County Conversations

Talking Trash: Carpet Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility

This episode features a conversation on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and legislation establishing a carpet stewardship program. We discuss the benefits of product stewardship for the environment, local governments, and taxpayers, and what the timeline for the carpet EPR program will look like.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Resa Dimino, Managing Principal at Resource Recycling Systems, and Managing Partner at Signalfire Group.

Our thanks at NYSAC go to our sponsor, Intellipure.

What You Need to Know About the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Green Jobs Bond Act

This episode features a conversation on the $4.2 billion Clean Air, Clean Water, and Green Jobs Bond Act and how it could provide long-term and dedicated funding for New York to prepare for the impacts of climate change and invest in restoring wildlife habitats.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce-Nimz is Jessica Ottney Mahar, Director of Policy & Strategy at The Nature Conservancy.

Our thanks go to NYSAC’s sponsor,  the New York Power Authority.

Mental Health Check-Up: How Counties are Meeting Residents’ Mental Health Needs in 2022

This episode features a conversation on mental health and the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining Ryan Gregoire, NYSAC Legislative Director, is Kathy Coons, Commissioner of Mental Health in Rensselaer County and past president of the NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors.

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, ProAct.

Legislative Session Wrap-Up

This episode features a conversation on the conclusion of the 2022 State Legislative Session. NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dave Lucas discuss the main takeaways for county leaders, and what’s in store for legislative advocacy going forward.

Our thanks to NYSAC's sponsor NYSTEC.

Medicare Advantage Plan that Improves Benefits and Saves Money

This episode features a conversation on the Broome County Purchasing Alliance, a shared service model that brings high quality Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug (MAPD) retiree health benefits to participating entities. In 2021, the Alliance generated $9.1 million dollars in premium savings to qualifying participating public entities with several counties achieving a projected 3-year savings of over $3 million.

NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is joined by Douglas Bulman, President of Statewide Purchasing Alliance of NY, as well as Jo Ann Wetzel, Vice President of Client Development and Retiree Solutions at UnitedHealth Group.

Tickbusters: Tools and Strategies for Preventing Tickborne Illness with Schenectady County

This episode features a conversation on Schenectady County’s Public Health Services newly launched Tickborne Illness Prevention Dashboard. The online dashboard includes information on how to prevent tick bites and tickborne diseases, as well as the prevalence of ticks and risk of illness by season.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is Claire Proffitt, Deputy Director of Schenectady County's Public Health Department.

Thriving Amid Economic Uncertainty with three + one

This episode features a conversation on financial sector predictions for county leaders for the remainder of the year, and how liquidity asset management can help maximize county revenues.

Joining NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is Joseph Rulison, CEO and Co-Founder of three+one. Three+one is also a featured sponsor of NYSAC’s upcoming County Finance School in Syracuse, NY.

State Assemblymembers Reflect on County Experience and This Year’s State Budget

In recognition of National County Government Month, this episode features a conversation on the experience of former county government officials who went on to serve in the state legislature.

NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is joined by Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles and Assemblymember Billy Jones.

Breaking Down the State Budget with the NYSAC Legislative Team

Every year following the passage of the final enacted state budget, the NYSAC Legislative Team combs through budget and identifies areas that will impact a range of county functions, departments, services, and programs.

NYSAC’s Communications Manager Tom Oldfather hosts this conversation with the legislative team members Ryan Gregoire, Dave Lucas, Alexandra LaMonte, and Patrick Cummings.

Visit https://www.nysac.org/nysbudget for more analysis from the county perspective.

Counties Help Create ‘Buzz’ for Donate Life Month

This episode highlights National Donate Life Month and efforts to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation, as well as the critical need for increased donor registration in New York State.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce for the conversation are Aisha Tator, Executive Director or Donate Life NYS, along with Saratoga County Clerk Craig Hayner.

Make sure to visit donatelifenys.org for resources to participate in National Donate Life Month.