New York State AFL-CIO ramps up campaign against Republican Health Care Bill

Albany -The New York State AFL-CIO is mobilizing its 2.5 million members, retirees and their families around a “Week of Action” beginning Monday, July 17, 2017 against the Senate Republican Health Care Bill. The Republican proposed health care plan would take away health benefits from tens of millions of people and allow insurance companies to charge people with cancer, diabetes and other illnesses tens of thousands more for care they need to survive. “Working men and women need a health care plan that expands and improves coverage, not one that punishes people with preexisting conditions, takes away care from tens of millions of people, and raises costs for millions more,” said Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO. The state federation recently produced a powerfulvideofeaturing SAG-AFTRA member Holter Graham, in which he eloquently speaks to how having quality coverage and the passage of the ACA saved his life. “I commend Holter for having the courage to share his personal story, to speak out about the importance of having access to good health care that provided him lifesaving treatments,” Cilento said. In addition to the video which has already been viewed and shared widely, the federation launched a social media campaign and continues to coordinate with its affiliates encouraging members to call, text and email their representatives demanding they vote “no” on this ill-conceived plan. “In New York, given the strong stance of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, our focus remains on the House of Representatives. “Members from our more than 3,000 affiliates all across the state are continuing to call their Representatives and urge them to vote “no” on the Republican health care repeal plan. This plan will give a tax break to the wealthy; make millions of working people pay more for less care, and gut Medicaid as we know it. “The bottom line is this; working men and women, and all Americans deserve access to comprehensive, affordable health care which is why we will continue this fight and make our voices heard until our Representatives get this right,” said Cilento.