, (800) 342-3009

Helping seniors save on prescription drug costs

Last year, Assemblyman Magnarelli sponsored a new law (Ch. 293 of 2005) to create a Web site where consumers can compare prices of the most commonly prescribed drugs at every pharmacy in the state. This Web site makes it easier for New Yorkers to buy drugs at the lowest cost possible.

Unfortunately, the governor—who signed this law just five months ago—has proposed abolishing this money saving initiative by failing to fund it in his 2006 budget.

Assemblyman Magnarelli is committed to fighting the governor’s proposal so that New York consumers can compare drug prices online and buy drugs at the lowest price possible.

Currently, the New York Attorney General’s Web site www.NYAGRX.com offers comparison prices at many pharmacies.

This Web site has received over 3.5 million visits since its inception.

Increasing local aid to help keep property taxes in check

Out of control property taxes are putting Central New York taxpayers in a financial crunch. Magnarelli is committed to helping ease the burden of high property tax bills by providing additional funds to help towns and villages meet their financial needs.

The governor’s budget calls for a $50 million increase in municipal aid. The Assembly will fight to raise this by $100 million more—a $150 million increase over last year—to keep property taxes low and to guarantee our families’ safety and quality of life.

Under the Assembly’s plan, towns in Onondaga County will receive $192,729 more in revenue sharing this year; villages in Onondaga County will receive $55,723 more in revenue sharing this year; and the city of Syracuse will receive $5.7 million more in revenue sharing this year.

Cutting taxes and saving Onondaga County families money

Last year, the Assembly pushed for a hard cap on Medicaid, which would have saved Onondaga County taxpayers $23.9 million. Unfortunately, the governor insisted on an inferior plan. Assemblyman Magnarelli supported the governor’s soft cap on local Medicaid costs because it saved Onondaga County taxpayers $18.1 million, but he knows we need to do more.

This year, Magnarelli will fight for more property tax relief, as well as abolishing the Marriage Penalty Tax and providing a cost of living adjustment for STAR. He believes these targeted tax cuts will benefit Onondaga County families and he will fight to make sure they are in the final budget.

Questions about Medicare Part D?

Assemblyman Magnarelli urges those with questions about Medicare Part D to talk with a trained individual to get the answers and information needed.