The St. Lawrence County legislature chairman says passage of the Medicaid Local Share Limitation initiative could lower St. Lawrence County’s property taxes by as much as 60 percent.

“One half of St. Lawrence County's local tax levy, 24 million dollars, goes to New York State's mandate that counties pay half of their Medicaid expenses. If the mandate was removed, St. Lawrence County could potentially lower county taxes by 60 percent,” Kevin Acres, R-Madrid, said in a press release sent by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s office.

The Medicaid Local Share Limitation would bar federal reimbursements for New York State Medicaid funds raised from local governments.

The proposal would only apply to the $2.3 billion being raised from counties outside of New York City. New York State currently raises $7 billion from its local governments to fund its $27 billion Medicaid liability, which is the largest amount in the nation.

However, the proposal is attached to the American Health Care Act, which congress is expected to vote on today. While the amendment would have major financial benefits for St. Lawrence County, health care professionals such as St. Lawrence Health Systems CEO David Acker say the bill would likely have long-term negative consequences for the regions health care providers.

“I would strongly encourage our elected representatives to oppose this legislation in its current form,” Acker said in a prepared statement. Canton-Potsdam Hospital and Gouverneur Hospital operate under St. Lawrence Health System,” Acker said. “Many will lose their existing coverage, adding to the negative impact on our region's residents.”

Meanwhile Stefanik who is set to vote on the act today, but has not stated whether or not she will favor the “American Health Car Act,” says she supports the amendment.

“This amendment would make New York State take responsibility for their own budgeting, freeing up needed funds at the county level for local governments to use in our communities. I thank my colleagues in the New York delegation for their work on this important issue and will continue to work in Congress to serve the needs of my district."