Sworn in today as NYS's fifty-fifth Governor, David Paterson stands poised to bring a new governing style and a new team to Albany, and the health care community stands ready to work with him. On March 12, the jointly sponsored GNYHA/1199 SEIU Healthcare Education Project sent a letter to Governor Paterson voicing confidence in the new leader's capabilities and offering its support, particularly during the current budget negotiations process.
     
"We . . . want to assure you," the letter said, ". . . of our deep commitment to working with the Executive Branch and leaders of the New York State Legislature in forging a responsible budget. While we of course give our highest professional priority to the health care portions of the budget, please know that we share your desire to see a final budget that addresses the needs of all New Yorkers."
     
In the letter, the Project also renewed its pledge to work "in an open, collegial manner" with the new Administration and the Legislature on numerous health care concerns, including Medicaid reform, expanding children's health insurance, and reducing the skyrocketing cost of hospitals' medical malpractice insurance premiums.

The New Team: Last week, Governor Paterson named Charles O'Byrne as Secretary (Chief of Staff), replacing Richard Baum. Mr. O'Byrne was Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Governor. As Skyline News went to press, Albany watchers were speculating about Governor Paterson's other choices for his new Administration. 
     
Former NYS Comptroller Carl McCall is expected to be an adviser to the new Governor during the transition period. In addition, the following members of the former administration are expected to remain on board: Sean Patrick Maloney, First Deputy Secretary, formerly Senior Advisor to President Clinton; Paul Francis, Director of Operations, formerly Policy Director for Eliot Spitzer's gubernatorial campaign and the Governor-Elect's Transition Office; and Laura Anglin, Budget Director, formerly Deputy Comptroller for NYS.
     
With regard to health care positions, Dennis Whalen, Deputy Secretary to the Governor for Health, is expected to remain in the Paterson Administration, along with Health Commissioner Richard Daines, M.D., and Insurance Commissioner Eric Dinallo. Deputy Secretary for Public Finance and Local Governments Lora Lefebvre has also been reported to be staying on.