LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION urging the New York Congressional delegation to support a restructuring of Puerto Rico's debt and for the United States Congress to address the growing healthcare reimbursement crisis in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to urge the New York Congressional delegation to support a restructuring of Puerto Rico's debt and for the United States Congress to address the growing healthcare reimbursement crisis in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and

WHEREAS, Puerto Rico’s financial crisis continues to worsen amid rising debt and unemployment; and

WHEREAS, Puerto Rico continues to acquire debt and is on the brink of financial collapse; and

WHEREAS, Because of this debt, Puerto Ricans are fleeing the island in hopes of better economic opportunities; and

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is in desperate need of debt restructuring; and

WHEREAS, Sixty percent of the Commonwealth's population receives care through Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Medicaid; and

WHEREAS, Puerto Rico's Medicaid reimbursement rate is 70 percent lower than any state in America; and

WHEREAS, The Medicare Advantage (MA) program is paid just 60 percent of the average rate in the states, despite having the highest enrollment percentage in the Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the New York State Congressional delegation be and hereby is respectfully memorialized by this Legislative Body to support a restructuring of Puerto Rico's debt; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the United States Congress be and hereby is respectfully memorialized by this Legislative Body to address the growing healthcare reimbursement crisis in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to each member of the Congressional delegation from the State of New York,