Statement from Governor David A. Paterson

ALBANY, NY (03/18/2010)(readMedia)-- "The amended health care reform legislation put forward today in the United States House of Representatives is an important step forward. Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Rangel, and the entire New York congressional delegation delivered for New York by fighting hard to ensure that our State is treated fairly and equitably. I particularly want to thank Senator Schumer, who helped lead the way in securing new provisions that recognize the significant past investments New York and many other states have made in expanding access to quality health care coverage. While we are still completing our analysis, this improved legislation appears to eliminate the $1 billion in annual State budget costs projected in the prior proposal.

"New York's congressional delegation has delivered a proposed bill that will lower the federal deficit; hold insurance companies accountable; provide billions of dollars in tax breaks for small businesses to help them insure their employees; and , above all, expand access to quality, secure, affordable health care coverage for millions of New Yorkers. I urge Congress to expeditiously pass this historic health care reform legislation and deliver it to President Obama's desk for his signature. The time for action is now."

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