County Conversations

The 2022 State Budget: What’s in it for Counties?

This episode features a conversation on the recently passed $212 dollar state budget. Our legislative team details areas of the state budget that will impact a range of county functions, departments, services, and programs. NYSAC’s Communications Director Tom Oldfather, Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire, Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dave Lucas, and Counsel Patrick Cummings outline key takeaways for county leaders. 

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, PERMA - Public Employer Risk Management Association

Donate Life - How Counties and Individuals Can Help Give the Gift of Life

This episode features a conversation on organ and tissue donation, in recognition of National Donate Life Month. Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce for the conversation is the Executive Director at Donate Life New York State, Aisha Tator. We’ll talk about the current need in the state for organ transplants, dispel some common misconceptions, and discuss how counties can encourage organ donor registration.

We are also grateful to be joined by Lauren and Jeanne Shield to tell us about their recipient and donor experiences. Not only is Lauren a heart recipient, but last year when she needed a kidney her mother, Jeanne, donated hers.

Visit donatelifenys.org  to find more information about how to get involved and raise awareness for National Donate Life Month  

Understanding Fertility Benefits Management with Winfertility

This episode features a conversation on fertility benefits coverage, recent legislative changes pertaining to these benefits, and options for counties to utilize clinical management services.

NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark Lavigne is joined by Peter Nieves of Winfertility for the conversation. Winfertility provides advocacy and care throughout fertility benefit management, including medical and pharmacy, genetic testing, egg freezing, surrogacy, adoption and reproductive behavioral health support.  Contact: PNieves@winfertility.com

Women on the Front Lines: Celebrating the Work of Female Public Health Officials

As a part of NYSAC’s month-long celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode provides perspectives from women on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic and recognizes the large role that women in the public health space have taken on during this unprecedented year.

Joining NYSAC’s Legislative and Policy Coordinator Alex LaMonte for this conversation are Sarah Ravenhall, Executive Director of New York State Association of County Health Officials, and Dr. Indu Gupta, Commissioner of Health with Onondaga County and Vice President of NYSACHO.

NYSAC thanks our episode sponsor, FirstNet Built with AT&T

The Early Days: County Leadership & the Covid Pandemic

This episode is the first in a series NYSAC is producing that chronicles the county response to COVID-19. Eight county executives share their experience of the earliest days of the outbreak in March 2020. Marc Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive and President of the New York State County Executives’ Association provides an introduction for the series.

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, NYMIR. 

Supporting Veteran Peer-to-Peer Service

This episode features a conversation on the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program, which is helping veterans facing the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) transition and reintegrate back into civilian life.

Joining NYSAC’s Counsel Patrick Cummings for the conversation are Mark Cozzupoli, Director of Ulster County Veteran services, and Kevin Keaveny, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Center for Veteran Reintegration. 

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, Equitable. 

The Future of 911 Services in New York State

Today’s episode features a conversation on proposed changes to the public safety surcharge, NextGen911, and how the pandemic has impacted emergency services throughout New York State.  

NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is joined by Wes Jones, Vice President of the NYS Emergency Management Association, Emergency manager in the City of Norwich, and  911 Director in Chenango County.

NYSAC thanks the sponsor for this episode, Zencity. 

Federal Update from Senator Chuck Schumer

This episode features an update from Washington and issues of county concern at the federal level. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer recently joined a meeting of county leaders facilitated by NYSAC to provide this update.

NYSAC thanks our sponsor for this episode, Three+One Advisors

How Mobile Sports Betting and OTB’s Could Bring New Revenue to Counties

This episode features a conversation on the current state of mobile sports betting in New York, what changes are on the horizon with new proposals, and how they could impact revenue sharing with counties. Joining NYSAC’s Counsel Patrick Cummings for the conversation is Robert Hemsworth, Vice-President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel for the Capital District Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation.

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, ProAct, Inc. Pharmacy Benefit Management. 

Implementing the Police Reform & Reinvention Collaborative

This episode features a discussion on Executive Order 203, “The New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative.” Chatodd Floyd, Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy for Governor Andrew Cuomo recently joined a meeting of County Sheriffs and other county leaders to provide this update on implementation. NYSAC’s Counsel Patrick Cummings opens with an overview of the executive order and what the process looks like from the county perspective.

Watch Chatodd's full presentation on NYSAC's YouTube Channel

Register for NYSAC's  Policing Polices in 2021 and Beyond : Training, Reform, Reinvention Virtual Legislative Conference Workshop