Forum To Address Rural Public Transportation Concerns

ONEONTA, 07/20/15 – New York State Senators James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) and Tom O’Mara (R/C/I-Big Flats) will be in Otsego County, WEDNESDAY, July 22nd, at the Village Library of Cooperstown.

The senators will host a roundtable discussion focusing on rural concerns raised over the state takeover of the management of local Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NMET).

Local leaders and transportation management officials will testify in regard to their experience with the new system and the specific challenges rural communities are contending with due to the state’s ongoing Medicaid redesign strategy.  

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Seward said, “The state’s ongoing Medicaid redesign effort in non-emergency medical transportation represents a significant shift and major changes in public transportation services in many areas, but especially in the rural, upstate regions we represent. The future of public transportation is being put at risk by Albany’s attempt at a statewide, one-size-fits-all approach to these local systems.  It’s a developing crisis for many rural residents.  So we’re trying to bring more widespread attention to the changes underway, fully assess the consequences for our counties, and do what we can to ensure that the impact on rural, upstate public transportation at least receives a full and a fair hearing.” 

EVENT –WEDNESDAY, JULY 22nd:

*New York State Senate Public Forum;

*11:00 a.m. – 1:00p.m.;

*Village Library of Cooperstown;

*22 Main Street;

*Cooperstown.