Bristol Lawmakers Continue Support for Community Hospitals

Sen. Henri Martin, Rep. Whit Betts and Rep. Cara Pavalock continue to speak out on behalf of Connecticut’s small community hospitals, noting that the governor’s latest budget proposal slices state funding to Bristol Hospital by $2.3 million.

The lawmakers also said that legislation they had originally supported earlier in the legislative session which would have lowered tax burdens for Connecticut’s “Small Hospital Pool” has now been altered in committee by majority Democrats.

The bill, Senate Bill 49, was amended by majority Democrats so as to cut community hospitals like Bristol Hospital out of much-needed tax relief.

“Sadly, this is how business is conducted at the State Capitol,” Sen. Martin said.  “We testified strongly in favor of Senate Bill 49 two months ago.  Now, that bill looks nothing like it once did.  That’s not the way the legislative process should work, but we will not be deterred in advocating for community hospitals and the positive roles they play in our city and our state.”

“The legislature should be supporting policies which allow people to keep their jobs and allow our small, community hospitals to ensure the highest quality care for all,” Rep. Betts said. “Democrat legislators at the State Capitol saw fit to change Senate Bill 49.  They saw fit to play politics rather than support sound public policy.  They will be held accountable for that change.”

“We continue to be incredibly concerned for all of our community hospitals,” Rep. Cara Pavalock said. “We urge residents to continue to join us in speaking out. Less than three weeks remain in the legislative session. Make your voices heard, loud and clear, and frequently.”

• Gov. Malloy can be reached at 860 566-4840
• House Democrats can be reached at 860-240-8585
• Senate Democrats can be reached at 860-240-8600