New York State Assemblyman Rob Walker (R, C, I, WF - Hicksville) has been appointed to the 2008-2009 Budget Conference Committee on Health. The responsibilities of this prestigious position are to review the governor and state Legislature's budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year relating to delivery of and funding of health-care services and resolve the differences.

"I am honored to be selected, once again, to sit on a vital budget committee. Last year I served on the Education Conference Committee and look forward to serving on the Health Conference Committee," said Walker. "Hospitals, nursing homes and home health-\care providers on Long Island have been targeted for reduced funding, and it is necessary to bring the voice of Long Island and its taxpayers to the budget negotiation table. In addition to protecting health services from cuts, the budget has to provide long-term solutions to the growing health-care crisis. I look forward to working over the next two weeks of the budget process to ensure our voice is heard."

The issues considered by the Budget Conference Committee on Health include delivery and funding of Medicaid, Child Health Plus, nursing homes, long-term care and other medical assistance programs.

"The nation and the state are enduring tough economic times, making it all the more important than ever that we focus on providing Long Island property taxpayers with relief during this year's budget negotiations," said Walker.