ALBANY – Legislation that passed the state Assembly and awaits approval in the Senate would provide mandate relief to counties across the state.
The bill would see the state picking up the costs associated with indigent legal services for all counties, not just the five being covered now as per a lawsuit, said Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro.
“For us it’s $3.7 million in direct aid in something the State of New York should be paying for,” Molinaro, a former assemblyman, said. “The courts have said they are constitutionally required to pay, and thanks to this legislation, should it be adopted and signed, finally will see significant and meaningful mandate relief.”
Under the legislation, the state would be responsible for 25 percent of the costs in year one, rising to 100 percent of the costs by year seven.
Assemblywoman Did Barrett (D, Hudson) is a sponsor of the measure. Similar legislation pending in the Senate is sponsored by Senator Susan Serino (R, Hyde Park).
