Ritchie Talks Mandate Relief at State Budget Hearing

State Senator Patty Ritchie today quizzed Budget Director Robert Megna about Governor Cuomo’s proposals for mandate relief in the new state budget.

Speaking at a Joint Public Hearing on the Local Governments portion of the budget, Senator Ritchie asked the director about the work of a new panel that’s been charged with finding ways to save tax dollars by repealing or reforming outdated and excessive mandates.

Senator Ritchie said she recently sent to the Mandate Relief Commission 17 proposals by her own team of local government and school district officials from Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.

Director Megna said that the state would review ideas from lawmakers and other community leaders, and announced the Commission will hold hearings across the state to gain the public’s insights, as well.