ALBANY, NY – New York State Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) stood alongside Sen. Steve Rhoads and fellow lawmakers today at a press conference on the “million dollar staircase” demanding urgent state action to address the financial crisis at Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC). As Nassau County’s only safety net hospital and Level One Trauma Center, NUMC provides critical health care services to hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders, yet it has been entirely neglected in the state budget for the last two years.

"NUMC is a lifeline for our most vulnerable residents, serving those on Medicaid, Medicare and the uninsured. It is beyond unacceptable that New York State has not provided NUMC with any state aid despite applying for every funding opportunity available. This comes despite New York State’s recent increased funding to safety net hospitals in New York City and Westchester County while providing no support to NUMC.” said Assemblyman Brown. "Despite this lack of increased funding, NUMC’s leadership and staff have made significant financial reforms and operational improvements. They have done their part—now it’s time for the state to do its part."

The press conference highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated funding line for NUMC in the final 2025-2026 New York State Budget. The lawmakers emphasized that NUMC’s continued survival is at stake and that failure to act would jeopardize health care for thousands across Nassau County.

"We cannot allow the state to abandon this vital institution," Brown added. "The governor and legislative leaders must act now to restore funding and ensure NUMC has the resources necessary to continue its lifesaving work. The people of Nassau County deserve nothing less."