For the first time in as long as I can remember, New York State is making a major investment in Erie County.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced some good news for our region — $1 billion for economic development. This is a long overdue investment in our community. While many residents are skeptical of the effectiveness of this proposal, I believe it can be extremely beneficial.

Too often we have seen business proposals fall by the wayside, and as a member of the Economic Development Committee, I have seen how a small interference can derail a major project. I don’t want to see this happen in regard to the $1 billion investment. Rest assured that I am committed to seeing the money applied as it is intended so the results will be job creation, business development and economic growth.

The governor’s proposed investment suggests that we can finally be excited about the prospect of real change. I look forward to working with my partners in government on the implementation of this incredible opportunity.

With good news, also comes the bad news. The governor announced a lot of proposed changes but did not provide a solution for Medicaid costs. Significant mandate relief is sorely needed to free all 62 counties of the burden of paying for Medicaid. New York offers many non-mandated services, including dental care, eyeglasses and vision care, home health services, case management and rehabilitation, that counties are forced to pay for. In 2010, Erie County’s Medicaid costs were $201 million, accounting for nearly the entire tax levy — $210 million. On Jan. 25, I attended the governor’s speech at the Convention Center and hoped to hear additional details about his plan for partial state takeover of Medicaid costs. He failed to even mention the word “Medicaid.” This is a major issue for every county. The governor’s proposed solution would reduce the 3 percent annual increase in county contribution to

Medicaid to zero by 2015. This does not solve the real problem.

I want to hear an explanation as to why the state is unwilling to take over all Medicaid costs. Since the state chooses to provide non-mandated services, then it would only be reasonable that they be paid for through the state. I believe each county should be granted the opportunity to determine which non-mandated services they provide. Without that authorization, the next logical option is making the state responsible for paying for Medicaid.

In reviewing the governor’s 2013 budget, I noticed there are areas that are underfunded. Two glaring examples are Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Buffalo Bills’ stadium. These are great assets in our community that play a vital role in our future, and I urge the governor to allocate funds for them.

While they both serve distinctly different purposes, the success of these facilities is crucial. As the governor stated, he is committed to seeing Buffalo grow and prosper and that can’t be done without the proper financial assistance.

I hope that the state Legislature can work with Gov. Cuomo to make the appropriate adjustments needed for Western New York and New York State during the budget process before final approval.