Defendant Extradited From Dominican Republic To Face Charges For Using Manhattan Apartment To Operate Industrial-Scale Pill Pressing Operation

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Michael Alfonso, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Farhana Islam, announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging RUDDY CENIT-THEN with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.  CENIT-THEN was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn and ordered detained pending trial.

“New Yorkers want us to send a message:  New York will not be a safe haven for any level of drug distribution, much less fentanyl and methamphetamine pill factories,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “As alleged, Ruddy Cenit-Then conspired with others to operate a pill mill out of a 20th-floor Manhattan apartment, right next to thousands of innocent New Yorkers just going about their lives.  That conduct will never be tolerated by this Office.  I am deeply grateful for the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the career prosecutors of this Office as we work to keep methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other deadly and debilitating narcotics off our streets.”

“Ruddy Cenit-Then now stands accused of using a Manhattan apartment as the base for a clandestine pill-pressing factory to produce narcotics-laced tablets on an industrial scale,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso.  “Pumping these toxic pills into our communities drives overdoses, fuels crime, and erodes the safety and stability of our families and local businesses.  HSI New York, together with our Homeland Security Task Force partners, will continue to utilize every lawful tool at our disposal to dismantle these operations and protect our neighborhoods from this deadly trade.”

“The DEA and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in holding accountable those individuals responsible for pushing fentanyl and methamphetamine into our neighborhoods,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Ruddy Cenit-Then, who is charged with operating an industrial-scale pill press operation in Washington Heights and sought refuge in the Dominican Republic, thought he was safe from the reach of the DEA and our partners. Today he learned that our global footprint remains strong and wide, and that we are committed to holding traffickers accountable both here at home and abroad.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]

On July 24, 2025, pursuant to a judicially authorized warrant, law enforcement officers searched an apartment in the Washington Heights neighborhood in Manhattan that appeared to be used by CENIT-THEN.  Inside the apartment, law enforcement officers found evidence that CENIT-THEN was using the apartment to run a clandestine, industrial-scale pill pressing operation.  Hidden behind panels inside a closet, law enforcement found, among other things, an industrial-scale pill press and approximately 37 pounds of a white crystal substance contained in a series of Ziplock bags for which field tests positively indicated the presence of methamphetamine.  The pill press, drugs, and other items found behind the hidden panels are pictured below in Image 1, and the hidden panels are pictured below in Image 2.

                                                                                                                                                                 Image 1

                                              Image 2

                                                                                                                                                              RUDDY CENIT-THEN, 46, of the Dominican Republic, is charged with one count of conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The statutory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI New York and the Homeland Security Task Force, DEA Group D-25, the New York State Police, the New York City Police Department, and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the DEA Chemist Team for its processing of the scene and the U.S Marshals Service for the arrest of CENIT-THEN.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Dominican authorities in securing CENIT-THEN’s arrest and extradition.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Getzel Berger, Katherine Cheng, and Joseph H. Rosenberg are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.                                                                                                                                                                 

RONX MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON FOR DAYTIME SHOOTING ON CROWDED STREET THAT INJURED TWO WOMEN

 

One Victim Suffered Devastating Injuries

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of Attempted Murder and Assault for shooting two women, seriously injuring one of them. 

District Attorney Clark said, “This defendant opened fire on a crowded Bronx sidewalk in the middle of the afternoon. His intended target was hit twice, suffering grievous injuries. Another victim was hit in the leg. With this lengthy prison sentence justice has been served. I hope this sentence will give the two victims and their families peace of mind.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Carlos Rivera, 66, of East 178th Street, Bronx, was sentenced on May 11, 2026, to 15 years in prison and five years post release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Verena Powell. Rivera was convicted by a jury of Attempted Murder in the first-degree, first-degree Assault, second-degree Assault, and second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon on March 6, 2026. 

According to the facts brought out at trial, at approximately 1:48 p.m. on May 3, 2023, the defendant and Erica DiSalvio got into an argument inside the TD Bank located at 148 E Fordham Road. Rivera exited the bank and waited for DiSalvio. When she exited the bank, Rivera pointed a firearm at her and fired two shots, striking her twice. The bullets hit her in the pelvic area, right chest, and right arm. A bystander who was on the street, was hit in the leg. Both women were taken to St. Barnabas Hospital. DiSalvio suffered serious injuries which required reconstructive surgery. To this day she experiences pain in her arm and leg.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Officer Johnmicheal Medina of the 46th Precinct, NYPD Detective Joseph Uvenio of the Crime Scene Unit and NYPD Sgt. Katherine Torres of the 43rd Detective Squad for their work in the investigation. 

Mayor Mamdani, NYC Tourism + Conventions and Team Wonder Launch New Initiatives to Help New Yorkers and Visitors Explore the Five Boroughs During the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, Including “NYC Neighborhood Passport”

 

“NYC Neighborhood Passport” will encourage participants to explore neighborhoods across New York City and collect artist-designed stamps  

  

New events calendar and digital map will help New Yorkers and visitors find free and low-cost events across the five boroughs 

  

Effort builds on administration’s commitment to make the World Cup affordable for New Yorkers 

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, NYC Tourism + Conventions and Team Wonder today unveiled a series of new initiatives to help New Yorkers and visitors alike explore the five boroughs and find free and low-cost ways to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event.  

  

As part of the initiative, Mayor Mamdani and Team Wonder, with support from the New York Community Trust, will launch the “NYC Neighborhood Passport,” a citywide program encouraging people to explore New York City’s immigrant communities, cultural institutions, small businesses and community events throughout the tournament. 

  

Participants will be able to collect stamps from hundreds of community organizations and public events across the five boroughs while also sharing stories about what the World Cup means to them as part of a nationwide storytelling initiative.  

  

Mayor Mamdani and NYC Tourism + Conventions will also launch a new events calendar and interactive digital map on nyctourism.com to help New Yorkers and visitors discover free and low-cost programming, local promotions and neighborhood events throughout the tournament. Developed alongside the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, the platform will help drive visitors to local businesses, cultural institutions and community events across all five boroughs.  

  

These initiatives build on the Mamdani administration’s broader effort to ensure every New Yorker can take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, including plans for free official NYNJ fan events in every borough, World Cup field days for students at 50 public schools and investments in public spaces across the city ahead of the tournament.  

The ‘NYC Neighborhood Passport’ will encourage participants to explore neighborhoods across New York City and collect artist-designed stamps. Credit: Team Wonder. 

“The World Cup isn’t just coming to MetLife Stadium. It’s coming to Corona and Flatbush, Astoria and Sunset Park, and every neighborhood that makes New York the most diverse, dynamic city in the world,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Whether you’re arriving at JFK for the first time or you’ve lived in the five boroughs your whole life, we want every New Yorker and every visitor to experience the full breadth of this city during the World Cup. The NYC Neighborhood Passport, events calendar and digital map will help people discover fun, free and accessible ways to explore New York through the world’s game.” 

  

“This World Cup, people should get to scavenge for fun passport stamps, not be forced to scavenge for affordable ways to join the celebration. With these new initiatives, we'll make it easy for New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore the five boroughs, find free watch parties, visit small businesses, and enjoy the historic tournament coming to our community,” said World Cup Czar Maya Handa. “Thank you to all of our partners across the public and private sector who are making these initiatives — as well as the lifetime memories they will create — possible.” 

  

“New York City’s diversity is our greatest strength, and the FIFA World Cup presents an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the people, neighborhoods, and cultural institutions that make the five boroughs unlike anywhere else in the world,” said NYC Tourism President and CEO Julie Coker. “NYC Tourism is proud to lead the development of this citywide events calendar and mapping experience with Neurun, helping New Yorkers and visitors alike discover free and affordable programming, support local businesses, and explore communities across all five boroughs throughout the tournament. From iconic attractions to neighborhood celebrations, these tools will help ensure the excitement and economic impact of the World Cup are felt in every corner of our city.” 

  

“The World Cup is an opportunity to showcase New York City on the global stage while highlighting the communities, cultures, and small businesses that define our region,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. “These initiatives will help connect fans and visitors to neighborhoods across all five boroughs while creating meaningful opportunities for local organizations and businesses to be part of the biggest sporting event in history. We’re proud to support efforts that encourage people to explore the city, engage with local communities, and experience the authentic energy that makes New York unlike anywhere else in the world.” 

  

“Ask any soccer fan about the World Cup, and you'll hear stories that span generations, bridge borders, and inspire dreams,” said Betsy MacLean, Partner at Team Wonder. “This summer, we have the chance to lean into the joy, belonging, and solidarity of it all -- to celebrate immigrant communities, explore the magic of NYC neighborhoods, connect with each other, and lead with love on a global stage.” 

  

Beginning June 11, NYC Neighborhood Passport booklets will be available at every public library branch across the five boroughs and at select events. Participants will be able to collect stamps from hundreds of cultural institutions, community organizations and public events. 

  

Each stamp has been designed by New York City-based artists with roots in India, Colombia, Iran, Korea, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Vietnam, Ghana, Mexico and Argentina, reflecting both the countries participating in the World Cup and the cultural diversity of New York City.

 

Stamps will be distributed across designated locations throughout the city, encouraging participants to explore dance performances, film screenings, art exhibits, book talks, block parties and more across all five boroughs in order to collect every stamp. Locations were also selected to highlight immigrant communities, including Little Senegal, Little Colombia, Little India and others. 

 

Stamps will be available at participating organizations, including: 

  

• 651 ARTS 

• American Museum of Natural History 

• BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn 

• Bronx Children's Museum 

• Bronx River Art Center 

• Brooklyn Public Library 

• Carnegie Hall 

• Cypress Hills Fulton Business Improvement District 

• El Museo del Barrio 

• En Garde Arts 

• Fifth Avenue Committee 

• Fourth Arts Block (FABnyc) 

• Franklin Furnace 

• Gotham Football Club 

• Historic Richmond Town 

• I AM CARIBBEING/Little Caribbean NYC 

• International Center of Photography 

• Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning 

• Juneteenth NYC 

• Kensington Cultural Council 

• King Manor Museum 

• Korean Community Services 

• LA VICTORIA FOUNDATION 

• Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art 

• Lewis Latimer House 

• Make the Road NY 

• Mark Morris Dance Group 

• Mexican Coalition 

• MOCADA 

• Museum of Chinese in America 

• Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust 

• New Victory Theater 

• New York African Chorus Ensemble, Inc 

• New York Botanical Garden 

• New York Hall of Science 

• New York Public Library 

• NONGKI NYC 

• Project New Yorker 

• Prospect Park Alliance 

• Queens Botanical Garden 

• Queens County Farm Museum 

• Queens Museum 

• Queens Public Library 

• Queens Theatre 

• Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden 

• Spanish Theatre Repertory Company, Ltd. (aka Repertorio Español) 

• Staten Island Children's Museum 

• Staten Island Museum 

• Street Lab 

• Sundog Theatre 

• The Bronx Museum 

• The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center 

• The Haitian Americans United For Progress, Inc. 

• The Laundromat Project 

• The Morgan Library and Museum 

• The Museum of the City of New York 

• The New York Historical 

• The Public Theater 

• Wave Hill 

• West Indian American Day Carnival Association 

  

For a full and updated list of participating organizations and stamp locations, visit team-wonder.com/alreadyhome  

  

The Mamdani administration and Team Wonder are also launching the NYC Neighborhood Passport alongside “Already Home,” a nationwide storytelling campaign inviting soccer fans and nonfans alike to share what the World Cup means to them. Participants will be encouraged to submit video or audio recordings of their World Cup stories, which will become part of a national collection spanning cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle, Albuquerque and El Paso. 

  

On May 27, NYC Tourism + Conventions will also launch a new World Cup events calendar through its World Cup hub at nyctourism.com. Built by Neurun, the platform will feature events, special offers and promotions from businesses and organizations across all five boroughs, helping New Yorkers and visitors discover neighborhoods, cultures and communities. 

  

Businesses and organizations across New York City will be able welcome to submit events and promotions for consideration free of charge.  

  

As part of Small Business Month, Mayor Mamdani and the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) are expanding outreach efforts to help local businesses prepare for the influx of visitors expected during the World Cup. Through promotion of the NYC World Cup 2026 Business Tool Kit, the City is helping entrepreneurs take advantage of increased tourism and foot traffic.  

  

To date, SBS has reached more than 56,000 New Yorkers and will continue outreach through its “Mobie” (Mobile Outreach Unit) tours, targeted email campaigns, social media outreach and industry roundtables.  

  

Upcoming SBS outreach events include:  

  

• May 13 – Jackson Heights, Queens 

• May 15 – 161st Street, Bronx  

• May 19 – Little Haiti, Brooklyn
• May 19 – Sunset Park, Brooklyn

• May 20 – Port Richmond, Staten Island  

• May 26 – Koreatown, Manhattan 

• June 4 – Little Senegal, Manhattan 

  

“New York City is home to the world's most diverse, international, and vibrant arts and cultural organizations in the world - and they are celebrating the World Cup!” said NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Diya Vij. “With hundreds of programs from cultural organizations participating in the map and Neighborhood Passport, every New Yorker - soccer fan or not - will have the opportunity to experience and engage with the intersection of culture and sports, marking this exciting global moment for our city.” 

  

“New York City was built by immigrants and the NYC Neighborhood Passport is a celebration of the communities that continue to shape the heart and soul of our city,” said Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Faiza Ali. “As the World Cup brings people from around the globe to New York, this initiative encourages everyone to explore our immigrant neighborhoods, support local businesses, and experience the languages, cultures and traditions that make New York City unlike anywhere else in the world. We hope this passport inspires New Yorkers and visitors alike to walk these streets, connect across communities, and experience the richness and diversity that define our city.”  

  

“Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is a tremendous opportunity that will attract visitors from around the world and encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of all that our city has to offer,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. “NYCEDC looks forward to activating several of our assets to ensure a historic summer for New York City. We encourage visitors and residents to explore new neighborhoods across the five boroughs, visit iconic cultural institutions, support small businesses, and participate in the administration’s free and low-cost offerings that will enhance the World Cup experience, making it affordable and accessible to all.”  

  

“The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ will not only showcase New York City on the world stage, but also the people, neighborhoods, and public spaces that make our city so vibrant and unique,” said NYC Parks Tricia Shimamura. “NYC Parks is excited to bring New Yorkers together through free programming across the five boroughs, including soccer clinics, a soccer film festival, and fan zones in some of our incredible parks. We are proud to work alongside our fellow city agencies and partners to create welcoming public spaces and experiences that celebrate our diversity, connect communities, and ensure every New Yorker can take part in this historic moment.” 

  

“The World Cup is an opportunity to celebrate all the diverse neighborhoods and cultural institutions New York City has to offer.  And there's no better way to explore our city than on a bicycle; I encourage locals and visitors alike to hop on a bike or take advantage of our great public transit to visit the five boroughs and fill their NYC Neighborhood Passport — you’ve gotta stamp ‘em all!” said New York City Department for Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn. 

  

Governor Hochul Announces Memorial Day Weekend Programs at Jones Beach State Park to Commemorate 250th Anniversary of American Revolution

Parking Will Be Free During Memorial Day Weekend

Aerial Display will Feature 1,000 Illuminated Drones

Reenactment Village To Take Visitors Back to 1776

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced details of a major event at Jones Beach State Park to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution over Memorial Day Weekend, May 23 and 24. Governor Hochul also announced that parking will be free at Jones Beach State Park throughout Memorial Day Weekend, making the event even more affordable and accessible for New York families. The event will feature a historical village of local re-enactors and exhibits highlighting Long Island’s role in the Revolutionary War, as well as a live musical performance and synchronized aerial display of up to 1,000 illuminated drones to close the program on Sunday evening.

“This exciting two-day event at Jones Beach State Park will be an incredible kick-off to the summer season on Long Island — and with free parking, we’re making it even more affordable and accessible for New York families,” Governor Hochul said. “The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is an unparalleled opportunity to commemorate New York’s history and promote the state as a top destination for visitors. I’m looking forward to events across the state this year to highlight our revolutionary spirit and remind the world that New Yorkers have always been at the forefront of the continuing fight for liberty and equality.”

The Sunday evening finale will begin with a patriotic musical tribute to the military. The performance will take place at the Central Mall Bandshell from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. At 9 p.m., a 20-minute drone light show produced by Grizzly Entertainment will begin. The aerial show will feature animation designs consisting of up to 1,000 drones. Animations will include patriotic symbols and imagery to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday and honor military personnel. Primary viewing for the show will take place at the park’s Central Mall, where music will be simulcast along the boardwalk for an interactive viewing experience.

New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “Jones Beach State Park on Memorial Day weekend is the ideal place to welcome thousands of New Yorkers from all over to take part in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The exciting event is an opportunity for us to reflect on our history and honor American service members while enjoying the start of the summer season.”

On both Saturday and Sunday, historical re-enactors will demonstrate various events in history and illustrate the way of life in 1776. This Reenactment Village will be located between Parking Field 3 & 4 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The program includes:

• Costumed living historians portraying the 5th New York Regiment as well as the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, an African American Unit
• Reenactment play featuring four New Yorkers who signed the Declaration of Independence: feature William Floyd, Francis Lewis, Philip Livingston and Lewis Morris
• Dramatic Reading of The Declaration of Independence by an actor portraying Thomas Jefferson
• Colonial Cooking (Sunday only): a historic cooking demonstration reflecting the time period with an open-air hearth
• Shinnecock Cultural Display: an immersive Indigenous Traditional Living Experience with an exhibit showcasing traditional cooking methods and sustainable cultural practices and insights into Indigenous traditions
• Reenactors portraying George Washington, Benjamin Tallmadge and Dragoon officer Stephen Moylan will all appear on horseback. Additional reenactors portraying James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin will also be present
• Look to the sky for legendary Warbirds — representing over 80 years of aviation history from the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport. Fly-bys will take place throughout each day beginning at 12 p.m.

Additionally, the park concessionaire will expand food offerings for the weekend with three pop-up tents at Center Boardwalk. At West Bathhouse, an authentic Greek food truck will provide a taste of the Mediterranean near the beach.

Memorial Day weekend is also the start of ocean swimming at Jones Beach State Park. For more information on hours and activities, visit https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/jones-beach-state-park

The Memorial Day weekend program at Jones Beach is part of New York State’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution throughout the Empire State. Additional opportunities to celebrate the anniversary include:

• Commemorative events: From the Sail4th parade of tall ships in New York City to gripping reenactments of Revolutionary War events, nearly 200 immersive activities and exhibitions are planned across the state, with new options added regularly. Events can be found on the I LOVE NY website here.
• Traveling exhibition: The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s touring Revisit the Revolution Traveling Exhibition will gather historically significant artifacts from across the state historic site system to tell the story of New York’s influential role in the Revolutionary War. The exhibition will be available for loan to historic sites, parks, libraries and more across New York State. The first stop will be the Senate House State Historic Site in Kingston on May 30. Information on reserving the exhibition and upcoming stops will be posted here.
• Experience Revolutionary history at New York State Parks: New York manages 45 state historic sites and parks connected to the American Revolution — including the nation’s first state historic site — Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh. These sites are hosting special exhibitions, offering dynamic programs, showcasing preservation projects, sharing digital resources and more. Learn about opportunities to experience this Revolutionary connection here.
• Interactive Kiosks: The interactive video displays highlighting New York's rich history in the American Revolution are available at 18 historic sites and state parks. Visitors can explore 28 different themes involving high-profile players like George Washington and French allies while also examining the perspectives of women, Indigenous communities, enslaved and free Black people and Loyalists. More information is available here.
• New York State Park at the Fair: With Revisit the Revolution: New York 250th Showcase at the State Fair, the State Park at the Fair will provide visitors with the chance to interact with interpreters and artifacts from across the historic site system to encourage visitors to experience this history first-hand at historic sites throughout the state.
• Access to Online Collections: Historic objects from New York state historic sites and state parks can be found online — and more are being added every day. Collections include numerous materials connected to the Revolution in New York State.

New Yorkers are encouraged to take advantage of New York State Park Pass Programs for affordable access. There are a variety of special passes that can make visits to State Parks more affordable or even free for many New Yorkers:

•  The Empire Pass , $80 per calendar year, covers vehicle use fees, and is open to all New Yorkers. Approximately 70 public libraries have one available to borrow at no cost.
• For New York residents 62 or older, the Golden Park Program provides free weekday entry to most New York State Parks with just a New York State driver’s license or non-driver ID.
• The free Lifetime Liberty Pass for veterans and Gold Star Families and Access Pass for people with disabilities include waived vehicle entry at most State Parks, boat launches, historic sites, and arboretums; free greens fees at state run facilities; free swimming pool entrance; and discounts for camping.
• New York State Parks accepts the National Park Service's (NPS) Every Kid Outdoors pass upon presentation for free entry of 4th grade students and their family into all State Parks.

 

Senate and Assembly Health Chairs Urge Governor Hochul to Address Healthcare Coverage Loss Issue in Budget

 

450,000 New Yorkers face healthcare coverage loss beginning July 1, 2026

Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblymember Amy Paulin alongside more than 75 legislators sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul urging the state to take action and protect access to affordable health coverage in this year’s budget. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are at risk of losing their health insurance due to the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans' blatant inaction on marketplace premium assistance and the implementation of the 2025 federal budget reconciliation bill, H.R.1 (HR1).

“The devastating cuts from Washington will leave millions of New Yorkers without adequate or affordable healthcare coverage, threatening our entire healthcare ecosystem,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “In the midst of an unprecedented affordability crisis and abandonment by our federal government, our State needs to step up and include funding in this budget to protect basic healthcare access.”

“I look forward to working with Governor Hochul and legislative leaders to help maintain New York as a leader in health insurance coverage. The time to address this issue is now in the final budget,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. 

Last month, in order to address this looming crisis, Assembly Health Chair Paulin and Senate Health Chair Rivera put forth a proposed solution in the form of S9589/A10926. As of May 12th, this bill has broad support including 39 co-sponsors in the Senate and 73 co-sponsors in the Assembly. 

This bill will: 

•   Direct the state to continue to provide the Essential Plan coverage for all residents with incomes between 200%-250% FPL. This protects 444,000 working families who will lose coverage under the Essential Plan on July 1, 2026.

•   Direct the state to continue to provide Essential Plan coverage to lawfully present immigrants with incomes between 133-200% of the FPL. This would cover Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and PRUCOL (permanently residing under color of law) populations, approximately 6,000 individuals.

•   Create a state funded premium assistance program to replace lost federal subsidies for New Yorkers who will lose access because of HR1. This would be for lawfully present immigrants with income between 250-400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This is estimated to capture around 15,000 New Yorkers.

Read the letter here.