Statement from County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro
on the New York State Assembly Passing Bill A06202
“Today, the State Assembly took a major step toward meaningful mandate relief and correcting an injustice in New York. Assembly Bill A06202, sponsored in part by our entire delegation, would require the state by 2023 to fully fund indigent legal services, a $3.7 million cost to Dutchess County. Not only does this rectify an inequity – the state has funded these costs for five counties – but also ensures that every individual, regardless of means, has access to their constitutionally protected right to legal defense. I am especially grateful to Assembly Members Didi Barrett and Kieran Lalor for their support and advocacy. With Senators DeFrancisco, Young and Serino working to see this measure adopted in the State Senate, we are just days away from significant and lasting mandate relief.”
