New York Hospitals Could Need Life Support After Lawler-Backed Medicaid Cuts: Hudson Valley Neighbors and Nurses Rally to Protect Good Samaritan Hospital
SUFFERN, NEW YORK — Empire State Voices, alongside Protect Our Care New York, local residents, cancer survivors, nurses, and community activists, rallied outside Good Samaritan Hospital to hold Rep. Mike Lawler accountable for supporting devastating Medicaid cuts in the 2025 Republican Tax Law, cuts that could deepen financial strain on Hudson Valley hospitals like Good Samaritan and put access to care for vulnerable communities at greater risk.
Good Samaritan is one of two hospitals in New York’s 17th Congressional District–and 45 across New York State—that may face a heightened risk of financial pressure or service reductions as a direct result of the Republican Tax Law, which cuts up to $128 billion from New York’s Medicaid program over the next decade. Roughly 860,000 New Yorkers are projected to lose health insurance due to the health cuts included in the 2025 law.A newly released report from Protect Our Care details the damage GOP Medicaid cuts are causing in New York. Speakers emphasized how far-reaching and historic these cuts are.
“Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of New Yorkers and a critical source of funding that keeps hospitals open and communities healthy,” said Miranda Hall of Protect Our Care New York. “When politicians like Mike Lawler vote to slash Medicaid, they are directly threatening access to care for seniors, children, people with disabilities, cancer patients, and working families. We’re here today because these cuts are going to have real and devastating consequences unless lawmakers reverse course.”
“Right here at Good Sam we represent dietary, nurses, respiratory and physical therapists, radiology, patient care, and other techs,” said Maurice Larry, Hudson Valley Regional Political Coordinator, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “1199 members see many patients who depend on Medicaid to survive. We are demanding that Congressman Lawler keep his promise to the people of this district – to the people here at Good Sam – Mike: Stop the cuts and save lives. Hands off Medicaid!”
“We are already seeing hospitals struggle under financial pressure across New York, and these Medicaid cuts will only make things worse,” said Mark Hannay of Metro NY Health Care for All. “Those who voted for the #OneBigUglyBill last year –like Mike Lawler-- are attacking one of the most important pillars of our health care system in local communities. As a consequence, working families across the Hudson Valley will pay the price through higher costs, longer wait times, and reduced access to care. We need lawmakers to stand up and reject these dangerous cuts.”
"I've been a lifelong resident of Suffern, and Good Samaritan has been my hospital from the start. I'm worried for my family, what might happen if it faces an increased risk of closure or reduction of services. We need Rep. Lawler to work toward restoring these cuts to Medicaid he originally voted for,” said Paul Diamond, a retired teacher from Suffern.
“Rep. Lawler voted for a tax law that rips health care away from Hudson Valley families so billionaires and giant corporations could cash in,” said Zachary Tirgan, Regional Organizing Director, Empire State Voices. “Now hospitals like Good Samaritan may face financial pressures because of that same vote, and roughly 28,000 people in NY-17 could lose their health coverage because of the cuts Lawler supported. Families in the Hudson Valley should not lose care so the ultra-wealthy can get another tax break.”
“Representative Mike Lawler has repeatedly said he supports accessible health care for our communities, and yet his votes have only made health care less accessible and more expensive for his constituents. We will not stop fighting until our representatives stop prioritizing their political gains over the health of our community, because Rockland deserves better,” said Anna Brand, Advocacy & Government Relations Coordinator, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Action Fund
“Seniors are especially vulnerable when hospitals and health care providers are forced to close or cut services,” said Josie Omar of the Sullivan County Senior Legislative Action Committee. “Older New Yorkers depend on Medicaid and local hospitals for critical care, prescription access, and long-term support. These cuts are putting seniors’ health and independence at risk, and we need elected leaders who will fight to protect New York’s most vulnerable.”
Medicaid currently covers 5.8 million New Yorkers, including 211,500 residents in NY-17, roughly 27% of the district. Across New York, hospitals are already facing mounting financial pressure from federal policy changes that reduce coverage and increase uncompensated care. This crisis will only grow as cuts begin to accelerate over the coming months.
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About Empire State Voices
Empire State Voices is a multi-year campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday working New Yorkers. We are fighting for economic policies that make life more affordable for constituents and holding members of Congress across the state accountable when they fail to do the same.
