New budget resolutions bring joy to immigrant NYers

The new budget resolutions which include a $345 million for Coverage for All—involving expansion of health care coverage to every New Yorker, regardless of their immigration status— has brought a lot of joy to immigrant New Yorkers.

This was made possible following the introduction of the New York State Assembly and Senate declaration of commitment to the investment. It marks a significant victory for the Coverage for All campaign.

In his statement, Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition said: “The Senate and Assembly’s commitment to including Coverage for All in their budgets indicates a long-overdue acknowledgment that, as we enter year three of an unprecedented health crisis, ensuring the health of every New Yorker must be a priority to fight this pandemic and recover stronger.

“This historic legislation will finally extend health coverage to low-income New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. While more remains to be done to ensure that every New Yorker has an equal chance to thrive, we thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for taking this important first step in New York State’s road to recovery.”