Area Coalition Demands State Leaders Prioritize Healthcare Funding After Congressional Republicans Claudia Tenney & Nick Langworthy Vote To Cut Healthcare - Risking Hospital, Clinic & Nursing Home Closures Across Western New York

WHAT: Press Conference

WHY?:  Frontline caregivers, union workers, and community advocates are joining together declaring a “Code Red” for healthcare services in Western New York after more than $1.8 Trillion dollars in Federal health care cuts were passed.  Historic health care cuts in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) that all seven New York Republicans in Congress voted for last year will cause devastating harm to Western New York’s health care system.   Healthcare professionals have nicknamed the OBBA the “Big Ugly Bill” as it rips healthcare away from at least 17 million Americans–including 1.5 million New Yorkers. Nearly 406,000 people in the 8 counties of Western New York rely on Medicaid for their healthcare coverage. 

 

Unless states like New York act to mitigate its impact, the “Big Ugly Bill” will cause tens of thousands of Americans to die annually and force hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes to close, 

creating longer wait times and higher costs for everyone. New York State and its hospitals alone will be robbed of $13.5 billion a year, risking availability of care and services, and threatening jobs in our community.  Potential service closures will increase distance required to travel for care, as 8 southern tier hospitals are at risk of closure as well as one in four nursing homes. 

 

Service line and facility closures have already impacted the Western New York healthcare system.  In recent years, both Weinberg Campusand Eastern Niagara Hospital have closed because of low Medicaid reimbursement rates. Over the last few months, healthcare employers have cut back on services, closing clinics and downsizing units at Kaleida Health, the largest private employer in Western New York.  Erie County Medical Center recently cut more than 150 jobs, preparing for long-term effects of the Big Ugly Bill. 

 

The joint WNY coalition of labor and community organizations will gather to demand that Albany leaders fill a $2 billion hole left by Federal Medicaid cuts. Healthcare jobs and services for the Western New York community are at risk if Albany does not act now. 

 

WHEN: Friday, March 6, 2026 at 12 Noon

 

WHERE: 2421 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14214

WHO:  Frontline healthcare workers from across Western New York who work in hospitals, nursing homes, homecare, clinics and other healthcare settings will join elected leaders including:
Congressional Representatives
New York State Senators
New York State Assemblymembers & the Majority Leader
Local Elected Officials

 

Coalition Partners include: AFSCME, 1199SEIU, CSEA, CWA, Healthcare Education Project, NYSNA, PEF, UFCW, Union of American Physicians & Dentists, and WNY Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO

 

RSVP: Media should RSVP to AprilE@1199.org or 716.449.1620.

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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 400,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.