This week, the New York State Senate and Assembly released their one-house budget proposals, which included $345 million in funding for Coverage for All legislation This would create state-funded health coverage for over 150,000 low-income New Yorkers who are currently barred from health insurance due to their immigration status.

It is now up to Governor Hochul to ensure that the final state budget fully funds this program to expand immigrants’ access to affordable, quality health coverage. Will you help us bring Coverage for All legislation to the finish line by making 3 quick calls to the Governor and Albany leadership?

Immigrant communities have been on the frontlines of Covid and lack the health care to stay healthy and safe. New Yorkers should never have to worry about accessing medical assistance due to lack of health insurance, especially in a pandemic.

Our members have been rallying and calling their legislators for 6 years, urging them to support this critical legislation for immigrant New Yorkers, and their voices are being heard. Join us in making calls to Gov. Hochul, Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie to demand they prioritize health care access for all immigrants by including Coverage for All in the final state budget.

Earlier this week, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander unveiled his analysis, finding that the proposed legislation (A880A/S1572A) would provide $710 million in estimated economic benefits annually. Increasing health care access for undocumented New Yorkers is not just the right thing to do, it’s also a good investment.

New York can lead the nation by investing and improving our health care system to ensure all people, regardless of their immigration status, are able to obtain preventative care, receive the medications they need, and live healthier lives. We hope you’ll take a few minutes today to make that call to Governor Hochul and New York State leadership.