AGENCY TESTIMONY
State funding issues and Article 6 reductions
0:18:11
ยท
72 sec
Dr. Morse addresses the challenges posed by reduced state funding, particularly the cuts to Article 6 funding for New York City. She emphasizes the impact of these cuts on public health services and the issue of equity.
- Explains the reduction in Article 6 matching funds for NYC from 36% to 20% in 2019
- Highlights that NYC is the only local jurisdiction to have public health funding cut
- Notes the loss of upwards of $90 million per year in state public health funding
- Emphasizes the equity implications, given NYC's diverse population and high proportion of Medicaid recipients
Dr. Michelle Morse
0:18:11
Right now, New York City is also operating on reduced funding from the state.
0:18:17
Article six determines the state's contribution to public health services provided by local health departments.
0:18:24
In 02/2019, New York City's matching funds for Article six were reduced from 36% to 20%.
0:18:33
We were the only local jurisdiction to have our public health funding cut.
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In the years since, we have lost upwards of $90,000,000 per year in state public health funding.
0:18:46
This is not just an issue of parity with the rest of the state, it's an issue of equity.
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New York City has the largest population of black, Latino, indigenous, and people of color in the state.
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We're also home to the most individuals with low incomes and the largest portion of Medicaid recipients in New York.
0:19:06
These are our neighbors, loved ones, colleagues, and friends.
0:19:10
Regardless of the federal context, our residents deserve equal access to New York State public health funding.
0:19:17
Given the vulnerability of our federal funding, this issue has never been more important or timely.