LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION urging the New York Congressional delegation to
pass the six month extension of the enhanced Federal Medicaid Assistance
Percentage in a form the President will sign

WHEREAS, The Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP) is critical
to the financing of New York State's Medical Assistance program which
provides health and related care for persons who cannot afford care
including approximately four million adults, children, pregnant woman,
the elderly, persons with mental illness and persons with disabilities,
including many persons with developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, New York State, along with many other states, is experiencing
a severe budget deficit in response to a weak national economy which
undermines its ability to finance its Medical Assistance program; and
because of rising unemployment, the increase in New Yorkers who qualify
for Medical Assistance has risen by double digits; and these factors
have imposed additional strain on New York State's ability to finance
health care; and
WHEREAS, Congress recognized the burden imposed upon states by a down-
turn in the economy which undermines their ability to finance their
Medical Assistance programs; therefor, to aid the states, Congress
temporarily provided enhanced FMAP through enactment of the American
Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA); and
WHEREAS, The enhanced FMAP enacted as part of the ARRA will expire on
December 31, 2010, despite continuing weakness in the economy and
persistent state budget deficits; and
WHEREAS, Upon expiration of enhanced FMAP, New York's State FY 2010-11
budget deficit will increase by $1.06 billion and place further strain
on the State's ability to care for its most vulnerable citizens; and
without an extension of enhanced FMAP, it is estimated that 900,000 jobs
will be lost nationwide and the job loss will disproportionately impact
New York State because of its heavy reliance on the Medical Assistance
program; and
WHEREAS, Before enactment of the ARRA, New York State was among the
states with the lowest FMAP allowed under law and once the provisions of
the ARRA expire, the State's FMAP will again drop from 61% to 50%; and
WHEREAS, Both the United States Senate and House of Representatives
passed a six month extension of the enhanced FMAP, although in separate
legislative vehicles; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the New York State Congressional delegation be and
hereby is respectfully urged by this Legislative Body to expeditiously
enact legislation to provide a six month extension of the enhanced FMAP,
in a form the President will sign; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to each member of the Congressional delegation from the State of
New York.