State Reps. Betts, Pavalock-D’Amato: Sign Our Petitions and Say ‘No’ to Taxing Bristol Hospital

The petition may be signed by visiting either legislator’s website: www.repbetts.com or www.reppavalock.com.

Hartford – State Representatives Whit Betts (R-78) and Cara Pavalock-D’Amato (R-77) are asking residents to sign their petition, and join them in the fight against taxing Bristol Hospital and all community hospitals across the state.

The governor’s proposed budget again includes a plan to levy taxes against Bristol Hospital and all community hospitals across the state as a means of revenue generation. In response, Bristol Hospital says the governor’s tax plan could put it out of business. The current proposal calls for the elimination of the Small Hospital Pool, which would cost the hospital $2.3 million. When added to the existing $1.8 million lost this year, Bristol Hospital stands to lose nearly $5 million.

The hospital “wouldn’t have a dime for emergency expenses, let alone property taxes” the governor’s budget expects each hospital to pay. If allowed to go into effect, Bristol Hospital would “essentially be taxed out of business,” said Kurt Barwis, President and CEO of the hospital. The legislators stated, “The governor’s administration continues to look to hospitals as cash cows to balance the state budget. We will continue to fight AGAINST these proposals, which look to balance the budget on the health and well-being of our residents! Our community hospitals are vital resources to the people they serve, and they are some of our largest employers.”

The staff and administration from Bristol Hospital, and area hospitals across the state, recently visited the State Capitol to participate in CT Hospital Day. The petition may be signed by visiting either legislator’s website: www.repbetts.com or www.reppavalock.com.

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