County Conversations

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.

Welcome Freshmen! NYSAC County Government Institute Orientation

This episode focuses on NYSAC’s County Government Institute, and the value of education and training for county leaders. The CGI program is a collaboration between NYSAC and Cornell University that provides training to county leaders on topics including building consensus, financial management, ethics, and the foundations of county government. Empowering county leaders to engage in civil and constructive dialogue on the challenges they face, the Institute serves as a platform throughout the State to meet and discuss the unique issues of county government.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce for the conversation are Livingston County Administrator Ian Coyle, Hamilton County Treasurer Beth Hunt, and NYSAC’s Director of Education and Training Jeanette Stanziano. You can learn more about the County Government Institute on our website at nysac.org/cgi

Remember Our Ladies: Highlighting the History of Wayne County Women

This episode features a conversation on the Museum of Wayne County History and their new “Remember Our Ladies” exhibit that highlights notable women from the county. We also talk about engaging your community in local history, the upcoming bicentennial celebrations being planned in Wayne County, and even a few ghost stories from the museum.

NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is joined by Rhea Hayes, Executive Director at the Museum of Wayne County History. To learn more about the museum, visit waynehistory.org

Counties Mobilize at the NYSAC Legislative Conference

This episode features county leaders from across the state at the annual NYSAC Legislative Conference in Albany. These leaders discuss top priorities for counties this legislative session, state budget advocacy, and the impact of diverting local sales taxes out of local communities.

We are grateful to the following leaders for joining us for this episode:

• NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario
• NYSAC President and Tioga County Chairwoman Martha Sauerbrey
• Westchester County Legislator Benjamin Boykin
• Albany County Executive Dan McCoy
• Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz
• Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro
• New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

County delegates at the conference advanced a series of policy resolutions aimed at tackling a variety of legislative and budget policy priorities impacting local governments. Presentations, resolutions, and photos from the conference can be found on our website at nysac.org/legislativeconference