County Executive Candidate Chrissy Casilio Blasts Mark Poloncarz’s Silence, Lack of Leadership Resulting in Millions in Lost Aid for County

Republican and Conservative Candidate for Erie County Executive Chrissy Casilio issued the following statement criticizing County Executive Mark Poloncarz for failing to make any effort to reverse a soon-to-be-approved state budget proposal that will withhold federal aid intended to help offset Medicaid costs for county governments.

“With the help of the Democrat-controlled State Legislature, Mark Poloncarz’s political ally Kathy Hochul, is advancing a plan to begin withholding enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funding that was intended to help counties pay for skyrocketing Medicaid costs.  This plan, when fully implemented over the next three years, could result in Erie County losing as much as $41 million in federal assistance.

In a shocking display of inaction and inattention, Mark Poloncarz has done nothing to stop the state government from irresponsibly, and possibly illegally, intercepting these federal dollars to support the bloated New York State budget.  Elected county leaders from across New York and both political parties have fought against this proposal.  Local government advocates have called for the state to continue sharing these monies as the federal government intended as part of the Affordable Care Act.

But not Mark Poloncarz.  He’s been silent.  He’s shown no leadership.  He’s out of touch with what’s happening in Albany and how it impacts Erie County.  And once again, our community will suffer greatly.

The state budget will soon be finalized and tens of millions of dollars that could have reduced our tax burden, enhanced vital programs, or reinvigorated our stagnate economy will be lost in yet another example of Mark Poloncarz’s mismanagement and failed economic policies.  I am calling on the County Executive to immediately engage with the New York State Association of Counties and county officials from around the state who are exploring legal remedies to try and restore these monies.  Then I am asking the concerned citizens and overburdened taxpayers of Erie County to act.  It’s time to vote to replace Mark Poloncarz.  Our financial future depends on it.”