"The third bill before me is Introductory Number 293-A, sponsored by Council Members James, Fidler, Foster, Gentile, Koppell, Liu, Mark Viverito, Martinez, Monserrate, Nelson, Sanders, Sears, Stewart, Weprin, White, Gonzalez, Jackson, Dickens, de Blasio, and the Public Advocate, Betsy Gotbaum.

"With an estimated 47 million Americans uninsured, the lack of affordable health insurance is one of the biggest crises facing our nation today.  For this reason, our Administration, through the efforts of the Human Resource Administration's Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access, has reached out to uninsured New Yorkers across the City and helped them enroll in public health insurance programs, resulting in a thirty-five percent enrollment increase since we took office. 

"Introductory Number 293-A furthers our goal of providing public health insurance information by requiring the Health Department to provide pamphlets containing information on public health insurance program options to day care centers and requires those day care centers to make these pamphlets available to parents and guardians. 

"We all know the importance of having quality health insurance - it creates peace of mind, encourages preventative care, and improves health outcomes.   Introductory Number 293-A, combined with existing Administration initiatives, will help us ensure that all New Yorkers receive quality and affordable healthcare.

"And as always, for more information on public health insurance options, New Yorkers can call 311.

"I would like to thank HRA Commissioner Robert Doar and Marjorie Cadogan, who directs HRA's Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access, for their effort in expanding health insurance access.  I would also like to thank Health Commissioner Tom Frieden and his staff for their work, and the City Council for approving this legislation."