“A recent report has announced that Crystal Run Health Plan – the company that was permitted to increase its 2017 rates by 80.5 percent and 58.5 percent for individual plans and small group plans, respectively – has donated $400,000 to Gov. Cuomo’s campaign bids. Additionally, the same company received a $25 million grant for projects already in progress.

“My Assembly colleagues and I have been shouting at the top of our lungs for greater oversight into how the governor awards contracts and approves other major policies, or in this case, steers approvals through the Department of Financial Services and other state agencies. Legislation A.6355-A and A.5657-A aimed at curtailing conflicts of interest like this has been introduced and must be passed in the upcoming legislative session. Hardworking New Yorkers are being crushed by the weight of massive healthcare premium hikes as a form of kickback for donations to the governor and nothing is being done. This is unacceptable and I will continue fighting to ensure New York tax dollars are not stolen and abused by the executive and his cronies.”