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Health Care Workers Protest
Pataki's Proposed Budget
By Matt Smith, Associated Press
March 9, 2005
Some 2,000 health care workers from across the state rallied in the frigid wind Wednesday to protest Gov. George Pataki's proposed budget, which they say would decimate services at hospitals and nursing homes.
As Albany police kept watch on horseback, the heavily bundled demonstrators crowded in front of the state Capitol and shouted toward Pataki's second-floor office window, berating him for his proposed taxes and spending cuts they said would take $3.1 billion from the health-care system.
"We won't reduce services, governor," said Daniel Sisto, president of the Healthcare Association of New York State which represents more than 500 hospitals, nursing homes and health facilities. "If you're not going to let us do our job, then just come out and take the keys."
Sisto said the governor's budget would exacerbate the fiscal problems already experienced by the state's hospitals, which he said have lost $2.1 billion since 1999. Pataki's proposed budget would also increase nursing home operating losses in the state from $128 million two years ago to almost $500 million, according to the New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging.
With the state facing a projected revenue gap of $4.2 billion and a court order to pump billions of dollars more into New York City's troubled schools, Pataki in January proposed a $105.5 billion state budget that would cut Medicaid spending by $1.1 billion.
He also wants hospitals and nursing homes to pay higher taxes and receive lower reimbursement rates to help fill the budget gap. Hospital representatives vigorously oppose the so-called sick taxes, claiming they'll drain the health care system, reduce access to care and result in layoffs.
Both the Democratic Assembly and Republican state Senate have rejected past attempts to raise assessments on hospitals and nursing homes.
Pataki's budget, proposed for the state fiscal year starting April 1, is now being negotiated between the governor and legislative leaders.
Pataki's office did not immediately return a call seeking comment Wednesday.
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