ALBANY (WCBS 880) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday slammed the federal government’s plan for vaccine distribution for requiring states to provide personal information.
During a conference call with reporters, the governor said the federal government requires state that received the COVID-19 vaccine to participate in a data sharing agreement that includes personal information such as a person’s ID numbers or Social Security Number.
He notes that personal information would then be shared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Health and Human Services and “other federal partners.”
"Why would you possibly need a person's drivers license number, or social security number, or passport number before they receive a vaccine? Why?" the governor questioned.
Cuomo said sharing that information is unnecessary and is reminiscent of New York’s battle with the federal government over the state’s Green Light Law.
“There is no legitimate health reason,” Cuomo said. “This is just another example of them trying to extort the state of New York to get information that they can use at the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to deport people. I won’t do it.”
Cuomo told reporters that he will be sending a letter to the federal government asking why they need the information and if it will be used for immigration purposes.
On Sunday, the governor had also criticized the United States’ vaccine plan and ignoring the needs of marginalized communities.
Cuomo said the plan does not work for Black and brown communities or low-income communities throughout the country.
He stressed that the federal government should “anticipate the need for special outreach to these communities, fund state governments and fund community-based organizations.”
Cuomo notes those communities have not had the same access to health care or COVID-19 testing, which has resulted in higher infection rates and more deaths.
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