Health Chairman

 

Led the first ever “Pest Management Awareness Summit” to help residents reduce the use of unnecessary pesticides in our neighborhoods. Cornell University recognized this as a first of its’ kind, innovative and effective public education model which is being introduced across the nation by Cornell this August.

 

Secured a discount prescription drug program with Kinney Drugs to allow residents of Onondaga County without health insurance, poor prescription coverage or with health savings accounts, to access to generic prescription drugs at a nominal cost. This is a private initiative which will have no cost to county taxpayers

 

Successfully worked to keep Van Dyne Home and Hospital open and available as a safety net for County residents.

 

Established a single point of entry for long term care which has streamlined a complicated and, at times, confusing referral process.  This consumer-oriented approach will serve our aging population far more effectively.

 

As Health Chair, initiated an award winning pandemic flu education program for community partners to improve public health preparedness in Onondaga County.

 

Sponsored a new researched based “Nurse Family Partnership” that will give new, at risk mothers, intensive support as a supplement to our infant mortality program

 

Ways and Means  (Financial):

 

Kept property tax rates at the lowest level since 1986. Total taxes levied for 1977 were $177.3 million. In 2007, we raised $183.8 million—an increase of 3%.  Over that same period of time inflation rose by 30%

 

As a Ways and Means member, led reform to cap Medicaid increases to no more than a 3% a year, far below the double digits we’ve seen since the mid 90’s.If the state were to take over the cost of Medicaid, as does every other state, property taxes would be cut in half

 

Secured new software that will uncover Medicaid fraud.  The very first case returned $100,000 to county taxpayers.

 

Thanks to our “welfare to work” program, welfare rolls are the lowest they have been in 30 years. This translates into a $58 million annual budget savings

 

Enacted fiscal policies to pay down debt and keep no more than a 10%.surplus in reserve, which has resulted in a AA+ credit rating for the county. .This translates into lower debt payments, saving county taxpayers millions of dollars a year.  Only 2 counties in NYS have a higher rating, none of them in upstate.

 

Economic Development:

 

Led the Convention Center Hotel project through the County Legislature.  The Westin Hotel will break ground in October creating a headquarter hotel for the Oncenter bringing millions of dollars in economic impact for the county.

 

Secured Economic Development funds through the Regional Planning Board and Congressman Walsh for infrastructure improvements to Hancock Field.  There are now 17 companies and hundreds of workers located in the Park.

 

Secured Economic Development funds for a planning study for the Carrier site which will serve as a guide to redevelop that campus into a high tech park..

 

Served on the executive committee for “Journey 2 Jobs” which is designed to connect job seekers with technical training for careers in our new economy.

 

 

Constituent help

 

Voted to exempt sales tax on gasoline sales above $2 per gallon.

 

Secured $20,000 for Senior Energy Conservation Project at the Cicero Senior Center

Secured $50,000 for the Village of North Syracuse sidewalk and curbing improvements on Main St.

Secured $90,000 for the last phase of the Mattydale Central Business District Improvements

Secured $20,000 for new trees which will be planted and maintained in at least 5  low income municipalities by Cooperative Extension.

Responded to100’s of constituent calls for help with highways, clean ups, health issues, Medicaid, drainage, taxes, aging services, and more

 

Top Concerns:

 

1. Van Dyne:  As Chair of the Health Committee I feel committed to help guide us through the changes imposed by the Berger commission.  The stakes are huge.  Not only are 500 plus patients and 500 plus employees at stake, the health care industry in Onondaga County is a leading economic engine operating at a very delicate balance.  A misstep could have dramatic consequences for the community.

 

2.  Intergovernmental Consolidation and Co-operation:  We have given lip service to this for years, it is now time for action.  The Governor has made money available to aid in the collaboration effort.  It is time to sit down with the city, towns, and villages to find ways they might be willing too partner with us for savings that would benefit us all.

 

3.  Economic Development and Jobs:  Throughout my time in county government, economic development has been a point of focus.  I intend to continue the pressure to transition our economy from our old line manufacturing base to a vibrant, high tech community.  This requires a multi-pronged approach incorporating, enlightened public policy, support for private sector initiative, a solid, educated workforce and a community dynamic that is a magnet to engage creative, smart, entrepreneurial, young people.  

Onondaga County Legislator

Kathy Rapp