3.11.15 Statement on Senate and Assembly Rejecting Funding Cuts to CSP

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network:

Statement on State Senate and Assembly Rejecting Funding Cuts and Consolidation for Cancer Services Program

ALBANY, NY – March 11, 2015 – The New York State Senate and Assembly have both rejected proposed cuts from and consolidation of the New York State Cancer Services Program (CSP) in their one house budget resolutions.  The CSP provides colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screenings for those who are uninsured or underinsured.  Bill Sherman, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Vice-President of Government Relations released the following statement.

“ACS CAN praises both houses of the New York State legislature and leadership on rejecting Governor Cuomo’s proposed cuts to and consolidation of the Cancer Services Program and other chronic disease programs. CSP works with New Yorkers least likely to be screened.

“CSP screened 107,000 New Yorkers in 2014.  Analysis shows that $7.00 is returned to New York State for every $1.00 spent on prevention.  If Governor Cuomo’s 15 percent cut is enacted, more than 16,000 life-saving cancer screenings will not take place. Dying from cancer must not be allowed to be a side effect of living in poverty.

“ACS CAN urges both houses to hold firm with this position in the final budget negotiations.”