The Pandemic has revealed how New York's health system has failed, and we must work toward achieving more significant health equity. New Yorkers deserve high-quality, equitable care for all ― regardless of race, gender, employment, or citizenship status.

In light of the Pandemic, we need to allocate budget dollars through our next legislative package for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), which would expand access to dental, vision, and hearing services and reduce the cost of prescription medicines.

Necessary investments are not being made in our local health care systems. We must allocate capital dollars to expand bed capacity, bring state-of-the-art operating machines, and replace outdated equipment. Additionally, we have failed to provide mental health services to those who need them adequately. We must treat health problems with health professionals, not law enforcement.

• Pass Coverage for All (S1572A), which would create a state-funded Essential Plan for all New Yorkers up to 200% of the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration status.

• Pass the End Medical Debt package of bills: S2521B would require notifying patients about facility fees ahead of time and prohibit facility fees for preventive services, and S7625 would ensure that New Yorkers are aware of financial assistance options. This significantly helps reduce predatory medical billing practices in the current healthcare system.

• Pass the NY Health Act (S5474) which will make care equitable and available to all by implementing universal, comprehensive, single-payer healthcare coverage for all New Yorkers.

• Pass the Hospital Equity and Affordability Legislation (HEAL Act) (S7199A), which aims to improve market access and increase the transparency of health insurance contracts by banning specific anti-competitive provisions.

• Passing the Minority Mental Health Act (S5209) to establish the division of minority mental health within the office of mental health.

• To address our mental and behavioral health infrastructure in New York State, we should borrow from California and pass a Mental Health Services Act, funded by a one percent income tax on personal income over $1 million per year. It is designed to expand and transform California's behavioral health system to better serve individuals with and at risk of severe mental health issues and their families.