Kelly: Budget cuts harm families, kills jobs [Monroe Courier]

Article as it appeared in the Monroe Courier

Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-21st, recently expressed disappointment in the latest budget cuts to hospitals across the state, including a $3.6 million cut to Griffin Hospital, a $1 million cut to Milford Hospital, an $18.1 million cut to Bridgeport Hospital and a $13.8 million cut to St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Kelly represents part of Monroe.

“Where are the priorities?” Kelly asked. “There were other routes the governor could have taken to cut the budget, but he has once again gone after Connecticut’s hospitals and our access to affordable healthcare. This cut is aimed at two of our biggest community assets in the Naugatuck Valley and will be felt by vulnerable individuals and families across our region. Good-paying middle class jobs will be lost and basic care will be at risk.”

Kelly said Republicans would do everything they can to reverse the Office of Policy Management’s decision.

“We hope Democrats will join us in this effort,” he said. “This is a call to action for anyone who values the protection of health care in the state of Connecticut.”

About 1 in 5 Connecticut residents are Medicaid patients these cuts will affect them the most, Kelly said.

Kelly urged people to add their signatures to a letter to the governor and legislators protesting the cuts at CareWeCanCountOn.org.