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Governor Kathy Hochul has called on the Senate to reject President Trump's proposed legislation, dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which she argues would severely impact New York State. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Hochul outlined the potential consequences of the bill, which includes cutting $13.5 billion from Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. This reduction would leave 1.5 million New Yorkers without health insurance and put three million at risk of losing food stamp benefits. The bill also threatens to dismantle student loan programs.
Hochul, joined by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other New York leaders, voiced concerns about the bill's impact on the state's healthcare system. Hochul stated, "Republicans in Washington are determined to dismantle the social safety net that millions of New Yorkers rely on." The proposed cuts would result in over $3 billion in losses for New York hospitals, jeopardizing healthcare access and placing a significant burden on local economies.
The bill has faced criticism from various New York officials, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who called it "catastrophic" for Americans relying on Medicaid. The proposal includes stricter work requirements and verification processes for Medicaid, which would increase administrative costs and make coverage more difficult to access.
Additionally, the bill proposes significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), potentially affecting 670,000 New Yorkers. Ryan Healy, advocacy manager for Feeding New York State, expressed concern over the impact on vulnerable populations.
Governor Hochul has vowed to use litigation and other measures to protect New Yorkers from the bill's effects. The legislation is expected to face resistance from both Democrats and moderate Republicans, who fear the political repercussions of such cuts.