August 1, 2026
Dear Friends,
I don’t need to tell any of you that health care is far too expensive in the United States. I hear it from parents trying to provide the best possible care for their children. I hear it from seniors who are forced to go without the medication they need to live full, healthy lives. I hear it from those with disabilities who don’t know whether they’ll be able to afford their next doctor’s visit. I hear it from our nurses and health care professionals who are working tirelessly to deliver quality care to our region without proper federal support and funding.
In the wealthiest nation in the world, no one should have to choose between getting the care they need and putting food on the table. But that’s the reality for far too many, and the funding cuts and actions by this administration have only worsened this affordability crisis.
- Since President Trump took office, drug companies have increased prices for 688 prescription drugs, including both brand‑name and generic medications.
- The average American buying health insurance on their own is now paying $1,000 more before their insurer pays a single penny. Base premium rates are increasing by double digits for the second year in a row.
- Due to cuts from Trump’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ an estimated total of 450,000 New Yorkers have lost their Essential Plan coverage, including 12,540 people in our Capital Region.
- Trump plans to impose 100%—200% tariffs on imported generic drugs starting in 2028, which experts warn will raise patient costs even further.
Our government should be making it easier, not harder, to afford essential health care. This week, as the first stop of my Affordability Tour of the Capital Region, I visited the Albany Children’s Environmental Health Center to learn more about the vital services this center provides and to highlight some of the efforts Democrats and I are taking to ensure every American can access the care they need.
Critical to that effort to improve healthcare outcomes in our district is addressing asthma. In New York, more than 1.5 million adults and 1 in 11 children live with asthma. Albany and the surrounding area have asthma rates well above the national average, with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) listing Albany as one of America’s “Asthma Capitals” in 2025 — ranking as the 8th most challenging place to live for those with asthma.
Strong preventive public health measures and accessible asthma care are essential for reducing the harm caused by asthma and asthma-related environmental issues. One solution Democrats and I are pushing for is the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act. This soon-to-be introduced legislation would create a public Office of Drug Manufacturing within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to produce generic inhalers, insulin, naloxone, EpiPens, antibiotics, and more. The Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act would:
- Increase competition and stabilize the generic drug supply chain
- Bring down prices for lifesaving medications
- Address shortages and affordability
In a nutshell, our bill will lower drug costs, expand access to asthma care, and strengthen public health measures so families can afford health care with dignity.
This legislation is one of many health care priorities I’m fighting for in Washington to address the cost-of-living crisis facing so many Americans. First among those priorities is repealing Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill that slashed $1 trillion from Medicaid and kicked 10 million Americans off the program. At the same time, we’re also pushing to restore Affordable Care Act benefits eliminated by Trump and his allies in Congress. And along with rebuilding these safety net programs, I’m continuing to call for an immediate end to Trump’s war of choice with Iran. Taxpayer dollars should be going towards programs that improve the health, safety, and wellbeing of our communities, not spent on another conflict in the Middle East.
There’s no doubt that there is a lot of work ahead to deliver a health care system and an America that working families can afford. But, for the countless currently struggling, failure is not an option.
As always, thank you for reading.
Your friend,
DID YOU KNOW?
My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations from governments and agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- In recent weeks, communities across our region and nation have experienced dangerous air quality levels. We know that poor air quality can lead to negative health impacts in both the short and long term, so I want to share resources from New York State to help you and your loved ones stay safe.
- New Yorkers can monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) at airnow.gov
- When IAQ levels exceed safe thresholds, steps to stay safe include:
- Spend more time indoors. This is especially important for at-risk groups, including children and teenagers, older adults, people with heart or respiratory problems, pregnant people, and those who exercise or work outdoors.
- Consider wearing a mask (use the best well-fitting face mask you have on hand. A N95 or KN95 will work best), take frequent breaks, and adjust work or exercise schedules for when air conditions improve.
- For wildfire smoke, employers and employees should:
- Allow for rest and relief
- Stay hydrated and allow for water breaks.
- Provide respirators and adjust work plans based on air quality.
- Train workers on recognizing smoke-related health risks and proper safety protocols.
