As we end this calendar year in economic turmoil and we are near zero in our bank account balances, I think of what could have been if!!!
“If” our political representatives would work together to resolve issues and focus on building rather than posturing towards the next election. Result of a nonfunctional government has created a poorer middle class, increased opportunities for the wealthy, and damaged our once great country.
“If” New York State would pay the local government share of Medicaid, it would make our state government more aware of their broadening policy decisions that are exploding costs. Our state Medicaid program is the largest in the country thanks to the NY State legislature. Medicaid assists the poor, disabled and the elderly. It is 50% federally funded, 25% state funded and 25% local government funded. Many programs were moved into Medicaid funding by the state so N.Y. could recoup the 50% Federal dollars. This however has created a burden on local communities to fund their legislated share. It is the State that creates the policies and determines who is to be covered. The 25% local costs is bankrupting the communities we live in and are forcing cuts that can seriously affect safety and quality of life. By shifting the costs to the state, decisions our legislature make will force them to become more accountable and thus more efficient.
“If” our NY State Board of Regents showed political courage and changed the outdated policies that hinder our local school boards ability to choose programs needed by our students to achieve success. One example is to choose reading programs over the mandated physical Education requirements when cuts are to be made.
“If” the NY State legislature would re-evaluate and correct the grave injustice created by the poorly thought through formula for state aid. The formula for Education State aide must be changed or our children will be given a bankrupt education. The funds that have been provided to correct the inequity in education have created over the past three years greater inequity. Anger towards our Local Boards of Education for cuts have been misdirected and should be directed towards the Governor and the State Legislature. Our local communities are struggling for funds. Did you know that most school district in Onondaga County and Upstate NY fall into the lowest one percent of wealth category. Skaneateles is just slightly higher than 1%, but still low in comparison to Long Island which is 8 times wealthier then the Onondaga Schools. The current formula provides the higher wealth school districts with considerably more State Aide. Allowing wealthy school districts to maintain additional staff, five language courses and other extracurricular programs. The less Wealthy districts are cutting reading programs. Each year we have less in our budgets to provide adequate education. Our boards of Educations are continually eliminating programs and staff, and our politicians only make it worse by blanket cuts and questionable spending limits. The final result is that our children are not able to compete for placement in college and for the better jobs. Through no fault of our children they do not have the credentials of the graduates of the more wealthy communities because the courses are not offered.
Instead they have been cut!!
“If” we had High Speed rail, less fossil fueled transportation, more bicycles than cars in our city streets, and sound environmental legislation. We would all be breathing better, get there more safely and upscale our cities.
“If” business and industry would do a little less hording, open their doors to the many unemployed. Yes even provide the training for those who have antiquated skills or provide sponsorship to our schools to provide the training.
“If” we had bankers that cared! We would have less foreclosures, more small business loans and Jobs.
Unfortunately there are too many “ if’s” and not enough people committed to make the improvements. Commit yourself to speaking out on issues in a civil manner. Make your voices heard by our elected officials. Become informed. You as an informed citizen have the power to correct the problems. There is no simple solution. Complicated problems require complicated solutions.

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