(photo) Bristol Hospital Advocates Testify in Hartford
February 26, 2016
Sen. Henri Martin (center) was joined by Bristol Hospital President and CEO Kurt A. Barwis (left) and Bristol Hospital officials on Feb. 26 testified before the state legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee in favor of legislation which would exempt small hospitals from Connecticut’s hospital tax.
“I am fortunate to represent the communities of Bristol, Plymouth, Plainville, Harwinton and Thomaston,” Martin said. “Within those communities, our health needs are served by an exceptional local community hospital, Bristol Hospital. I believe this proposal will allow Bristol Hospital to continue to be one of the most recognized high-quality, low cost hospitals in our state.”
“Small community hospitals have taken a large financial hit over the last few years, and I believe that it is our responsibility as legislators to do all that we can to protect and provide for them moving forward,” Martin said. “This proposed bill allows for the continued fiscal health of the state’s small hospitals by exempting hospitals that qualify for the small hospital pool from the current hospital tax program. When it comes to hospital finance, this bill provides much needed fiscal relief to small community hospitals. In addition, similar to what the business community has been looking for in Connecticut for years, this bill will provide predictability and stability that will allow Bristol Hospital to grow, continue to be a major economic engine within the greater Bristol region, and will allow them the ability to continue to provide a high quality care.”
“As a lifelong resident of Bristol, I can tell you that Bristol Hospital is a cornerstone of our community,” Martin added. “As the primary healthcare provider in our region, Bristol Hospital provides excellent care for residents 365 days a year, utilizing the most recent and technologically advanced methods available for medical treatment. To highlight Bristol Hospital’s relentless pursuit of excellence, you can look to their countless extraordinary recognitions received over the years. Most recently, they received a Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Together, we must be vigilant against future cuts. Only by providing predictability and stability, as outlined in this legislation, will we allow small hospitals like Bristol Hospital to be fiscally solvent and the ability to continue to provide a high quality, low cost care. I am proud to stand alongside Bristol Hospital in this fight, and I urge passage of this proposed legislation.”
The legislation is Senate Bill 49: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/TOB/s/2016SB-00049-R00-SB.htm . The bill now awaits a committee vote.
Sen. Martin can be reached at [email protected] or at 860 240-0022. On the web: www.senatorhenrimartin.com .
