Senator Oberacker Joins Budget Conference Committee on Health

ALBANY, 03/17/21 -- State Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C – Schenevus) took part in today’s Joint Budget Conference Health Subcommittee meeting.

“The health portion of the state budget is always critical and in the wake of the COVID pandemic it takes on even greater importance.  I will be fighting to protect several key initiatives including funding to enhance staffing in nursing homes and other facilities along with the “Fair Pay for Home Care” fund.   Additionally, a program to expand telehealth services is well intentioned, however, we need to boost broadband to all or risk losing medical care for those without connectivity.

“My goal is to produce a fiscally responsible plan that meets the needs of those who live and work in the 51st Senate District.  As it stands, the budget is heavy on taxes and spending and light on commonsense.  For some perspective, ten years ago the state budget totaled $132.5 billion, and now the Senate Majority wants to spend nearly $210 billion.  The budget deadline is less than two weeks away and there is a great deal of work ahead.” 

The conference committees are made up of senators and assemblymen tasked with negotiating budget differences between the houses, in concert with the governor, to develop a final spending plan. 

Senator Oberacker serves on the Senate Health Committee and was named an alternate to the Joint Budget Conference Health Subcommittee.

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