Governor Kathy Hochul has convened a high-level cabinet meeting to address the projected damage from the Republican-backed “Big Ugly Bill,” warning of severe consequences for New York’s health care and food security systems.

State officials estimate the legislation could strip $13 billion annually from New York’s health infrastructure, leaving 1.5 million residents uninsured and destabilizing Medicaid and the Essential Plan. The bill also threatens SNAP benefits for nearly 3 million New Yorkers, with over 300,000 households expected to lose food assistance entirely.

Hochul directed agencies to develop long-term mitigation strategies, citing the bill’s potential to shutter hospitals, increase medical costs, and devastate rural food economies. “This is a demolition ball aimed at our most vulnerable,” she said. “We will not let New Yorkers bear this burden alone.”

The Governor’s team is preparing for a $750 million impact this quarter, with projections reaching $3 billion next year. Officials warn that the legislation could also undermine SNAP-Ed programs, local farm markets, and economic multipliers tied to food assistance.