Health Care Funds Restored To Queens

Queens residents will continue to get what the doctor ordered, thanks to the State Senate restoring $1 billion in health care funding to the state budget, with $20 million earmarked for the boroughs hospitals.
The vote to restore funding was a response to Governor George Patakis proposed $1.4 billion reduction in health care funds in his 2003-04 executive budget. The $20 million in restored aid to Queens Hospital comes from a repeal of $16 million in Medicaid cuts and $4 million from a rejection of the governors proposed gross receipts or "Sick Tax."
State Senator Malcolm A. Smith, who voted to restore the health care funds, was pleased with the Senates decision. He said health care funds were critical to borough residents even in this time of budget deficits.
"While it is our profound duty to maintain fiscal responsibility, we must at the same time ensure that the health and well being of all New Yorkers is not severely jeopardized in the budget-making process," stated Smith.
The Senates restorative actions will allow Catholic Medical Centers of Brooklyn and Queens, including St. Josephs Hospital of Flushing, to receive $15,284,587 in state funds. Peninsula Hospital Center will receive $1,304,630. Episcopal Health Services, Inc., which includes St. Johns Episcopal Hospital in South Shore, will get $3,467,931.
"Our budget demonstrates a commitment to providing health care services to all New Yorkers," said Senator Smith.