"I am disappointed to hear the news that the Carthage Area Hospital will be cutting jobs. Just as we secured state funding to help the hospital implement cost- and job-saving measures, it was dealt another blow by the reductions in reimbursement rates set by the Affordable Health Care Act. Our rural hospitals have been hit very hard. As we learn more details about the hospital’s restructuring plan, I will continue to work with my state legislative colleagues to address the healthcare needs of rural New Yorkers.

"We must maintain our quality healthcare and plan for future needs. With the proximity of Fort Drum and the rural nature of our area, we must explore and attract all emerging opportunities in the health care sector to provide jobs in this area."