Queens officials are awaiting Governor David Paterson’s decision as the midnight deadline of Saturday, October 10, quickly approaches for the Hospital Closure Planning Act.
The governor will either have to sign or veto the bill that would require a review on any past or future hospital closures in Queens and throughout the state by the New York State Department of Health.
“It would be a tremendous disappointment and a slap in the face to the people of Queens if he vetoes the bill,” said Assemblymember Rory Lancman, who co-sponsored the bill. “The reason for this bill is not to amuse ourselves. There are serious health problems in Queens.”
Lancman believes the bill will most likely be vetoed, at which point Paterson may explain the changes he wants or say the bill cannot work under any circumstances.
“Where we go from there depends on the veto message,” said Lancman.
