Highlights of the April 21st, 2020 meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature
Legislature Passes Resolution Urging NYS to Release Enhanced Federal Medicaid Matching Funds, Receives Update on County COVID-19 Operations
The Tompkins County Legislature unanimously passed (14-0) a resolution calling on the State of New York to release enhanced federal Medicaid matching funds to Counties and New York City. The resolution, introduced by Legislator Shawna Black (D Town of Ithaca), urges New York State to return funds related to the Affordable Care Act “reconciliation funds” that have been held for over three years. Contact, Shawna Black, Chair, Health and Human Services Committee, 607-351-7855
County Administrator Jason Molino presented a timeline document detailing operations and communications since the last Legislature meeting. The presentation included data on food distribution by school districts and food banks in Tompkins County, inquiries to the 2-1-1 information hotline, and the increased number of visitors to the Tompkins County Health Department website over the past month. Contact Jason Molino 607-274-5551.
A resolution urging the New York State Legislature to suspend rent payments for certain tenants and mortgage payments for certain landlords for ninety days in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 was introduced by Legislator Henry Granison (D – Ithaca). The resolution was moved to committee following a 9-5 vote and will be discussed at Housing and Economic Development Committee. Contact Henry Granison, 607-342-8643, Anna Kelles, Chair, Housing and Economic Development Committee, 607-342-2036.
Among other business:
Legislature Chairwoman Leslyn McBean-Clairborne (D - Ithaca) opened the meeting by reading a proclamation celebrating the 50th Annual Earth Day celebration, sharing that Tompkins County Community members will celebrate with a digitally streamed celebration by Get Your Green Back Tompkins, proclaiming April 22nd 2020 “Climate Action Earth Day 2020.” McBean-Clairborne thanked Legislator Deborah Dawson (D - Lansing) for crafting the proclamation. Contact, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne 607-277-5104 & Deborah Dawson 607-351-8689.
Municipal officials were invited to share updates, highlights included details on public meetings moving online, updates on budget impacts due to COVID-19, and examples of the inspiring work being done by volunteers and organizations in their municipalities.
There were no public comments received in advance of the meeting.