The New York State AFL-CIO Applauds Representative Murphy for Supporting Historic Health Care Reform

ALBANY, NY (03/22/2010)(readMedia)-- Denis Hughes, President of the 2 ½ million member New York State AFL-CIO today hailed the "courageous" vote by Congressman Scott Murphy to pass landmark health care legislation this weekend.

"Facing down an onslaught of misrepresentations and cynical moves to derail this landmark legislation, Representative Murphy stood with New York's working men and women, not greedy insurance companies, and we applaud his courageous action," said President Hughes. "This vote is a momentous step toward comprehensive health care reform; New York's small businesses, employees and seniors can take comfort that we are on the path to long-term health security."

The legislation stops insurance companies from denying health care due to consumers' pre-existing health conditions and dropping coverage for people who get sick. It stops the relentless rise in health care costs and expands coverage for 32 million Americans. The legislation also makes prescription drugs more affordable for seniors and helps small businesses struggling with skyrocketing costs. It is projected to reduce the federal budget deficit by $1.3 trillion over the next two decades.

A determined effort by working people in New York to pass the bill was undertaken over the past year. In the 20th Congressional District, over 7,500 phone calls and close to 10,000 emails, letters and petitions urged Congressman Murphy to vote in support of Health Care Reform.

The final improvements in the legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives must still be approved by the U.S. Senate. "We urge Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to work to pass this legislation speedily and get it to the President's desk to be signed."