Statement from Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson on the Health Care Exchange Executive Order

“Today’s Executive Order establishing a Health Care Exchange for New York will give our state government an opportunity to aid those who need assistance the most. This exchange will ensure that we avoid losing much needed federal money that will be utilized to cover uninsured New Yorkers and small business employees who desperately need access to health care. It is unfortunate that the Senate Republicans held the health and well-being of New Yorkers hostage by refusing to pass this exchange legislatively, instead forcing the Governor to use his executive prerogative. I commend Governor Cuomo for establishing the New York State Health Care Exchange and not allowing the Senate Republicans’ radical Tea Party agenda to deny our state’s residents access to the quality and affordable health care they deserve.”