|
For Immediate
Release
6/1/09
Erickson: "Alarmist and Inaccurate" Statements
Impede Budget Process
Senate
Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairman challenges Health Secretary’s
claims.
Harrisburg – Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee
Chairman Ted Erickson (R-26) today challenged the state Health Secretary’s
claims that the Senate-approved state budget plan "threatens the health of
millions of Pennsylvanians."
"Such alarmist and inaccurate comments are a disservice to
our citizens and impede the budget process," Erickson wrote in a letter to
Health Secretary Everette James. "Pennsylvania currently faces a $3 billion
shortfall this fiscal year. As you know, the Commonwealth cannot spend money
that it does not have. Senate Bill 850 was crafted to ensure that essential
services are provided to our citizens given our available resources."
The senator noted that, contrary to claims made in the
Health Department press release,
Senate Bill 850 continues to ensure vital access to health care and services
that protect the health of Pennsylvanians, providing:
- An increase in funding over prior year levels for
newborn screenings.
- No cuts to the Governor's recommended funding
levels for such vital programs as school health and local health departments.
- No cuts to the Governor’s proposed funding of
drug and alcohol programs, TB screening and treatment.
- No cuts to the Governor’s recommended funding for
sickle cell anemia and services for children with special needs.
- No cuts to the Governor's funding for essential
programs such as the Regional Poison Control Centers.
The senator noted that the programs that were not funded in
Senate Bill 850 include many of the Governor's proposed health care reform
programs, which have not been approved by the General Assembly and for which the
Governor has not provided a funding stream. Senate Republicans welcome the
opportunity to discuss the merits of these programs and how they will be funded
without levying increased taxes on our citizens, Erickson said.
Erickson pointed out that, under Senate Bill 850, Breast
and Cervical Cancer Screening programs in the Department of Health equal current
year funding, and funding for Breast Cancer Screening was maintained in the
Department of Public Welfare’s Budget, ensuring that almost $4 million in state
tax dollars will continue to be allocated for screening. Additionally, $16
million continues to be available in the Department of Public Welfare for
pharmaceutical services for those with AIDS.
The senator also noted that, contrary to claims in the
Health Department’s press release, Senate Bill 850 would not eliminate
Pennsylvania’s innovative program to detect, report and prevent health
care-acquired infections – a program established by legislation Erickson
authored and shepherded though the General
Assembly. The Patient Safety Authority, the independent state agency which
collects the infection data, is funded through assessments on hospitals, nursing
homes, and other health care facilities in the Commonwealth.
Finally, to ensure that primary care is available for
working Pennsylvanians and those living in areas with few hospitals, clinics and
necessary medical staff, Erickson again urged the administration to support his
legislation,
Senate Bill 5, to provide grants to establish or expand primary health care
clinics in those areas of Pennsylvania without access to such services.
"Senate Bill 850 makes some of the hard choices required to
enact a balanced budget as required by the Constitution. And, in making these
choices, the health and safety of our citizens were paramount concerns,"
Erickson said. "Although we are facing a $3 billion shortfall, this budget will
continue to protect the health and safety of our citizens. To imply otherwise is
simply disingenuous."
Letter to Health Secretary Everette James (PDF)
Contact:
Michele Hansarick
(717) 787-1350
Additional Information:
Health Care
 Print this page
E-mail
this page
Back |
