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January 9, 2008

STATEMENT FROM NYSBA PRESIDENT KATHRYN GRANT MADIGAN ON GOVERNOR SPITZER'S 2008 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

New York State Bar Association President Kathryn Grant Madigan (Levene Gouldin & Thompson LLP) released the following statement regarding Governor Eliot Spitzer’s 2008 State of the State address.

“Today Governor Spitzer outlined an ambitious, positive agenda to revitalize New York’s economy and invest in the future. Given the Governor’s focus on quality and cost effective health care for all New Yorkers we hope to work with him in exploring ways to reform the state’s Medicaid system such as the implementation of the Bar Association’s Compact for Long Term Care.  The Compact is an innovative way to produce savings to both the system and the state’s taxpayers, while at the same time enabling elderly and disabled New Yorkers to maintain their dignity and independence. We look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature on this key initiative this year.”

“The Association is also committed to working with the Governor on other priorities, including the dire need for investment in our legal system -- specifically judicial salaries.  The Governor has previously pledged his support for a judicial pay raise but it remains nearly a decade since judicial salaries were adjusted in the Empire State.  If New York desires the best and brightest minds to serve on the bench, our leaders should immediately address the crisis facing our judges.”