“Hospitals are the economic drivers of our communities. On behalf of the 17 hospitals that we represent across Rochester and the Finger Lakes, we strongly urge Congress to fund the critical programs that our healthcare providers depend on - including funding for hospitals that serve vulnerable populations (Medicaid DSH) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Congress must pass a budget extender that protects hospitals and ensures that millions of children across upstate New York will have health insurance. Otherwise, these damaging cuts could have a significant impact on our healthcare system and our local economy,” said Travis Heider, President and CEO, Pandion Healthcare: Education & Advocacy.