SENATE LETTER TEMPLATE/GUIDE

Letter to Senator Gustavo Rivera, Democrat, District 33, Head of the Senate Health Committee about NYS Senate Bills S6377A and S7924.

Please feel free to write the letter in your own words and from the heart.
The part in bold indicates key items to include.
[Replace text in brackets with personal details.]

Letter Template:

Dear Senator Gustavo Rivera,

I am writing to urge you to please do everything in your power to protect the rights, dignity, and lives of all New Yorkers. The Federal government is attempting to ban healthcare for transgender youth. We need to ensure that this vulnerable community is protected and that their health care is funded.

Please advance for consideration by the full Senate:

• S6377A Medicaid Coverage & Non-Discrimination

• S7924 Gender-Affirming Care Fund & Access Support

[Insert reasons why it would help the community, or your personal connection to this issue.

Example 1: 

This issue impacts my family directly…

Example 2:

The Gender Wellness Center in Oneonta, NY is one of the largest resources for transgender patients in New York, serving patients all across the state and surrounding states. They are part of the Bassett Healthcare network, which risks losing federal funding if they continue to support healthcare for transgender youth. We rely on Bassett as the largest healthcare provider in our area. The stakes are extremely high to keep Bassett and the Gender Wellness Center funded and able to treat ALL patients.]

Thank you for your time and consideration on this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Full Address]

—

Mail To:

Senator Gustavo Rivera

172 State Street, Capitol Building 502C

Albany,  NY 12247

Phone: 518-455-3395
grivera@nysenate.gov 

Details about the Bills:

NYS Senate Bill S6377A Medicaid Coverage & Non-Discrimination
Require Medicaid to cover gender-affirming care regardless of federal funding status. 

NYS Senate Bill S7924 Gender-Affirming Care Fund & Access Support
Creates a gender-affirming care fund and program to expand access to care in New York