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ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- Local leaders in Onondaga County are expressing their support for Governor Cuomo's mandate relief plan.

Under the plan, the state would take over the cost of Medicaid growth over three years. According to the State Association of Counties, unfunded mandates totaled $11 billion last year, with some counties spending up to 85 percent of their budgets on state mandated programs.

In Onondaga County, officials say the proposed changes would save taxpayers more than $24 million over the next five years. In addition, Cuomo is also proposing a new tier in the state's pension system, which officials say is a much needed step to control the budget.

"This does not target anyone's individual current pension. It does not try to reduce benefits from anyone who's already earned them. This is about looking forward proactively in the state of New York about how we can best manage our costs so that we can make New York State a competitive place to do business once again," said Robert Simpson, CenterState CEO President.

The Tier Six pension plan is projected to save the state $123 billion over the next 30 years.