Governor Andrew Cuomo made an impassioned defense of the federal Affordable Care Act at a rally in the Bronx. President Trump and the Republican-led Congress have vowed to repeal the law known as Obamacare, but that could leave states like New York with gaping holes not just in it their health coverage but in their overall budget. State House Reporter Zack Fink has the story.
In making his case to preserve the Affordable Care Act, Governor Cuomo said repeal could mean the loss of $3.7 billion in federal funds for New York State while causing 2.7 million people to lose their insurance.
That message hit home at a rally of healthcare workers at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx.
"And the Republican Congress fought Bill Clinton every step of the way," said Governor Cuomo. "And the Republican Congress fought Barack Obama every step of the way. And these Democrats have to take a page out of their book and say we are not going to let you take us backwards. You're not going to undue the progress President Obama made that was upheld by the courts."
But it was the cadence and tenor of Cuomo's remarks that prompted others to take notice.
"I don't know about you guys but Governor Cuomo sounded Presidential to me," said Ruben Diaz Jr.
He even managed to inspire the crowd.
While the president and Congressional leaders have vowed to repeal Obamacare, it is unclear what they will replace it with. Even Republican State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan says he has concerns about how New York will be able to make up the difference if Washington follows through on the threat.
"Do I think about that? I absolutely think about that," said Majority Leader Flanagan. "I would be remiss in my responsibilities if I didn't do so. But I think it's worthy of discussion. But at the national level that was a critical issue during the campaign."
The State Budget is due at the end of next month, it remains to be seen if lawmakers put in any contingencies for the loss of federal health care funds.