Florida hospitals now face a $137 million reduction if the state legislature passes the proposed budget cuts. Sen. Durell Peaden (R-Crestview), a doctor who heads the health budget committee, told the Miami Herald, ”I don’t think the hospital system can take any more. After this year, you could see some closures if there are more cuts, especially with rural hospitals.”
Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties have six hospitals – Baptist, Gulf Breeze, Jay, Sacred Heart, Santa Rosa Medical Center and West Florida. How will our legislators vote? Will Clay Ford, Dave Murzin and Greg Evers stand up for some of the largest employers in our local economy?
The Miami Herald also reports that House lawmakers have tentatively signed off on gutting the Lawton Chiles Endowment, an annuity that funds healthcare for seniors and children. In the House, lawmakers agreed to transfer $400 million from the fund and then a further $600 million if necessary.