Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel met today with the New York Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch to discuss the many issues facing New York State. Lt. Governor Ravitch was in Washington to meet with the members of the New York State Congressional delegation.

“I have known Richard Ravitch for many years and he has the fiscal experience our state needs to help bring New York out of its financial crisis. He helped New York City dig out from under its enormous economic problems in the 1970s and I know he will help work through the financial problems now,” said Rep. Engel.

Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch said, “I am pleased to have met with Congressman Engel and all of the members of the New York State Congressional Delegation. These difficult fiscal times will require the leadership of all our elected officials. I look forward working with them as we address the current economic crisis and other issues of concern to the people of New York.”

The two leaders spoke about the New York State budget crisis and the current debate in Congress over reform to the health care system will help New York State. “Health care costs have repeatedly been listed as the number one drain on the payrolls of small businesses and on the economies of states. New York is no different, and in fact, has some alarming costs which will only get worse if there is no action. There are 47 million Americans without coverage, including 2.5 million New Yorkers, and millions more deal with insufficient coverage. The costs attached to treating those without coverage, and for businesses to match the skyrocketing premiums to cover everyone else, is having a crippling effect on everyone involved,” said Rep. Engel.

According to a recent National Journal study, 14.4 percent of Rep. Engel’s district (covering parts of the Bronx, Rockland and Westchester Counties) are uninsured. Under the recently passed House Energy and Commerce Committee health reform bill (H.R. 3200), there are 91,000 uninsured individuals who would gain access to high-quality, affordable health insurance in District 17. There are almost 14,000 small businesses that would receive tax credits and be able to provide insurance to their employees, 1,600 seniors who would avoid the Medicare donut hole, and 200 families who would escape bankruptcy each year due to health costs.

“I intend to work very closely with Lt. Gov. Ravitch and Governor Paterson to make sure that New York is covered effectively by the changes to the health care system. Together, the state and federal governments can work to ease the burden on municipalities, businesses and individuals and bring better health coverage along with a lessened burden of costs to the people of New York State,” added Rep. Engel.