Press Release: New York State Commissioner of Health Discusses Executive Budget Health Care Proposals at Long Island Events – Health & Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI)

March 8, 2024

Press Release: New York State Commissioner of Health Discusses Executive Budget Health Care Proposals at Long Island Events

Dr. James McDonald Highlights Public Health Proposals in FY25 Executive Budget

Huntington Station, New York (March 8, 2024) – State Health Department Commissioner Dr. James McDonald in partnership with representatives from the Long Island Association and the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island discussed health care and public health proposals in Governor Kathy Hochul’s FY 2025 Executive Budget yesterday during two events on Long Island.

“These types of events allow New Yorkers to provide input and ask pertinent questions about critical issues that affect them and their families,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Governor Hochul has provided us with a comprehensive and visionary blueprint, and we want to assure New Yorkers that they will have the programs, services, and support they need and deserve.”

Governor Hochul’s FY 2025 Executive Budget includes significant investments to make New York more affordable and safer and provide New Yorkers with resources that will help improve their physical and mental health. The $233 billion budget includes a 4.5 percent increase over last year’s budget, with health care as the largest single expense.

The budget includes an investment increase in mental health that will include 200 new inpatient psychiatric beds, youth mental health services, and supportive housing units for people in need of mental health services. Governor Hochul also proposed record funding to keep New Yorkers healthy while setting the Medicaid program on sustainable long-term fiscal footing.

“Our economy and workforce depend upon a healthy population, and we thank Commissioner McDonald for his time yesterday to brief the business community on the Governor’s healthcare budget proposals,” Long Island Association President and CEO Matt Cohen said. “This type of dialogue is critical so the private sector is aware of new policies and available resources that could help them to improve their bottom line.”

“We express our gratitude to Commissioner McDonald for shedding light on and discussing the sections of the NYS budget that directly relate to health and human service funding priorities,” Health and Welfare Council of Long Island President and CEO Vanessa Baird-Streeter said. “Addressing health disparities, enhancing health outcomes, and bolstering our public health system align with the core mission of the Health and Welfare Council and our community-based organizations. Yesterday, our organizations had the privilege of engaging with Commissioner McDonald, seeking answers to our inquiries, and equipping ourselves with the necessary information to better serve our clients.”

During the meetings, Commissioner McDonald outlined the budget and New York’s priorities, which include focusing on children and families, combatting climate change, rebuilding the mental health system, investing in education and Medicaid, advancing health care initiatives, improving affordability for all New Yorkers, and addressing the migrant crisis.

Commissioner McDonald also discussed issues that affect all New Yorkers, which include children’s and maternal health, health insurance, primary care, the opioid epidemic, the support of veterans, and emergency medical services. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions about how the FY25 Executive Budget can impact programs and services on Long Island and their personal lives.

The FY25 Executive Budget Briefing Book can be found here.

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Contact: New York State Department of Health
518-474-2043 x. 2
[email protected]

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