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Hearing in Manhattan on the New York Health Act

Today at New York University’s Grand Hall in lower Manhattan, the Assembly Committee on Health held its fourth public hearing on the New York Health Act, a bill that I am introducing along with Senator Bill Perkins that would establish a publicly funded universal health care system in New York. Assembly Members Shelley Mayer and Joe Borelli joined me on the panel at the well-attended hearing, at which more than 80 New Yorkers had signed up to testify. Before it began, I joined other supporters of the bill at a press conference to talk about why we support universal health care for all New Yorkers.

Speaking at the news conference before the Assembly Health Committee hearing in Manhattan on the New York Health Act.

Speaking at the news conference before the Assembly Health Committee hearing in Manhattan on the New York Health Act.

The Assembly Health Committee hearing its first witness at its hearing in Manhattan on the New York Health Act. Next to me on the dais are Assembly Members Joe Borrelli and Shelley Mayer.

The Assembly Health Committee hearing its first witness at its hearing in Manhattan on the New York Health Act. Next to me on the dais are Assembly Members Joe Borelli and Shelley Mayer.

The Assembly Health Committee held its hearing in Manhattan on the New York Health Act before a packed audience. More than 80 New Yorkers signed up to testify on the bill -- more witnesses at any single Health Committee hearing since I began chairing the panel in 1987.

The Assembly Health Committee held its hearing in Manhattan on the New York Health Act before a packed audience. More than 80 New Yorkers signed up to testify on the bill — more witnesses at any single Health Committee hearing since I began chairing the panel in 1987.

Donald Moore, MD, MPH, of Physicians for a National Health Program, told reporters that the current healthcare system "has not worked for me as a patient, a doctor, an employer, or a taxpayer."

Donald Moore, MD, MPH, of Physicians for a National Health Program, told reporters that the current healthcare system “has not worked for me as a patient, a doctor, an employer, or a taxpayer.”

Anne Bové, RN, a nurse at Bellevue Hospital Center and Secretary of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), represented NYSNA  at the press and conference and testified on behalf of the New Health Act at the hearing.

Anne Bové, RN, a nurse at Bellevue Hospital Center and Secretary of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), represented NYSNA at the press and conference and testified on behalf of the New Health Act at the hearing.

Cordell Cleare, the Chief of Staff for NYS Senator Bill Perkins, the Senate sponsor of the New York Health Act, spoke on behalf of the Senator at the news conference and delivered testimony on his behalf at the hearing.

Cordell Cleare, the Chief of Staff for NYS Senator Bill Perkins, the Senate sponsor of the New York Health Act, spoke on behalf of the Senator at the news conference and delivered testimony on his behalf at the hearing.

The Health Committee hears its first witness at the Manhattan hearing on the New York Health Act.

The Health Committee hears its first witness at the Manhattan hearing on the New York Health Act.

Annette Gaudino of Physicians for a National Health Program speaking at the news conference before the Assembly Health Committee's Manhattan hearing on the New York Health Act.

Annette Gaudino of Physicians for a National Health Program speaking at the news conference before the Assembly Health Committee’s Manhattan hearing on the New York Health Act.

A supporter of the New York Health Act speaking at the press conference held before the Assembly Health Committee's Manhattan hearing on the bill.

A supporter of the New York Health Act speaking at the press conference held before the Assembly Health Committee’s Manhattan hearing on the bill.

A supporter of the New York Health Act speaking at the press conference held before the Assembly Health Committee's Manhattan hearing on the bill.

A supporter of the New York Health Act speaking at the press conference held before the Assembly Health Committee’s Manhattan hearing on the bill.