Representing over 63 religious congregations from communities across New York State, faith leaders came together this week to pen letters to their Congressional Representatives calling upon them to oppose, in the strongest possible terms, the latest effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the “Graham-Cassidy” amendment.

The letters, subsequently published by the Healthcare Education Project in local newspapers in each upstate congressional district, underlines the need for accessible healthcare for millions of our citizens – many who are chronically ill, frail, and elderly - that currently rely on Medicaid for health care services and long term care support. The letters also communicate the fear and concern felt by faith leaders at the damaging affects Graham-Cassidy would have, dramatically increasing the ranks of the uninsured, undermining the solvency of the Medicare program, and making it more difficult for people with pre-existing conditions to gain health care coverage.

“Finally, Faith Leaders call to question the morality of this legislation quoting Mahatma Gandhi, “’a nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” It is abundantly clear that these bills, as they stand, do not meet this test. Congress has the power to act, and it would be immoral, plain and simple, to withhold good from the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers that stand to lose coverage and suffer under this proposed legislation.”

Clink the link to read the letter sent to your Congressional Representative below:

Clergy Letters

To Congressman Chris Collins

To Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

To Congressman Tom Reed

To Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

To Congressman John Faso